Ak Mosque (Khiva)

History and architecture

The foundations of the Ak (“White”) Mosque were laid in the 17th century, at the same time as Anusha Khan’s bathhouse. An inscription on its doors dates the present building to 1838–1842, under Allakuli Khan, and names the Khivan woodcarvers Nurmuhammad son of Odina Kalandar and Kalandar son of Sayid Muhammad. A domed prayer hall of 6.35 by 6.35 metres is wrapped on three sides by a columned porch, the whole measuring 25.5 by 13.5 metres. Against the whitewashed walls, the carved doors, lattice windows and wooden columns with carved bases stand out beautifully.