Palace of the Shirvanshahs
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace that is located in the Old City of Baku, Azerbaijan. It is one of the most important historical monuments in the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was built by the Shirvanshahs, a dynasty that ruled over the region for over 500 years. The palace is a complex of buildings that includes a harem, a mosque, a bathhouse, and a number of other structures. It is a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Baku.
History
The construction of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs began in the 14th century under the reign of Shirvanshah Shikh Ibrahim I. The palace was completed in the 15th century under the reign of his son, Shirvanshah Khalilullah I. The palace was the home of the Shirvanshahs until the 16th century, when the Safavid dynasty conquered Azerbaijan. The palace was then used as a military barracks and a prison. In the 19th century, the palace was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the 1970s, the Soviet government began a restoration project that has helped to preserve the palace and make it a popular tourist destination.
Architecture
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a complex of buildings that is constructed in the Shirvanshahi style of architecture. This style is characterized by its use of red brick, its intricate stone carvings, and its tall, slender towers. The palace is divided into three main courtyards: the Divan Khan’s Courtyard, the Palace Courtyard, and the Harem Courtyard.
- The Divan Khan’s Courtyard: This is the main courtyard of the palace and was used for official receptions and ceremonies. The courtyard is surrounded by a number of buildings, including the Divan Khan, the Shirvanshahs’ Mausoleum, and the Palace Mosque.
- The Palace Courtyard: This is the private courtyard of the palace and was used by the Shirvanshahs and their families. The courtyard is surrounded by a number of residential buildings, including the Shirvanshahs’ Palace and the Bathhouse.
- The Harem Courtyard: This is the women’s courtyard of the palace and was off-limits to men. The courtyard is surrounded by a number of residential buildings, including the Harem and the Kitchen.
Things to See and Do
There are many things to see and do at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Here are a few of the most popular attractions:
- The Shirvanshahs’ Palace: This is the main building of the palace and was the home of the Shirvanshahs. The palace is a two-story building that is made of red brick and has a number of intricate stone carvings. The palace is divided into a number of rooms, including a throne room, a harem, and a bathhouse.
The Shirvanshahs’ Mausoleum: This is the mausoleum of the Shirvanshahs and their families. The mausoleum is a small, octagonal building that is made of red brick and has a number of intricate stone carvings. The mausoleum is divided into a number of chambers, each of which contains a tomb.
The Palace Mosque: This is the mosque of the palace and was used by the Shirvanshahs and their families for prayer. The mosque is a small, rectangular building that is made of red brick and has a number of intricate stone carvings. The mosque has a minaret that is 22 meters tall.
- The Bathhouse: This is the bathhouse of the palace and was used by the Shirvanshahs and their families for bathing. The bathhouse is a large, underground complex that is divided into a number of rooms, including a hot room, a cold room, and a massage room.
- How to Get There
- This palace is located in the Old City of Baku and is easily accessible by public transportation. The city’s main bus and metro stations are located within walking distance of the Old City. There are also a number of taxis that operate in the city.