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Kələxana Mausoleums: Echoes of the Past

Explore the medieval Kələxana Mausoleums near Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, a unique architectural complex with a rich history and cultural significance.

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The Kələxana Mausoleums, located near Shamakhi, Azerbaijan, are a complex of medieval tombs dating back to the 17th century. Once a group of nine, eight mausoleums remain, showcasing the architectural style of the Shirvan-Absheron school.

A brief summary to Kələxana abidələri

  • HJQ2+HJR, Kelakhana, AZ

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking on uneven ground while exploring the mausoleums.
  • Bring water, especially during the warmer months, as there are limited facilities nearby.
  • Consider hiring a local guide in Shamakhi to learn more about the history and significance of the Kələxana Mausoleums.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From the center of Shamakhi, a taxi is the most convenient way to reach Kələxana Mausoleums. Taxis are readily available in Shamakhi, and the ride to Kələxana takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Expect to pay around 5-7 AZN for the trip.

  • Public Transport

    You can take a local bus from Shamakhi towards Kələxana village. Check with locals at the Shamakhi bus station for the correct route and schedule. The bus fare should be less than 1 AZN. From the village, you may need to walk a short distance (15-20 minutes) to reach the mausoleums.

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Discover more about Kələxana abidələri

Nestled 6 km away from the city of Shamakhi, the Kələxana Mausoleums stand as a testament to Azerbaijan's rich historical and architectural heritage. This complex, located near the village of Kələxana, originally consisted of nine mausoleums, of which eight remain today. These structures, dating back to the 17th century, represent a unique collection of medieval Azerbaijani architecture. The Kələxana Mausoleums exemplify the Shirvan-Absheron architectural style, characterized by the use of well-hewn stones bonded with lime mortar. Interestingly, charcoal was added to the lime mortar, a technique also found in 12th to 15th-century tombs in Barda and Nakhchivan. The mausoleums feature an octagonal prism shape with an octagonal pyramidal roof. While each mausoleum shares similarities, they also possess individual characteristics, particularly in the design of their entrance gates. Some entrances are framed with diverse shapes, and some have plaques above them. One of the mausoleums features an inscription indicating that it was built in 1663 under the guidance of Sərkər Abdul. The tombs are within a 250x140 m area. Originally, five of the nine tombs had walled entrances, according to Cornelius de Bruijn's early 18th-century description. One tomb was even surrounded by a double wall. De Bruijn noted the presence of a fortress and a spring near the complex.

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