RELIGIOUS TOURISM ITINERARY IN AZERBAIJAN (DESTINATIONS )

EXPLORE THE RELIGIOUS TOURISM SPOTS OF THE
LAND OF TOLERANCE WITH YOUR EYES

RELIGIOUS TOURISM
DESTINATIONS
IN AZERBAIJAN

By Bahruz Orujov

BAKU 2018

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My special thanks to H. E Mr. Mubariz Gurbanli for his initiative
and recommendation in the compilation of this book.
Many thanks to Gunduz Ismayilov and Aykhan Hasanov for their
invaluable contributions in the final stages of completing this book.
Thanks also to Nijat Mammadli for his suggestion in the preparation
of this book and his constant support.

MORAL VALUES PROMOTION FOUNDATION
Published with the financial support of the Moral Values Promotion
Foundation under the State Committee on Religious Associations of the
Republic of Azerbaijan.

Initiator and author of the idea for the book:


Mubariz Gurbanli, Chairman of the State Committee on Religious
Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan


Author: Bahruz Orujov
Editor: Aykhan Hasanov
Designer: Raman Dadashov
Photos by Ali Aslanov
BAHRUZ ORUJOV©
RELIGIOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS AZERBAIJAN ©

ISBN 978-9952-37-242-7

RELIGIOUS TOURISM DESTINATIONS
IN AZERBAIJAN

DEDICATED TO
The 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan

Democratic Republic

Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the first parliamentary
republic to appear in the Muslim East, was declared on May 28, 1918 in
Tiflis by the Azerbaijan National Council headed by Mahammad Amin
Rasulzade following the collapse of the Russian Empire. Ganja was the
first capital city. ADR officially ceased to exist on April 28, 1920.

ADR ensured the equal rights and citizenship of all the people
residing within its bounds regardless of nation, religion, class or sex.
Another important accomplishment of the ADR was granting the right to
vote to women in 1919, which made Azerbaijan not only the first Muslim
majority nation to empower women, but it also put the country ahead of
many advanced nations of the time in championing women’s rights.

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Introduction

Have you ever visited Azerbaijan’s religious sites?
Do you have some interests in discovering spiritual destinations of
Azerbaijan?

This is the first book ever published on religious tourism itinerary
in Azerbaijan and designed as a tourist guidebook for religious tours
and spiritual travel and aims to demonstrate to readers top 51 religious
spots in the eight regions of Azerbaijan. The book discovers the most
impressive examples of religious architecture of monotheistic and
indigenous traditional religions in Azerbaijan from ancient times until
today.
We hope it will be lucrative to everyone in all direction of spiritual
journey or those who are interested in tourism sphere, conduct research
in this area, etc.

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Summary information on religion in Azerbaijan:

Situated in the Caucasus region of Eurasia and at the crossroads
between the West and the East, Azerbaijan is a multinational and multi-
confessional country. Azerbaijan, a predominately Muslim country, is a
secular state. Almost 96% of the population of Azerbaijan is nominally
Muslim. The Muslim population is approximately 65% Shi’a and 35%
Sunni.

The Republic of Azerbaijan has the second highest Shia population
percentage in the world. The rest of the population (4%) adheres to other
faiths or are irreligious.

Religious tourism in Azerbaijan is a blend of the old and the new.
Azerbaijan has the diverse religious heritage. Country embodies a very
auspicious area to discover new religious routes. This sacred land has
always been home to important religious sites for Muslims, Jews, and
Christians. Azerbaijan may be the sole country where adherents of all
denominations coexist peacefully. The diversity of faiths is most vividly
visible in the country’s religious monuments.

At present (2018), however, 2250 mosques, 14 churches, 7
synagogues are functioning in Azerbaijan. You can also find here a large
number of ancient Caucasus Albanian temples.

