Islam Khoja Complex in Khiva
Islam Khoja Complex
The Khoja Berdibai Madrasah is a historic Islamic educational institution in Khiva, Uzbekistan, built in 1688. Located near the eastern gates of Itchan Kala, known as Palvan-Darvoza, this madrasah is one of the city's oldest surviving religious structures. It was founded by Khoja Berdibai, a wealthy and influential local benefactor who sought to promote Islamic education in Khiva.
Historical Background
Khoja Berdibai Madrasah was originally constructed as a small educational complex for Islamic studies. However, in 1834, during the construction of the Allakuli Khan Madrasah, major changes were made to its structure. A portion of Khiva’s defensive city wall was demolished, and the new Allakuli Khan Madrasah extended into the Khoja Berdibai Madrasah’s courtyard. As a result, the madrasah's layout was altered, and its courtyard was divided into two separate sections—a rare architectural adaptation.
Architectural Features
The Khoja Berdibai Madrasah has a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a series of hujras (student dormitories) and classrooms. Key features include:
- Modest facade: Compared to larger madrasahs in Khiva, Khoja Berdibai Madrasah has a simpler design, with minimal decorative elements.
- 16 hujras (rooms): The madrasah could accommodate a limited number of students, focusing on an intimate learning environment.
- Wooden window bars (pandjara): The windows are covered with traditional wooden lattice screens, which allow light and air to flow while maintaining privacy.
- A classroom (darskhona): Located at the far end of the courtyard, this was the primary space for Islamic lessons and Quranic recitations.
- Structural modifications: The Allakuli Khan Madrasah’s facade now partially overlaps the original courtyard of Khoja Berdibai Madrasah, creating an unusual split courtyard effect known as khurjum (meaning "saddlebag" in Uzbek).
Cultural and Religious Importance
Though smaller in scale, the Khoja Berdibai Madrasah played an important role in religious education in Khiva. It provided instruction in Islamic theology, Arabic language, and the Quran, contributing to the spiritual and intellectual development of scholars in the region.
Today, the madrasah is preserved as part of the Itchan Kala UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it is no longer an active educational institution, it remains a historical monument, allowing visitors to explore Khiva’s unique Islamic architecture and cultural heritage.
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