Uzbekistan: Khiva

Khiva, an ancient city-fortress on the Silk Route and the capital of the former Khanate of Khiva. The entire old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), is surrounded by 10 meter high walls, dating back as far as 10th century. More than 50 historical monuments are inside the walls (several minarets, madrasahs, caravan sarais, and opulent blue-tiled palaces). Interestingly, the largest minaret remains unfinished, as the Khan who was building it suddenly realized that when finished it would look straight into his harem quarters.