Khiva
a semi-independent khanate of central Asia, forming part of Turkestan. It formerly occupied a large extent of surface on both sides of the Amu- Darya or Oxus, but since the cession to Russia, in 1873, of its territory on the E. of the Amu, it is confined to the W. side of this river. A great part of the surface consists of deserts, thinly inhabited or uninhabitable; but along the Amu the land consists of rich alluvial loam of the greatest natural fertility, assisted by irrigation, and securing luxuriant crops of grain, cotton, madder, fruit, including the vine and vegetables.
Pop. about 800,000. The capital lies on an alluvial flat at the junction of two canals, 50 miles W. of the left bank of the Amu. Among the principal buildings are two palaces of the khan, a number of mosques, and the castles of the principal state officers. Pop. about 5,000.