Khiva, a former Khanate
The exquisite work under the turquoise dome of the beautiful Persian-style chamber at the north end of the courtyard holding the tomb of Mohammed Rakhim Khan in the mausoleum of Khiva's patron Pahlavan-Mahmud (1247-1326). He was a poet, philosopher and legendary wrestler who became Khiva’s patron saint. His 1326 tomb was rebuilt in the 19th century and then requisitioned in 1913 by Isfandiyar, Khan of the Russian Protectorate of Khorezm (Khiva), as the family mausoleum.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Tue Jun 11, 2013