Shirvanshah tomb Travel Guide

The Shirvanshah Tomb, also known as the mausoleum of the Shirvanshahs' family, is a historical monument dating back to the 15th century. Located within Baku's Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it forms an integral part of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs complex. This complex also includes the Shirvanshah's palace mosque and bathhouse.Constructed during the reign of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I, the mausoleum was initially intended to house the remains of his mother and his young son. However, it later became the final resting place for other members of the Shirvanshah dynasty. The inscription on the entrance portal, deciphered in 1954, provides insight into the building's history and architecture. The portal also features verses from the Quran and a medallion with an inscription that can only be read with a mirror.Inside the mausoleum, excavations have revealed seven graves, though only five contained skeletal remains. The tomb's design features a cupola adorned with pointed stars, and the sunken parts were once decorated with turquoise glazed tiles. The name of the architect, Amirshah Valiankuhi, is subtly inscribed on the portal, written backward in Arabic script within a teardrop design, requiring a mirror to read. Visiting the Shirvanshah Tomb offers a glimpse into the grandeur of medieval Azerbaijan, with its intricate stone carvings and historical importance.