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ITINERARY OF DESTINATIONS

ABSHERON PENINSULA NORTH-WESTERN REGION
REGION
THE NEW MOSQUE (YENI MASJID)..........50
BAKU AND SUBURB CHOTARI ALBANIAN UDI CHURCH.........52
UPPER QUARTER SYNAGOGUE..................54
HEYDAR MOSQUE.............................................7 LOWER QUARTER SYNAGOGUE.................55
TEZEPIR MOSQUE COMPLEX........................9 KISHTEMPLE.....................................................56
BIBIHEYBAT MOSQUE AND SHEKI JUMA MOSQUE...................................58
SANCTUARY COMPLEX.................................11 KURMUK TEMPLE..........................................60
THE MARTYRS’ MOSQUE .............................13 SAINT GEORGE’S GEORGIAN
ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CHURCH ORTHODOX CHURCH....................................63
OF THE HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS................15 YUKHARI TALA JUMA MOSQUE................64
MOUNTAIN JEWS SYNAGOGUE..................17
SYNAGOGUE OF EUROPEAN AND WESTERN REGION
GEORGIAN JEWS..............................................19
THE CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY’S IMAM-ZADEH COMPLEX.............................66
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION......................21 SHAH ABBAS MOSQUE..................................69
LUTHERAN CHURCH ALEXANDER NEVSKY RUSSIAN
OF THE SAVIOUR.............................................24 ORTHODOX CHURCH...................................71
SAINT GREGORY THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE
ILLUMINATOR’S CHURCH............................25 SAINT JOHN......................................................73
ATESHGAH TEMPLE.......................................26 GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.................74
YANAR DAGH (BURNING MOUNTAIN)...28
MIR MOVSUM AGA SOUTHERN REGION
SANCTUARY COMPLEX.................................29
NARDARAN MOSQUE GIRGIS PEYGEMBER (PROPHET GIRGIS)
AND SANCTUARY............................................30 MOSQUE AND SANCTUARY COMPLEX...76

ICHERISHEHER (OLD CITY) KARABAKH REGION

REMAINS OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S JOJUG MARJANLI MOSQUE..........................78
CHAPEL ..............................................................31
SHAH’S MOSQUE..............................................33 AZERBAIJANI CAPTIVE
MUHAMMAD (SINIG GALA) MOSQUE.....35 MONUMENTS
THE JUMA MOSQUE.......................................37
AGHDAM JUMA MOSQUE............................79
SHIRVAN REGION YUKHARI GOVHAR AGA MOSQUE...........80
SAATLI MOSQUE .............................................81
SHAMAKHI JUMA MOSQUE ........................39 SAINT ELISEUS MONASTERY.......................82
DAMIRCHI MOSQUE......................................41 GANJASAR MONASTERY COMPLEX..........83
THE MOLOKANS..............................................42 KHUDAVANG MONASTERY COMPLEX....84
AGHOGHLAN TEMPLE..................................85
NORTHERN REGION AMARAS MONASTERY...................................86

KHIDIR-ZINDE MOSQUE...............................43 NAKHCHIVAN REGION
SIX DOMES SYNAGOGUE OF RED
VILLAGE.............................................................45 NOAH’S TOMB .................................................87
GILAKI SYNAGOGUE OF RED VILLAGE...47 ASHABI-KEHF SANCTUARY
HAZRAT BABA PILGRIMAGE.......................49 COMPLEX ..........................................................89

ABSHERON PENINSULA REGION
BAKU AND SUBURB

HEYDAR MOSQUE
Location address: Binagadi district, Hamza Babashov Street

This mosque is the largest construction cult-religious architecture not
only in Azerbaijan, but also in the entire South Caucasus. Construction of
the mosque named after National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar
Aliyev has started in September 2012 under the instructions of the head
of state. The mosque can admit up to 5000-7000 worshippers at a time.
The building, which covers a total area of 12,000 square meters, was
built under the instructions of the head of state. It has four 95m-height

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minarets. The mosque covers a total area of 4,200 square meters. It
has 55m-height main and 35m-height second domes. The facade of
the mosque is revetted with special ornamental stones in the Shirvan-
Absheron architectural style, interior decoration is made of marble and
wood. The mosque houses ceremonial halls.

The Heydar Mosque was opened in Baku on December 26, 2014.
Unity prayers had been rendered in Heydar mosque since January 2016.
Sunnis and Shiites have been praying together in the mosque.

Heydar Aliyev
(May 1923 – 12 December 2003)
Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev, National
Leader of the Azerbaijani people, is a
builder and savior of modern Republic of
Azerbaijan. He devoted his entire life to
faithfully serving the people and strong
Azerbaijan.

