Khiva, a former Khanate
The Minaret of the Madrasah of Islam-Khodja, the first vizier of the Khiva khanate of Muhammad Rahim-khan II (1863-1910) in the southeastern part of Ichon Qala, the walled inner town of Khiva. It was built in 1908-1910 and is Khiva's highest minaret (57 metres including foundation). It imitates the ancient minarets of the 11th and 12th centuries, with horizontal belts of dark blue, white, blue and green glazed mosaic. The top platform, at a height of 45 metres, is the highest observation point in Khiva.
Photo by Ludo Kuipers, Sun Jun 09, 2013