Askeran Fortress: A Historical Sentinel

Askeran Fortress, historically referred to as Mayraberd, stands as a compelling testament to the region's complex past. Located near the town of Askeran in Azerbaijan, the fortress dates back to the 18th century, with its current structure primarily built between 1788 and 1789 by the Karabakh Khanate. The fortress is strategically positioned on both banks of the Qarqar River, creating a formidable defensive barrier.Historically, the site held strategic importance since the Middle Ages, with an earlier fortress and Armenian village called Mayraberd existing in the same location. Expanded by Panah Ali Khan, the fortress aimed to protect the eastern frontier. Askeran Fortress played a crucial role in defending Shusha, controlling access through the narrow gorge.The fortress is divided into two main sections, with the left-bank section featuring a double line of stone walls and a citadel. The walls stretch over 1.5 kilometers, reaching up to 9 meters in height and 2 meters in thickness, reinforced by towers for observation and communication. Over the centuries, Askeran Fortress has faced periods of destruction and restoration, serving as a silent witness to the events that shaped the region.