Gilahli Mosque in Shaki, Religious complex in Shaki, Azerbaijan
Gilahli Mosque is a religious complex in Shaki built with thick stone and brick walls arranged in a quadrangular footprint across two floors. The main prayer hall spans roughly 26 by 13 meters and sits within a broader compound of about 660 square meters.
The mosque was first built in 1749 by Sheki Khan Haji Chalabi Khan and later reconstructed in 1805 by Haji Shamseddin Bey. This two-phase development reflects how the structure was adapted over the decades to serve the community.
The interior displays geometric and floral patterns that reflect traditional craftsmanship of the region. These decorations show how believers and artisans expressed their faith through everyday materials and careful handiwork.
The building is defined by its thick exterior walls and clear structural form, making it straightforward to locate and understand its layout. When visiting, take time to observe the interior decorations carefully, as the craftsmanship in the details reveals much about how spaces were created.
The minaret stands approximately 13.5 meters tall and features stone corbels and carved doors resembling local residential design. This blend of dwelling-style architecture with a religious tower reveals how deeply this structure was rooted in everyday local building traditions.
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