Tashkent ( WNAM MONITORING ): Dishan-Qala, or the Outer Fortress of Khiva, will be transformed into a dedicated tourist area akin to the famed Itchan-Qala (Inner Fortress), according to the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan.
Plans include restoring the ruined fortress walls and converting the surrounding area into a green recreational space for residents and visitors.
Originally built in 1842 by order of Khiva’s Khan Allakuli, Dishan-Qala is currently in a state of disrepair. Of its total 6,200-meter perimeter, around 2,000 meters of the wall have been completely destroyed, and another 2,500 meters are in urgent need of restoration. In recent years, numerous illegal constructions have sprung up around the fortress, severely limiting access and walking space along the historic walls.
As part of a broader preservation initiative, 55 residential and non-residential structures in the Shikhlar mahalla will be relocated. The vacated area will be re-landscaped with tree planting and comprehensive greening and infrastructure improvements.
The restoration of the fortress wall will preserve the traditional national architectural style and the site’s historic character. A pedestrian walkway, 1.5 to 2 meters wide, will be constructed along the reconstructed wall. In addition, a modern tourist complex is planned for development in the neighboring Shikhlar and Angarik mahallas, forming part of the city’s expanding tourism infrastructure.
Itchan-Qala, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains one of Uzbekistan’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. It is home to 58 monuments of culture and archaeology, over 28 exhibitions, more than 56,000 historical artifacts, and 174 artisan workshops.
In 2024, Itchan-Qala attracted approximately one million international tourists and 3.5 million domestic visitors. In 2025, the number is projected to rise, with around two million foreign and nearly five million local tourists expected.
