The western desert town of Khiva was once an oasis town on the ancient Silk Road. It was known for fierce Khorezmian desert tribes who sold their nomads and enemies in their slave bazaars. Compared to other Silk Road cities of Central Asia, Khiva might be the best preserved. The restoration was conducted by the Soviets, and it was so perfect that it became an open museum of ancient architectures, but with less life compared to Samarkand or Bukhara.
Khiva, Uzbekistan, 2004