Tour Packages in Azerbaijan

Shamakhi, the ancient capital of Azerbaijan, is located in the central part of Shirvan, at an altitude of about 749 meters above sea level, 122 km from Baku, and boasts not only rich flora and fauna, but also historical and cultural monuments. The city is one of the ancient cities of the east. The history of Shamakhi, which is replete with shady forests and green meadows, dates back to the 5th century BC. For centuries, Shamakhi was one of Azerbaijan's most prominent cities, an important cultural and trading centre and the royal seat of the Shirvanshahs (9th to 18th centuries). 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 main landmark of the city is Gulistan fortress (11th – 12th centuries) – the last refuge of Shirvan Dynasty built for the city's defense. Present day Shamakhi is a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving. Besides, it is a city of literature since it was the native land of many Azerbaijani poets.

Sightseeing

Juma Mosque

Juma Mosque of Shamakhi is the largest mosque of Azerbaijan. It is one of the first mosques of Azerbaijan after the Arab occupation of Caucasus. The Arabian writings reflected on the walls of the mosque show the construction year as 744 AD. This makes the mosque the earliest one in whole Caucasus after the Juma Mosque of Derbent, which was completed in 734 AD.

Shamakhi Juma Mosque does not have analogue in Azerbaijan. Ornamental patterns decorates the entire facade of the mosque. The mosque has a rectangular plan. The size of the building is 46 meters length and 28 meters width. There is a large prayer hall which is divided into three separated sections. Moreover, each part of the mosque has its own prayer place and entrance. Therefore, Juma Mosque is also called three-hall mosque. Such kind of design is very similar to the architecture of well-known Great Mosque of Omayyad in Damask which was built in 708 AD.

Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleum

At the foot of Gulistan Fortress is located Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum or “Seven Domes”. This is how people named Shamakhi tomb of Shirvan Dynasty rulers. There the notorious representatives of Shirvan Dynasty were buried.

The monument's name is defined be the number of gravestones in the crypt. Today the gravestones look like half-destroyed stone domes as if grown directly from under the ground in the middle of deserted graveyard. Therefore the atmosphere of this district seems a little mysterious.

Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory

Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory named after Nasraddin Tusi - Headquarters of the Shamakhy Astrophysical Observatory is located at the South Caucasus on the eastern-southern slope of the Great Caucasus Mountain Range (northern-eastern slope of the Pirgulu Mountain, altitude ~ 1500 m). In 1953 in Azerbaijan began to operate permanent astronomical expedition. At present there is a nice small living settlement for the Observatory, which is named after academician Y. Mammadaliyev and has offices, apartments, cottages, school, kindergarten, hotel for guests, postal office, market, garage, etc. The official date of foundation of ShAO is 13 January 1960. There are 10 Azerbaijani names in the sky and one of them - the minor planet - is named after the “ShAO”.