Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah

Muhammad Rahim Khan Madrasah is one of the largest in Khiva, and is located directly opposite the Konya Ark citadel. It was built in 1871 on behalf of Khan Said Muhammad Rahim II (reign 1863 to 1910), who was also a well-known poet under the pseudonym Feruz Shah.

Muhammad Rahimxon Madrasah. Located near the east side of Khiva’s Itchan Kala, the Muhammad Rahimxon Madrasah stands as one of the city’s most impressive and culturally significant educational institutions. Built in 1876 by Muhammad Rahim Khan II, a ruler known for his patronage of the arts and literature, the madrasah reflects the final flourishing of Islamic architecture during the Khanate period. The building is notable for its grand size and elegant symmetry, featuring a wide entrance portal (pishtaq), two-story arched façades, and intricate tilework in blue and white. Its layout includes over 70 hujras (student cells), lecture rooms, and a spacious courtyard — once filled with the daily rhythm of religious and scholarly life. Muhammad Rahim Khan himself was a poet, reformer, and progressive ruler, who encouraged learning, translation of scientific texts, and the promotion of Turkic literature. His madrasah became a hub of intellectual life in late 19th-century Khiva, continuing the legacy of traditional Islamic education while engaging with new ideas. Today, the madrasah remains one of Khiva’s most visited monuments, hosting cultural exhibitions and attracting visitors with its refined beauty. It stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but as a reminder of a ruler who believed in knowledge, identity, and enlightened governance.

This is another part of the Naqshbandi Memorial Complex, is a remarkable historical site located opposite the Kunya Ark citadel. Now the madrassah serves as a museum of the history of the Khiva Khanate and highlights Mohammed Rahim Khan II, who ordered its construction. The museum is very interesting with exhibilts giving a good idea of life within where students and scholars once studied.

It’s a beautiful madrassah in the heart of old town Khiva. There is some information in English. The museum is small and won’t take longer than 10 minutes to see it.

The first Musuem we visited in Khiva , well maintained Musuem , nicely lit up . There’s souvenirs shop outside the Musuem , price negotiable

Ewan (entrance) with balcony. Inside the museum is so-ao, unless you're interested with history.

Museum requires ticket

One of the cool museums / madrasa in Khiva, open 8 AM / 8 PM like all the others museums. Impressive wood work (benches, colums) in free exposition in the front of the museum.