Friday Mosque of Shamakhi, 8th century mosque in Shamakhi, Azerbaijan.
The Friday Mosque of Shamakhi is a house of worship with three prayer halls, a central dome, and two flanking minarets in the Caucasus. Inside, you notice distinctive structural elements made from local boxwood and hardwood that support the ceilings and balconies.
An Arab general founded this mosque in the 740s, making it one of the earliest Islamic structures built in the Caucasus after the Derbent mosque. This early establishment shows how quickly Islam spread through the region after its arrival.
The mosque displays the Shirvan-Absheron architectural style that developed in this region and shaped religious buildings throughout medieval Caucasia. Visitors walking through the space can see how local building methods influenced the structural choices made here.
Check before entering whether prayers are underway, as the mosque may have limited access during those times. Guided tours explain the architectural and historical aspects to help visitors understand the construction methods better.
The building has survived several powerful earthquakes, demonstrating the effectiveness of its robust construction methods. The use of boxwood and hardwood provided flexibility that allowed the structure to absorb seismic activity rather than break apart.
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