The Ulema or priests, of whom the Nakib is the chief, are subdivided as follows:--
(1) Kazi Kelan, superior judge and chief of jurisdiction throughout the Khanat.
(2) Kazi Ordu, who attends the Khan as superior judge in his campaigns.
(3) Alem, the chief of the five Muftis.
(4) Reis, who is inspector of the schools, and exercises a surveillance over the administration of the laws respecting religion.
(5) Mufti, of whom there is one in every considerable city.
(6) Akhond, professor or elementary teacher.
The first three belong to the higher rank of officials, and on entering upon their functions, are richly provided for by the Khan. The three others draw their stipends from the Vakf (pious foundations) paid to them in money and produce; but it is, besides, the usage for the Khan to make them certain presents every year, at the festivals of the Kurban and the Noruz. The Ulemas of Khiva do not stand in as high repute for learning as those of Bokhara, but they are far from being so presumptuous and arrogant as the latter; and many are animated by a sincere zeal to improve their countrymen as far as they can, and to soften the rude habits contracted by constant wars.