Khiva - Aminkhan Madrasah

The Muhammad Aminkhan Madrasah in Khiva: a masterpiece of architecture and education

‘By the will of the Almighty, at the command of the Sultan of his time, Abulgazi Muhammad Aminkhan ibn Allakulikhan (may his grave be enlightened), with the words that it be a place of mercy, built this blessed madrasah in Khiva, date Hijra 1270 (1854).’

This solemn order, which was issued in 1854, led to the construction of one of the most magnificent and important buildings in Khiva: the madrasa of Muhammad Aminkhan. This architectural masterpiece not only symbolises the wisdom and religious devotion of the time, but also bears witness to the high level of craftsmanship of the master builders of the time and the cultural heyday of Khiva.

Historical classification and significance
During the reign of Muhammad Aminkhan (1850-1855), Khiva experienced a period of significant cultural and political development. During this era, there were a total of 64 madrasas in the city, but the largest and most beautiful was the one founded by Muhammad Aminkhan (‘Madaminkhan’ in the dialect). This madrasa is one of the few that have been excellently preserved to this day and is a true masterpiece of architecture and an Islamic educational centre.

The madrasah is located in the western part of the historic city of Ichan-Kala, on the right side of the main gate Ata-Darvaza, and reflects the special construction methods of the time. Its dimensions, symmetry and artistic design make it an outstanding example of Central Asian architecture.

Architecture and construction
The medrese was built from burnt bricks, which guaranteed a high quality of construction for the time. The walls are 1.5 metres thick, which served both as protection from the extreme heat in the summer months and to create a stable structure. The madrasa extends over two floors and comprises 130 rooms (hujras), which served as living quarters for the students. A total of 260 students were accommodated in these rooms, which resulted in a high density and thus an intensive educational experience for the students.

Construction of the madrasa began in the fourth year of Muhammad Aminkhan’s reign, in 1851, and was completed within three years. The construction was entrusted to the experienced Bekniyaz Diwanbegi, who managed the construction under the supervision of Muhammad Karim of Diwan. Famous masters from Khorezm were commissioned with the construction, which meant that the madrasah was equipped with some of the best building techniques and artistic elements.

In addition to the madrasah itself, work also began on the construction of a minaret, which was once considered one of the tallest of its kind. Poets of the time compared the unfinished minaret to a ‘pillar supporting the dome of heaven’, emphasising its monumental aura and importance in architectural history.

The building and its furnishings
The medrese is built symmetrically and follows a rectangular floor plan. It comprises a spacious inner courtyard, which is enclosed by the wings of the building. In the four corners of the complex are the characteristic Guldasta corner towers, which further enhance the architectural appearance.

The central portal of the madrasa, which is decorated with beautiful majolica tiles, is particularly striking. These tiles adorn the façade and bear Arabic inscriptions in the Nasta’liq script, which contain eulogies to the builders of the madrasa. The entrance to the madrasa and the portal itself are decorated with ornate decorations typical of the architecture of the period.

Behind the main façade are a five-domed minaret, a winter mosque, an auditorium and various side rooms that served the functionality of the building. Particularly noteworthy are the two towers on either side of the central portal, which lend the building additional grandeur.

The rooms on the first floor served both as living quarters for the students and for commercial purposes. The second floor, also with vaulted loggias, offered the residents an open view of the inner courtyard and gave the medrese a special aesthetic quality.

The inner courtyard is lined with four small portals decorated with majolica tiles in the typical Khiva style. Beneath these tiles are calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic Thuluth script, which further emphasise the religious and cultural significance of the building.

The window openings of the madrasah are fitted with traditional panjara grilles, which are not only functional but also channel the light into the interior in a unique way. In addition, a sealing layer of mountain stones was laid in the lower part of the walls to ensure the stability of the building.

The madrasah as a centre of education and culture
Muhammad Aminkhan’s madrasah was not only an architectural masterpiece, but also an important centre of education. The 130 rooms (hujras) provided accommodation for 260 students, with each room designed for 2 to 3 students. The madrasa had its own agricultural base, which was financed by Waqf buildings (an endowment in Islamic law). These waqf buildings extended over 32,525 tanaps and the proceeds were distributed among the students and employees of the madrasah.

Teaching in the madrasa was comprehensive and varied according to the stage of the educational process. Education took place in three stages: primary, intermediate and higher. In the first stage (Adno), basic subjects such as Arabic grammar, logic, religious rites and literature were taught. The higher levels focussed on deeper academic subjects such as logic (Tahsib), theology (Ilohiyot) and jurisprudence.

Any son of a Muslim who had reached the age of 15 could be admitted to the madrasa, provided he knew how to read and write. The madrasa fostered a number of important personalities such as poets, historians, calligraphers and scholars who had a significant influence on the intellectual life of the region.

In addition to scientific studies, the madrasa was a place of religious and cultural significance, which also housed the region’s supreme court (Qadi). The madrasa housed a large library that gave students access to valuable writings and scientific works.

The madrasah of Muhammad Aminkhan is an outstanding example of 19th century architecture and educational culture in Khiva. Its construction, which is both a technical and aesthetic masterpiece, was made possible by the will of a visionary ruler who placed great importance on both religious and scientific education. The madrasah is not only an architectural monument, but also a symbol of the heyday of Islamic science and the deep connection between education and religious life in Central Asia.

The building remains one of the region’s most valuable cultural monuments to this day and attracts numerous visitors and scholars from all over the world every year, who marvel at the historical significance and extraordinary architecture of the madrasah.