KHIVA

khiva, capital of the khanate of khiva, in western asia, 25 m. w. of the amu-darya and 240 m. w.n.w. of bokhara. pop. about 10,000. it is surrounded by a low earthen wall, and has a citadel, the residence of the khan and the higher officials. there are a score of mosques, of which the one containing the tomb of polvan, the patron saint of khiva, is the best, and four large _madrasas_ (mahommedan colleges). large gardens exist in the western part of the town. a small russian quarter has grown up. the inhabitants make carpets, silks and cottons.