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TEZEPIR MOSQUE COMPLEX

Location address: Yasamal district, Mirza Fatali Street 7
Construction of a gem of Azerbaijani architecture, the Tezepir
Mosque was started on July 23, 1905, the day of the Mabas holiday,
and was completed in 1914. The mosque was funded by an esteemed
member of the Ashurkhan family, Nabat-khanum Ashurbeyova and was
designed by Ziverbey Ahmedbeyov.
As a sign of utmost respect for Nabatkhanum, who died in 1912 at
the age of 117, she was buried on the mosque’s terrace, to the right of the
main door. When the mosque was in the final stages of completion, the
master foreman requested Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, who had laid the
foundation stone, to set the last stone in the middle of the large cupola.
Although during Soviet times the Tezepir Mosque was used as a tea
factory, a summer movie theatre and a storehouse, it managed to maintain
its appearance. When the Spiritual Department of South Caucasus Muslims
was restored in 1944, the mosque also reopened for worship.
President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree in 2005 to have the mosque
restored and the adjacent areas rebuilt. Three large five-storey buildings
were constructed on the territory of the mosque complex to house the
Caucasian Muslims Board.

Caucasian Muslim Board
The Caucasian Muslim Board (CMB) is
established on the basis of Transcaucasus Muslims
Spiritual Board. Islamic religious communities
are subordinated to the CMB in organizational
matters. The Board is headed by Sheikhulislam.
The first deputy of Sheikhulislam is mufti and he
regulates religious issues of Sunni Muslims.

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BIBIHEYBAT MOSQUE AND SANCTUARY
COMPLEX

Location address: Sabail district, Bibiheybat highway, 2
The Bibiheybat Mosque and Sanctuary complex is located just above
the Caspian shoreline, in what is known today as Bibiheybat settlement.
The 7th-8th century sanctuary is the burial ground of Hazrat Hakima
(commonly referred to as Hokumakhanum), daughter of the seventh
Shi’ite Imam, Museyi-Kazim (R.A.), and sister of the eighth Imam Rza
(R.A). A stone plaque at the mosque’s entry says that the mosque was
built in 1281-82 A.D. by architect Mahmoud ibn-Sayid, at the behest of
Farrukhzad ibn Akhistan II ibn Farzburzun III.
The Bibiheybat sanctuary was targeted in the early years of Soviet
rule, and was completely demolished in 1934. National Leader Heydar
Aliyev founded a new mosque complex on the site on July 23, 1997.
A year later, he personally attended the grand opening ceremony of the
mosque, on July 12, 1998, again on the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
(P.B.U.H.). Under President Ilham Aliyev’s caring charge, reconstruction
and expansion of the Bibiheybat Mosque and sanctuary complex resumed.
The mosque complex was once again presented to the public upon
completion of all reconstruction and refurbishment work on July 12, 2008.
The mosque can admit up to 3,000 people at a time. The first and
second floors, the central hall, the foyer ceiling, and the basement walls
are all adorned with delicate architectural ornaments and features. The
mosque’s cupola is also a splendid example of craftsmanship.

BAKU - CAPITAL OF ISLAMIC CULTURE 2009
Baku declared as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2009 at the fifth
conference of the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) member states’
culture ministers, held on 21-23 November 2007 in Tripoli, capital city of Libyan.

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THE MARTYRS’ MOSQUE

Location address: Sabail district, Mehdi Hüseyn, 1
The mosque stands on one of Baku’s highest spots, the sacred
Avenue of Martyrs. It was built in 1993-96 by Department of Religious
Affairs of Turkey.
The mosque itself, built in the Ottoman architectural style, is 15
meters tall, while its minarets rise 30 meters.

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Avenue of Martyrs
Martyrs’ Lane, Alley of Martyrs or Martyrs’ Avenue is a cemetery
and memorial in Baku, dedicated to the memory of martyrs who
sacrificed their lives for the sake of the territorial integrity, independence
and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan during Black January
(20.01.1990), as well as in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict (1988 – present).

