By Paul Hackett
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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.
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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.
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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