Shamil Qala, Mountain tower in Ilisu, Azerbaijan.

Shamil Qala is a round defensive tower standing on Mount Ezlidag with two distinct levels equipped with rifle openings. The structure combines solid stone walls with carefully positioned openings that allowed defenders to fire in multiple directions.

The tower was built in the early 19th century, when Russian troops pushed into the Caucasus mountains. Ahmed Khan, ruler of the Ilisu Sultanate, wanted Russian troops in his domain and a fortress built, to break the sultanate's vassalage to the Jar community. Russian support strengthened his power against Jar. The Azerbaijani source instead dates the fortification to the 1850s, as an observation post raised by the Russians during campaigns against Sheikh Shamil.

Locals call the tower Qalaça, and in Azerbaijani tradition it is also known as Şamilqala, after Sheikh Shamil, against whom the Russians built it in the 1850s. It served as a watchtower, called "gözətçi qala" among the people, keeping all roads to İlisu under observation. From its ruins the village of Sarıbaş, the last settlement between Dagestan and Azerbaijan, can be seen.

The climb is steep, but the path is usually easy to follow as the surroundings are open and clear. Wear proper footwear and allow extra time to explore the site without rushing and to enjoy the views from the top.

The outer wall of the lower level features geometric divisions that were important for the structure's stability. This careful design helped keep the walls intact even under pressure.