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ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF THE

HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS

Location address: Yasamal district, “Gizil Sharg” military camp, 126
The Holy Myrrh-Bearers Orthodox Cathedral church  was
constructed in 1909 on the bases of M.F. Verjbitski’s projects in the
Russian architectural style. The church is dedicated to the Holy Myrrh
bearers, who are commemorated on the second Sunday after Pascha
(Easter). Firstly, the temple was under the subordination of 206th Salyan
infantry reservist regiment. In 1920, it was one of the first places of
religious worship to be closed down because of Sovietization. It was
used first as a warehouse, gym and later as a barrack in 1988-1989.
In 1991, the building was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church.
With the financial support provided by the Azerbaijani-born Russian
entrepreneur Aydin Gurbanov, the building was fully restored by 2000. On
27 May 2001, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II consecrated
the church and elevated the church’s status to that of a cathedral.
The Holy Myrrh-Bearers Cathedral holds on to a shrine with the
relics of St. Bartholomew the Apostle, who is believed to have been
crucified near the Maiden Tower.

Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy of the
Russian Orthodox Church

Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy of
the Russian Orthodox Church was re-
registered at the State Committee on
Religious Associations in 2009. The
Eparchy covering Azerbaijan territory
is divided into two administrative divisions (blaqocinni): 1) Baku city
administrative division; includes four places of worship. 2) Administrative
division of Azerbaijani regions; includes three places of worship.

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The former Holy Myrrh-Bearers Church
building (1890-1930)

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MOUNTAIN JEWS SYNAGOGUE

Location address: Nasimi district, Ali Mardan Topchubashov Street, 72
The building of the Synagogue of Mountain Jews in Baku has been
functioning since 1945. During the Soviet era, after the end of World War
II, mountain Jews were granted an ancient building for religious needs in
the center of the city. The condition of the building was very damaging
and those who worshiped here were suffering from unpleasantness. This
situation continued until Azerbaijan regained it’s independence. During
the period of independence, restoration work was started, the second floor
of the synagogue was built up and favorable conditions were created for
worshipers.
There was a need for a new synagogue for Mountain Jews in
connection with the reconstruction and capital restoration works of Baku
in 2010. Inauguration  of the new temple for the Mountain Jews was
held on April 5, 2011. The new building of the temple differs from other
existing synagogues not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the whole region
due to its volume-space structure and architectural solutions.

Baku City Mountain Jews
Religious Community
Baku city Mountain

Jews religious community is
the largest religious institute
among all Jewish communities
in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the
community is admitted as
the non-official religious center of all Mountain Jews in the country.
Synagogues of Mountain Jews function in Baku, Guba and Oghuz cities.

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SYNAGOGUE OF EUROPEAN AND
GEORGIAN JEWS

Location address: Nasimi district, Dilara Aliyeva Street, 171
The European and Georgian Jews Synagogue (also known as the
Ashkenazi Synagogue), located in Baku, was opened on March 9, 2003.
The synagogue was constructed on the bases of Alexander Karber’s
projects in the style of Jerusalem. This place of worship is regarded as
the first synagogue built in the Near East in 60-80 years.
This building, which is considered to be one of the largest
synagogues in Europe, was erected on the site of the old temple. After the
Second World War, Soviet authorities allocated European and Georgian
Jews a one-storey building which had been used as an ancient military
warehouses to exercise religious needs.
At present, comfortable conditions have been created for believers in
three-storied new synagogue built from white stone. People from different
religions and classes participated in construction of the synagogue.

Each person and organization that has
been specially involved in the project is
engraved on boards at the entrance to the
synagogue.

Baku Religious Community of
European and Georgian Jews
In December 2009, European
Jews (Ashkenazi) and Georgian Jews’ Baku Religious Community
were officially registered again at the State Committee on Religious
Associations. Today Ashkenazic Jews of Azerbaijan numbered about
1000 or 3000. The Georgian Jews are about 700. Most of them live in
Baku and Sumgayit cities.

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THE CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN MARY’S
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Location address: Khatai district, Izzat Orujov Street, 2A
Church of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception (or also known
as the Blessed Mary Catholic Church) was rebuilt after Pope John Paul
II’s visit to our country on 23 May 2002. The plot of land for building
was presented to the Church by national leader of the Azerbaijani people
Heydar Aliyev.
The new building of the church was constructed in 2007, in a
different spot of Baku according to the Italian architect Paolo Ruggiero’s
and Baku’s Chief City Architect Akif Abdullayev’s project in the modern
style with elements of Neo-Gothic. The church was designed to have a
pastoral center and a residency for priests. The statue of the Virgin Mary
by local sculptors was set up over the entrance of the Church, which
has 200 benches. Simultaneously, about 250-300 people can worship
in the Church. The congregation’s working languages are Russian and
English.
Church was inaugurated by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio
Bertone on 7 March 2008, 70 years after it had been shut down by the
Soviets. During his pastoral visit to Azerbaijan on 2 October 2016,
Pope Francis celebrated the Holy Mass at the Church of the Immaculate
Conception.

