Originally built as a garrison town to house slaves in transit, Khiva was a prosperous city which fell into decline, was abandoned and then left to the ravages of the desert. Today, thanks to UNESCO, it has been restored to its former glory and, although it has the air of a museum, slowly but surely, it is coming back to life. The harem, mosques, bazaar and madrasas are all there and to stay a night in one of the small private guest houses adds to its charm.







Uzbekistan Silk Road Cities.