By Paul Hackett
Published on •Updated
In this episode of Silk Road Adventures, we visit Khiva, Uzbekistan’s desert gem, where puppet makers, dancers and ancient palaces keep the spirit of the Silk Road alive.
Khiva, a UNESCO-listed oasis on Uzbekistan’s Silk Road, offers more than historic beauty. Within its ancient Ichan-Kala walls, traditions like puppetry and dance are still performed by local artists. Puppet shows, rooted in centuries of storytelling, remain a vital part of Khiva’s cultural life.
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The city is also home to architectural marvels, like the 19th-century Tosh Hovli Palace, once residence of the Khorezmian Khans. Khiva's heritage includes the birthplace of mathematician Al-Khwarizmi and the hypnotic Lazgi dance, now recognised by UNESCO. Often overshadowed by Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva stands as a cultural treasure in its own right.
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