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The old building of the Church of the Virgin
Mary’s Immaculate Conception, the first
Catholic Church in Baku (1912-1934)

The Apostolic Prefecture of
the Catholic Church in the

Republic of Azerbaijan

In April 2011, “Agreement
on the legal status of Catholic Church in the Republic of Azerbaijan”
was signed between the Holy See and the Republic of Azerbaijan and
this community was granted “The Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic
Church in the Republic of Azerbaijan”. Catholics in Azerbaijan are
guided by ordinaries regularly changed by Pope’s decrees. Three religious
institutions operate under the Catholic community: Church of the Virgin
Mary’s Immaculate Conception, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer, Chapel
in the Shelter for the homeless.

Pope Francis’s pastoral visit to
Azerbaijan on 2 October 2016

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LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE SAVIOUR

Location address: Nasimi district, 28 May Street
Church of the Saviour (also known as the “kirkha”), an Evangelist-
Lutheran church in Baku, was built with donations by parishioner Adolf
Eichler and consecrated on March 14, 1899. The cornerstone-laying
ceremony was held on March 21, 1896. The Gothic-style church features
a portal crowned with a decorated pediment.
With the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev, capital reconstruction and overhaul commenced in the

building in 2010 by preserving the original style and
the ancient historical architecture of the building. It
is now Baku Organ and Chamber Music Hall of the
Azerbaijan State Philharmonic named after Muslim
Magomayev.

Adolf Eichler
(November 8, 1869 — February 5, 1911)

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SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR
CHURCH

Location address: Sabail district, Nigar Rafibayli Street
St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, commonly referred to as the
Armenian Church of Baku, is located near Fountains Square in downtown
Baku. The church was constructed between 1863 and 1869 (in 1887,
according to some sources) by Karl Karlovich Gippius. This Church ran
its activities till 1990. In 2003 the church was refurbished at the expense
of the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In April 2010, the church was visited by guests of a World Religious
Leaders Summit.

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ATESHGAH TEMPLE

Location address: Surakhani district, Atamoglan Rzayev Street
The Temple of Eternal Fire – Ateshgah – is an authentic Azerbaijani
exotic. Ateshgah or “Fire Temple” is a Zoroastrian or Hindu castle-
like religious structure. “Ateshgah” means “House of Fire”, “the place
of fire.” The Temple, revered by Zoroastrians, appeared at the place of
“eternal” inextinguishable fires - burning natural gas output.
After the introduction of Islam, Zoroastrian temple was destroyed.
Many Zoroastrians left to India and continued their worship there.
However, in the 15th -17th centuries the Hindu-fire worshippers who
came to Absheron with trading caravans began to make pilgrimages to
Surakhany. The Indian merchants started erection of the temple. The
earliest temple part dates to 1713. The latest – the central temple-altar was
built in 1810. During the 18th century chapels, 26 cells, a caravanserai
were added to the central part of the temple. Pilgrims, who visited the
temple, had the opportunity to relax in the caravanserai.
In the early 19th century, the temple acquired its present-day
appearance. Ateshgah is a pentagonal structure with a castellation
and entrance portal. In the center of an altar – a well from which beat
“eternally” burning gas. Being turned into a museum in 1975, the
complex was declared a state historical-architectural reserve by decree
of the President of Azerbaijan on 19 December 2007.

Ateshgah Temple is
one of Azerbaijan’s most
sacred monuments and
included in the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 30
September 1998.

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YANAR DAGH (BURNING MOUNTAIN)

Location address: Absheron district, Mammadli settlement
Azerbaijan was a country of fire-worshipers, followers of the
Zoroastrian cult. People believed that fire sources were the manifestation
of divine power, they worshiped them, building altars and temples.
Reminder of the Ancient Cult of Fire - Yanar Dagh is rather a hill
than a mountain, with natural gas burning on its slope from ancient times.
Fire is never extinguished here. Any spark can ignite the gas, which will
keep on burning until it fully exhausts. 
From the year 2007, Yanar Dagh is declared a state-protected
conservation area.

