During the reign of Khiva Khan, Muhammad
Rahim-khan II (1863–1910) one of his main officials was a certain Syed Islam Khoja. He rose in the ranks during the reign of Esfendiyar-khan (1910–1920) and became a wazir with a mandate for conducting reforms.
He opened several progressive schools in Khiva, built a post and telegraph station. His rise and innovative methods gave rose to many enemies and in 1913 he was assassinated by a murderer, sent by them.
Syed Islam Khoja ensured his legacy with a beautiful madrasa / minar ensemble of monuments built in the southeastern part of Ichan-Qala.
The madrasa is the smallest in Khiva but the minaret is the tallest (45 metres).
The madrasa was locked so i couldn’t go inside but i did climb to the first level of the minaret. It’s open for visitors and at any other time i would have gone up all the 175 steps, but that day after a long road trip was not my usual self.
It is decorated with horizontal belts of dark blue, white, blue and green glazed mosaic.
The facade of the madrasa is astonishing in its beauty with blue and white majolica, tympans and glazed ornament.
The southern sector of the madrasah is occupied by a mosque. Its low heavy dome balances the vertical position of the minaret.
