Built by the Khan of Khiva between 1829 and 1839, the Tash-Khauli Palace was in desperate need of repair due to severe weather conditions and improper restoration work undertaken earlier, as a result of which its decorative tiles and bricks crumbled.

With the help of the Ambassador's Foundation for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage of the State Department (AFCP), generations of highly skilled ceramists from the area have been hired to restore the ornate majolica slabs of this palace and replace the missing ones with identical, newly made tiles.

The Tash-Khauli Palace is a brilliant representation of the crafts of Khorezmian masters-ceramists, wood and marble carvers, as well as calligraphers. Together, the masters created a real work of art that absorbed centuries-old Uzbek culture and traditions. The artistic elements presented in this historical monument are characteristic of Khiva and are not found anywhere else. Tash-Khauli is considered one of the most magnificent palaces built in the XIX century as part of the old city of Khiva, an area that was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Uzbekistan's fascinating and unprecedented cultural heritage," said U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick. "We believe that we support not only the rich history of Uzbekistan, but also its future, increasing interest in tourism and thereby the economic potential of the country, as well as demonstrating the experience of local specialists."

For reference: The Ambassador's Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage of the U.S. Department of State (AFCP) provides grants for the preservation of historical sites, artifacts, manuscripts and traditional forms of expression, such as art, architecture, music, dance and language. The AFCP is part of American diplomacy, through which the United States demonstrates American leadership in preserving cultural heritage around the world and shows America's respect for other cultures. Worldwide, AFCP has donated more than $115 million to fund at least 1,200 projects in more than 130 countries. In Uzbekistan, the United States has invested more than 700 thousand US dollars to complete 9 different projects for the preservation of cultural heritage. The Embassy of the United States is looking forward to the start of restoration work in Langar-Ota in Kashkadarya region at the end of 2023.