Land of Fire (Odlar Yurdu)
Azerbaijan has long been called “The Land of Fire” due to the
phenomena of “burning hillsides” caused by gas seeping through fissures
in the earth and it was the home to Zoroastrian fire temples.

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MIR MOVSUM AGA SANCTUARY COMPLEX

Location address: Khazar district, Almas Ildirim street
This mosque and sanctuary complex is located in an area known
as the “ancient cemetery” in Shuvalan village outside Baku. The
centerpiece of the complex is the tomb of Aga Seyidali Mir Abutalib
oglu Mir Movsum-zadeh.



Popularly known by the moniker Ataga (“Boneless”), Aga Seyidali
Mir Movsum-zadeh was a physically challenged person, who believed to
have supernatural powers by the residents of Baku and outskirt villages.

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NARDARAN MOSQUE AND SANCTUARY

Location address: Sabunchu district, Nasrullah Asgarov Street
The mosque and sanctuary is the final resting place of Rahima-
khanum, sister of the eighth Imam Reza (R.A.). Nardaran Piri (Nardaran
sanctuary) contains a mosque, a tomb, a tombstone and several other
historic and cultural relics in the shape of sarcophagi. Following
Azerbaijan’s independence, Nardaran sanctuary was renovated and a
splendid mosque was erected and opened to worship.

2016 - YEAR OF MULTICULTURALISM
in Azerbaijan

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev signed an Executive Order, declaring 2016
the Year of Multiculturalism in the country.

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ICHERISHEHER (OLD CITY)
REMAINS OF SAINT BARTHOLOMEW’S

CHAPEL

Location address: Sabail district, Icherisheher (Old City)
Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, was
the best known of the preachers of the Gospel. He preached Christianity
in Baku where fire-worship traditions had been deep-rooted. However,
Bartholomew’s doctrine was rejected and according to a biblical legend,
he was executed near the walls of The Maiden Tower in AD 71. The place
of execution was marked by a small chapel.
The Chapel of St. Bartholomew was built in 1892 over an old church
spot in the Russian architectural style by donations. However, during the
Soviet period, the chapel was destroyed just like many other religious
temples in 1936. The Christian Church canonized Apostle Bartholomew
and June 24 is celebrated as Saint Bartholomew’s Day.

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Maiden Tower (XII century)
Maiden Tower, the symbol of Baku, was included into the list of
World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in December of 2000. Maiden
Tower was restored in 1960s and began to function as a museum in 1964.

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SHAH’S MOSQUE

Location address: Sabail district, Icherisheher (Old City)
The Shah’s Mosque is part of the Shirvanshahs Palace Complex. The
mosque’s minaret is 22 meters tall. Inscriptions on the minaret state that
Shirvanshah Khalilullah I commissioned the construction in 1441-42.

“Shirvanshahs” Palace Complex (XV century)
Complex of Shirvanshahs Palace (museum since 1964), the last
residence of the rulers of Shirvan State, was included into the list of
World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in 2000.

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MUHAMMAD (SINIG GALA) MOSQUE

Location address: Sabail district, Icherisheher (Old City)
The mosque was built circa 1078-79 by Muhammad Abubakr oglu,
according to the inscription on a stone slab. The mosque looks rather
resembling a real castle. It has two storeys and a single minaret. The
structure and position of the minaret reveal its secondary function as a
watchtower. The mosque was built over a much older fire worshippers’
temple. As a result, Caspian Sea campaign instigated by Russian Czar
Peter the Great in 1723, one side of the minaret of the mosque was
badly damaged. This was how the mosque got its name “Sinig Gala” –
“Damaged Castle”.

Administration of State Historical-Architectural
Reserve “Icherisheher”

Administration of State Historical-
Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher” under the
Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan
was established by the Presidential Decree on May
16, 2007, with the aim to preserve and maintain the
monuments located within Icherisheher and the entire architectural and
urban complex for future generations.

