Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, accompanied by the First Ladies of both countries, visited the Ichon-Qala complex and the Nurillabay Palace complex in Khiva.

In 1990, Khiva was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and celebrated its 2500th anniversary in 1997. In 2020, the city was declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world, and in 2024, it became the tourist capital of the Islamic world.

Ichon-Qala, often referred to as the "open-air museum," is the only preserved city-monument in Central Asia, housing over 120 architectural heritage sites.

Beginning their tour at the "Ata Darwaza" gate, the distinguished guests explored the unique "Kunya-Ark" complex, Shergazi-Khan Madrasa, the Friday Mosque, the "Tash-Khovli" complex, and other monuments.

In honor of the guests, traditional Uzbek folk songs were performed, and a theatrical performance was staged.

The visit also included a tour of the Nurillabay Palace.

The palace and park complex, built in the early 20th century, includes a madrasa, over 100 rooms, and galleries. The creation of the palace’s apartments involved not only leading Khivan craftsmen but also foreign decorator-artists who incorporated elements of European Art Nouveau style into the decor.

The stories of Khiva’s history and its contributions to the development of science, along with the rich culture and art of the region, made a significant impression on the Kyrgyz guests.