Shamakhi, Mountain town in Shamakhi District, Azerbaijan.
Shamakhi is a town set in the mountains of eastern Azerbaijan, sitting at about 700 meters elevation on sloping terrain. The place consists of older neighborhoods and newer residential areas, with the historic mosque and public buildings serving as focal points throughout the settlement.
The city appeared in ancient texts as Kamachia and served as the capital of the Shirvanshah rulers from around the 8th century until the 15th century. This was a period of regional power and influence that eventually shifted to other centers.
The Juma Mosque sits at the heart of this place and dates back to 743, making it the oldest mosque in the region. You can see how locals and visitors still gather here, and the building itself tells the story of how communities rebuild after disasters.
The town has schools, a hospital, and local services available for visitors and residents to use. You should wear sturdy shoes since the hilly setting means steep paths, and getting around different parts requires walking on uneven ground.
The region has experienced more than one major earthquake in its long history, yet the old mosque of the place has survived several of these natural shocks. This makes the building a striking example of how structures can endure over the centuries.
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