Khivan culture
A study of the culture of the Khivan people and their ancient Khorezmian ancestors must focus on traditional Khorezm farming and irrigation, its typical agricultural tools, including the archaic Khivan bullock cart, the Amu-Darya river ships (kema), and the materials of the various trades and applied arts.
Of special interest are the various types of dress and headdress of Khorezmians-Khivans, which differ from those of other Uzbeks. Khivan dwellings, in particular the estates-khauli, based on the medieval model, have preserved the specific Khivan characteristics.
Samarkand History and Culture Museum
May 2003, Samarkand, Uzbekistan: The Samarkand History and Culture Museum in Uzbekistan received the Ambassador’s Cultural Preservation Fund Grant of $14,200. The grant was used to improve conditions in the hall displaying ancient Islamic manuscripts and Korans. The oldest Koran in the hall dates back to the 11th century and is written on palm leaves.
The old display room was only 25 square meters, extremely humid and cold during the winter and excessively dry and hot during the summer. With the support of the Deputy Governor of Samarkand Province, a larger space, 140 square meters, was donated for the project. The grant money refurbished the gallery hall, installed proper temperature control and light systems, and purchased appropriate, museum-quality showcases.
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