One of the best works of Khivian architecture - mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud - done in the tradition of Khorezm architecture of XVIII-XIX centuries. It was built in honor of the famous Khiva poet, craftsman and undefeated fighter, famous for his herculean strength, Pahlavan Mahmud (1247-1326).

The original building of the mausoleum was a modest and small, but because it has become a popular place of pilgrimage, soon were built “hujra”, “khanaka” and the mosque where the pilgrims also made prayer.

In the XVIII century on the south side of the building was built in the entrance portal of the mausoleum. In 1719 Shergazi Khan, building new madrasa, oriented it to the mausoleum of Pahlavan Mahmud.

In majolica memorial included many religious sayings, poems of Pahlavan Mahmud and masters names. Headstone of Pahlavan Mahmud striking jeweler's precision and elegance of a mosaic of carved glazed ceramics.

Construction works were carried out under the guidance of famous Khiva architect Muhammad Murad. There are the names of master potters who participated in the design of the mausoleum - a usto Sufi Mohammad Niaz and usto Abdullah Jinn, which determined the style of decorating the buildings of Khiva for decades to come.

Gradually, the mausoleum became a majestic building with the largest dome in Khiva, covered with blue glazed tiles with sparkling gold-plated tip.