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Garabaghlar Mausoleum: A Medieval Marvel

Discover a medieval architectural marvel in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, with stunning design and rich history dating back to the 14th century.

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The Garabaghlar Mausoleum, located in the village of Garabaghlar, is a partially demolished 14th-century mausoleum with unique architectural features, including 12 semi-circular facets and two 12th-century minarets. It stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's rich medieval past and the influence of the Nakhchivan-Maragha architectural school.

A brief summary to Mausoleum in Garabaghlar

  • C5JR+4W9, Qarabağlar, 7402, AZ

Local tips

  • Visit in the late afternoon for the best light and photo opportunities, as the setting sun illuminates the blue tiles.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Alinja Castle for panoramic views of the Nakhchivan region.
  • Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the mausoleum and its surrounding complex.
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Getting There

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Nakhchivan city center, a taxi or ride-share is the most convenient way to reach the Garabaghlar Mausoleum. The journey is approximately 30 kilometers and takes around 30-40 minutes. Negotiate the fare beforehand, expect to pay around 10-20 AZN. Be sure to confirm that the driver knows the location of Garabaghlar village and the mausoleum. Parking is available near the site.

  • Public Transport

    From Nakhchivan city's main bus terminal, take a marshrutka (minibus) heading towards Sharur or Kangarli. Confirm with the driver that the marshrutka stops in Garabaghlar village. The fare is approximately 1 AZN. The journey takes around 1 hour. From the Garabaghlar village bus stop, it's approximately a 1 km walk to the mausoleum. Ask locals for directions, referring to the 'Qarabağlar türbəsi'. Be aware that marshrutkas may not run frequently, especially on weekends or holidays.

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Discover more about Mausoleum in Garabaghlar

Nestled in the village of Garabaghlar, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Nakhchivan city, the Garabaghlar Mausoleum is a captivating historical complex that whispers tales of Azerbaijan's rich medieval past. This architectural marvel, dating back to the 14th century, with its minarets originating from the 12th century, stands as a testament to the Nakhchivan-Maragha architectural school and the enduring influence of Islamic culture in the region. The mausoleum itself is a partially demolished cylindrical structure, distinguished by its twelve semi-circular facets. This unique design sets it apart from other mausoleums in Azerbaijan, creating a visually striking silhouette against the landscape. Inside, the mausoleum features a circular form, rising to a height of 30 meters. An epigraphic frieze once adorned the top of the cylinder, featuring white lettering against a blue background, similar to the Barda Mausoleum. Four portals on the upper chamber are strategically placed, with lancet arches and stalactite-filled centers gracing the southern, western, and eastern entrances. These portals incorporate slats with inscriptions in both Neskh and stylized Kufi scripts, adding to the mausoleum's intricate detail. Approximately 30 meters from the mausoleum stand two minarets, their quadrangular foundations hinting at their 12th-century origins. A small portal, believed to have been constructed in the 14th century, connects the two minarets and bears the name of Qutui Khatun, possibly a wife of Abaqa Khan. This suggests that the complex may have been built in her honor during the reign of Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan (1319-1335). The Garabaghlar Mausoleum is more than just a building; it is a repository of history and architectural innovation. The corrugated surface of the mausoleum enhances its visual appeal, a technique widely used in pre-feudal defense structures of the Trans-Caspian region. The mausoleum's structure is divided into two parts: a burial vault below and an overground section above. The burial vault's layout mirrors that of the Barda Mausoleum, while the overground section is notable for its twelve polylobes rising from a stone pedestal. Visiting the Garabaghlar Mausoleum offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the artistic and cultural achievements of medieval Azerbaijan.

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