Kalta-Minor Minaret in Khiva
Kalta Minor Minaret
The Kalta-Minor Minaret, located in Khiva, Uzbekistan, is a remarkable example of 19th-century Islamic architecture. Commissioned by Muhammad Amin Khan, the ruler of the Khiva Khanate, construction began in 1852 with the ambitious goal of creating the tallest minaret in the Muslim world, intended to reach between 70 to 80 meters. However, the project was halted in 1855 following the Khan's death in battle near Sarakhs, leaving the minaret unfinished at a height of 29 meters.
The minaret's base diameter measures 14.2 meters, and its design features a tapering structure that was meant to enhance stability as it rose in height. Despite its incomplete state, the Kalta-Minor is renowned for its exquisite decoration, being the only minaret in Central Asia entirely covered with glazed tiles. These tiles display vibrant hues of turquoise, blue, and white, forming intricate geometric patterns that captivate visitors.
Adjacent to the minaret stands the Muhammad Amin Khan Madrasa, constructed between 1851 and 1854. This two-story educational institution features 125 hujras (cells) and could accommodate up to 260 students. The madrasa complex includes classrooms, a library, and mosques, reflecting the architectural and cultural significance of the period.
Several legends surround the minaret's abrupt cessation of construction. One popular tale suggests that the Emir of Bukhara, upon learning of Khiva's grand minaret, sought to commission a similar or taller structure. Fearing competition, Muhammad Amin Khan allegedly planned to execute the architect upon completion to prevent him from replicating the design elsewhere. Aware of this, the architect fled, leaving the minaret unfinished.
Today, the Kalta-Minor Minaret stands as a symbol of Khiva's rich history and architectural ambition. Its distinctive appearance and the stories it embodies continue to draw visitors from around the world, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant past and cultural heritage.
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