Along the Silk Route, on the edge of the Kara Kum Desert, is KHIVA. The towering mud baked walls enclosing the old town are as old as the city itself. Within the walls spectacular architecture resonates the style and famed blue tile found within other important cities on the silk route. Passing through the main gate (the arrival point for earlier caravans) is to step back in time.
Khiva is also a living city with some 2000 people living within the walls of old town. The streets are alive with celebrations (wedding processions and such), Families and sometimes groups from nearby villages come to visit and pray at the mosques. Others are working in the bazar selling locally made handcrafts - specialities are woodworking and carpet weaving.
All photographs ©Barbara Nelson Photography
