Nurillaboy Palace

The pages of history are full of stories about the luxurious life of the eastern khans and emirs. And, of course, every ruler tried to surround himself with palace chambers, wonderful gardens and impressive royal halls. For this purpose, the most skilled craftsmen and jewelers of the architectural craft were invited.

Nurullabai Palace conveys the history of Khiva in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is not inferior to other palaces in beauty and charm, brilliance and splendor. The history of the palace's construction is interesting.

Muhammad Rahimkhan II (1845-1910) asked Nurullabai, a rich man from Khiva, to sell his garden. The merchant Nurullabai agreed, but on one condition, if the name of the garden remains the same. Khan agreed to the condition. Thus, the name Nurullabai has been preserved.

Muhammad Rahimkhan II decided to build a large summer palace in the garden for his beloved son Asfandiyar Khan (1871-1918). The palace is located in the north-western part of Ichan-Kala. It is surrounded by a high wall and consists of four courtyards. Access to the palace is possible through the front gate, inside which there were special rooms for guards and chancery.

The palace acquired its final appearance after the death of Muhammad Rahimkhan II, when his son Asfandiyar Khan ascended the throne. The palace was rebuilt at the request of the khan, in particular, a separate building was erected with a ceremonial hall for the reception of dignitaries. For the construction of the reception hall, the chief vizier of Khiva went to Moscow to consult with leading architects. Later, architects led by the famous Russian engineer A.M.Roop came to Khiva to build the city's post office, hospital and, of course, the palace reception.

Special firing bricks were specially made for the reception area. The best craftsmen of the Khanate of Khiva were engaged in bricklaying. The roof was covered with sheets of thin iron. Parquet floors were laid in the halls of the palace, and Mennonite Germans living in Khiva were invited to cover them, as well as to install windows and doors.

The walls were covered with oil paints and carved patterns. The ceilings were decorated with floral designs and angels, and Russian artists were invited to decorate them. The ceiling was artfully decorated by Khiva craftsmen with elegant geometric ornaments, and a thin layer of gold was applied on top. The seventh room deserves special attention, its ceiling is decorated with precious stones and peacock feathers.

Porcelain fireplace stoves, imported from Russia in disassembled form, as well as luxurious electric chandeliers were installed in seven halls, which was an innovation for the Khanate of Khiva. To light up all the lights at the same time, a small motor was installed.

For some time there was a museum and a House of Education in the palace, today the residence has been renovated and restored to its original form. Now it is a palace complex consisting of 9 large and small rooms, a reception room, an archive, a madrasah, rooms for servants and guards, a garden and flower beds.Nurullabai Palace embodies the traditional features of Khorezm national housing construction. We recommend visiting Khiva, Nurullabai's Palace!Museum in Nurullabay Palace