Chin Mosque, Medieval mosque in Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan.
Chin Mosque is a medieval mosque in Baku's Old City featuring an asymmetrical facade and a classical portal entrance that incorporates traditional eastern architectural elements. Today the building serves as a Numismatic Museum, displaying ancient coins and currency from different periods of Azerbaijan's history.
The building was constructed in 1375 by Fazlullah Imam ibn Osman Shirvani and underwent major restoration work in 1772 under Masood Ali's direction. This 18th-century restoration proved crucial to preserving the original structure.
The prayer hall displays architectural patterns from the Shirvan-Absheron school, particularly visible in its five-tiered stalactic mihrab. These details create a distinctive visual language that reflects the religious design traditions of medieval eastern Caucasia.
The building operates today as a museum open for visits and exhibits coins throughout its interior spaces. Morning or early afternoon visits offer the best lighting to appreciate the architectural details and stone work.
The portal entrance represents one of the most classic examples of eastern-style gateways found in medieval Baku's religious structures. This design approach was characteristic of the period and created a distinctive visual approach distinct from western architectural traditions.
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