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THE JUMA MOSQUE

Location address: Sabail district, Icherisheher (Old City), M.S.Vazeh
Street

The Old City’s Juma Mosque stands a little apart from the Maiden
Tower. Built by Baku millionaire Haji Sheikhali Aga Dadash oglu
Dadashov in 1899.

The Juma Mosque housed the Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan from
1972 to 1992, but is now a place of worship once again. The mosque was
renovated in 2008 with government funding, becoming one of Baku’s
most notable landmarks.

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Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was set up in 1967. From 1967 to 1993,
the museum was called Azerbaijan State Museum of Carpet and Folk
Applied Arts, from 1993 to 2014 - State Museum of Carpet and Applied
Arts, from 2014 to the present time Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

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SHIRVAN REGION
SHAMAKHI JUMA MOSQUE

Location address: Shamakhi city, Seyid Azim Shirvani 36
Shamakhi Juma Mosque is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan. After
the Shamakhi Juma Mosque was built in 743, it had a special role in the
history of Azerbaijan and of Islam, as it is considered the starting point
of a new age in either religious and cultural, or social and economic, or
even political and ideological affairs. The Juma Mosque was severely
damaged in earthquakes in 1859 and 1902. It was restored based on
designs by architects Ziverbey Ahmedbeyov and Jozef Plosko. The
restored mosque, however, was set on fire and destroyed by Armenian
Dashnak and Bolshevik troops during the March 1918 mass slaughter.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, issued decrees
in 2009 and 2013 to allocate money from the President’s Reserve Fund
to the restoration of the Juma Mosque State Historic and Architectural
Monument.

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The mosque can admit up to 1,500 congregants at a time. Its courtyard
has been significantly improved, with the addition of two pools and six
galleries. The mosque also has a conference room, auxiliary rooms and a
big library.

Armenian Dashnaks and
Bolsheviks

In 1905-20, Armenian
Dashnaks and Bolsheviks
perpetrated massacres,
violence and terror against
Azerbaijanis in Baku and
throughout the Caucasus,
plundering their property. As a result, of these crimes, 12,000 to 30,000
Azerbaijanis were killed and tens of thousands wounded in the March
events of 1918. Losses in property ran into millions.

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DAMIRCHI MOSQUE

Location address: Shamakhi city, Damirchi village road
Damirchi mosque seen widely as one of the most ancient holy places
of Azerbaijan was constructed in 755. It has undergone a full restoration
by the orders of President Ilham Aliyev in 2017.

Shamakhi city
Shamakhi is one of the
ancient cities of the East. It
became famous as the home of
many prominent Azerbaijani
philosophers, architects and
scientists. The town used to be capital of medieval state of Shirvan and
played one of the major roles in the region. The city is located in the
seismic area of the Caucasus and was several times hit by powerful
earthquakes.

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THE MOLOKANS

Location address: Ismayilli district, Ivanovka village
Population: about 1,000. Molokans (known as “milk drinkers”),
members of a Christian sect who were exiled from the central provinces
of Russia to the south under Yekaterina the Great, after they refused to
obey the Russian Orthodox Church. Settling in Azerbaijan in the middle
of the 19th century, these people were able to save their customs and
traditions. Molokans support Spiritual Christianity, which reject any form
of church mediation in a dialogue between a human and the God. They
even do not need ordinary churches. The Spartan prayer room contains
only benches, a rug for an altar, and a Bible on the table and has no icons
or ornaments. They considered their faith as pure as milk.

The majority of Russians in Azerbaijan are adherents of Eastern
Orthodox Christianity. Russians comprise about 2% of the Azerbaijani
population.

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NORTHERN REGION
KHIDIR-ZINDE MOSQUE

Location address: Siyazan district, Galashikhi, Baku-Rostov
highway

This mosque near the village of Zarat sits off the Baku-Rostov
highway, tucked in between the huge rock called Beshbarmag and the
Caspian Sea. The mosque was built in 2000. The mosque occupies an
area of 250 m2.

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Beshbarmag Mountain
Khidir-zinde grandfather or Khidir-zinde mountain, also known as
Beshbarmag mountain (literally translated as Five Fingers), is a solid five
fingers rock formation. This mountain is a sacred place and important
pilgrimage site for believers. This historical monument was inscribed
on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in Need of Urgent
Safeguarding within the Caspian Shore Defensive Constructions on
October 24, 2001.

