Juma Mosque: A Quba Architectural Treasure

Located near the central park in Quba, Azerbaijan, the Juma Mosque is one of the city's oldest and most distinctive landmarks. Constructed in 1802 with the financial support of Gazi Ismail Efendi, the mosque showcases an opulent architectural style crafted from red brick. The red bricks were made in the nearby village of Igryg. The mosque's exterior resembles a faceted cylinder, taking the form of a perfect octagon, a design unique to the mosques of the Quba province. Standing at 27 meters tall, the nine-domed mosque captivates with its monumental presence. Each wall features a window in the shape of a semicircular arch, contributing to the building's elegant design. The upper part of the facade is adorned with a unique cornice made from small bricks, enhancing its architectural beauty. Crowned by a large white metal dome resembling a helmet, the mosque is further embellished with numerous facets and a delicate spire at its pinnacle. Inside, the mosque features a single grand hall crowned by a massive dome, measuring an impressive 16 meters in diameter. The absence of interior columns enhances the sense of spaciousness. The interior is adorned with intricate motifs and elaborate calligraphy, creating a mesmerizing environment. The Juma Mosque played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Quba for over two centuries, serving as a center for Islamic learning and worship. The mosque and its adjacent madrasa (Islamic school) remained active until 1924. During the Soviet era, its operations were banned, and in 1933, both the madrasa and the minaret were destroyed. Following Azerbaijan's independence, a new 50-meter-high minaret was erected in the 1990s with the support of Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs, restoring the mosque to its former glory.