This is a palace complex in Khiva, was the main palace of Khiva khans. The name of the Tash-Khauli Palace means “stone palace” from Uzbek.
The construction of the palace began with the construction of a harem and khan’s chambers, and then they were built on the east side of the mekhmonkhon (a structure for receiving delegations and guests), and on the west side of the arzonkhon (a court room). The construction took about 8 years, from 1830 to 1838.
The most spacious and most ornate room is the khan’s own chambers, the other four rooms were intended for the khan’s wives, which, according to the Koran, should not be more than four.
Around the perimeter of the courtyard is a two-story building, which was intended for concubines and relatives. Each room of the harem has its own separate entrance, not connected to other rooms.
The part of the palace reserved for delegations and guests has the appearance of a square courtyard, in the central part of which there is a round elevation for the installation of a yurt for the guests of the khan. The rest of the courtyard is built up with rooms, and all this is luxuriously decorated with majolica in the traditional white and blue style.
