Calta Minor: "Short Minaret"

Today it is impossible to imagine ancient Khiva without this monument of Asian architecture. Minaret Kalta Minor became a real symbol of the city. Its size is amazing, and from the unique design it is difficult to take your eyes off. The foundation of the minaret goes to a depth of 15 meters, the diameter at the base is 14.5 meters, and the height is 29 meters. But this massive tower rises to only a third of its design height.

In 1855, when the ruler of Khiva, Muhammad Amin Khan, was killed, the construction of the majestic minaret stopped, although it was supposed to grow to 70 meters, and by some estimates to 110 meters. According to the architect’s plan, the wide base increased the strength, and the proposed top narrowed greatly, without causing a load. However, the plans of the architect was not destined to come true – the tower remained unfinished, and now looks like a huge glazed barrel, and has the name “Kalta”, which translates as “short”.

Minaret Kalta Minor, Khiva, Uzbekistan No less interesting and legends associated with this building. When the construction of a majestic madrasah near the future minaret was underway, the people began to murmur, and an uprising was planned. But Muhammad Amin Khan ordered the leader of the striking Matyakub to be captured and buried alive in the foundations of the tower. Another no less curious legend is the story that the Bukhara ruler learned about the construction of such a majestic minaret, and invited the architect to build an even higher minaret. Muhammad Amin Khan learned about this contract and decided to kill the corrupt architect. But the builder learned about the coming revenge, and fled, leaving the tower unfinished. Besides him, no one could finish the construction. However, these are all legends, and the construction of the minaret stopped after the death of the Khan.