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SIX DOMES SYNAGOGUE OF RED VILLAGE

Location address: Guba district, Red Village, Isaak Khanukov
Street, 9

Sıx Domes Synagogue (also referred to as Shesh Gambar Synagogue)
was built in 1888 by architect Gilel Ben Haim. Six domes (synagogue
is also hexagonal) is a symbol of immigrating of the residents of Gilgat
quarter here from the Galaduz village during 6 days with the permission
of Huseynali khan of Guba Khanate. The temple has 14 main windows.
Its height is 7 meters.

The windows are made of oak tree in hexagonal star. The section
facing the wall of worship is called aron-kadush. The Holy book is kept
in a wardrobe on the wall. There is also a 60-person worship hall for
religious ceremonies at the temple’s cellar and a kitchen. The restoration
of the synagogue began in 1995 and was completed in October 2000.

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The synagogue, with a large worship hall, is an ancient architectural
monument built in the Eastern style. This synagogue is the unique one in
Europe due to its height and directed towards Jerusalem. Jews every day
freely worship in the synagogue, celebrate their festivals, hold mourning
ceremonies.

Red Village – This settlement, which is known as the Jewish town,
is a village and municipality in Guba district of Azerbaijan. It is home
to some 3,500-4,000 Jews, making it one of the largest all-Jewish towns
outside of Israel. It is located on the left bank of the Gudyalchay river
in the north-eastern part of the Greater Caucasus mountains. This small
settlement is a biggest compact settlement of Mountain Jews in the world.
Established in 1742 by Huseynali khan, the Azerbaijani Muslim ruler of
the Quba Khanate.

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GILAKI SYNAGOGUE OF RED VILLAGE

Location address: Guba district, Red Village, Isaak Khanukov
Street, 26

The Gilaki synagogue, which is located in the Red Village in Guba
region, was constructed by immigrants moved from the Gilan Province
of South Azerbaijan (North Iran). Gilel Ben Haim was the architect of
the temple. His name was engraved on the brick facade of the synagogue.
According to he inscription on the base stone reveals that the temple was
built up in 1896. There is also another sign on the entrance door. And
here is another date engraved - 1857. Perhaps this plaque was brought
from the ancient temple of the Jewish emigrants and was attached on
the entrance door of the synagogue. Hexagonal dome gives a special
beauty Gilaki temple. There are 12 windows in the synagogue building
according to the number of Israeli tribes. It is supposed that a mosque

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built in Guba in the first half of the XIX century was prototype for Gilaki
temple as the Hexagonal dome made of glass illuminating the prayer
room also existed in the mosque. There were not separated rooms for
women in the Gilaki synagogue before, just like other Mountain Jews
synagogues. Women would come the synagogue during the feast and
sit in the yard of the temple. At present, women are allowed to enter the
synagogue during the feasts.



Jews never experienced
anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan
and lived in peaceful and
respectful coexistence with
their neighbors and thrived.

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HAZRAT BABA PILGRIMAGE

Location address: Guba district, Mount Babadagh
Mount Babadagh (elevation: 3,896 m), which straddles the Ismayilli
and Guba regions, is a sacred mountain and well known for its holiness.
People call it Hazrati Baba Ziyaretgahi (‘Grandfather’s Pilgrimage’) or
Qarli baba (Snowy Grandfather).

Each year, mostly during july-august, numerous pilgrims pay
homage to Babadag because of its magical power to turn people’s wishes
into reality. Pilgrims those who visit this place seven times receive the
honorific title of Hazrat, meaning ‘His Holiness’ or ‘Your Majesty.’

Babadagh is protected as a significant historical and cultural
monument of the country under the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers
of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 2 August 2001.

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NORTH-WESTERN REGION
THE NEW MOSQUE (YENI MASJID)

Location address: Gabala city, Heydar Aliyev Street
One of the latest mosques built in Azerbaijan, the New Mosque in Gabala
was funded by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The mosque’s foundations
were laid in May 2010.

The prayer hall can accommodate up to 600 congregants at a time –
450 men and up to 150 women on the mezzanine floor. A little distance
from the mosque, a minaret rises 25 meters.

The mosque features a library, a ceremonial hall and ablution areas.

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