Shamkir Fortress, Medieval fortress in Shamkir District, Azerbaijan
Shamkir Fortress is a medieval stronghold in Shamkir District with ruins still visible today. The most notable feature is an octagonal minaret made of decorative brick that sits above a prismatic base.
The fortress was built between the 9th and 12th centuries as a defensive structure during the Seljuk period. It withstood numerous attacks and sieges throughout its time serving as a military outpost.
The minaret with its decorative brickwork shows how Islamic building practices shaped the religious and military life of this region during the Middle Ages. This style left a lasting mark on how communities built and worshipped in Azerbaijan.
The remains are accessible by road through Shamkir District and can be visited during daylight hours. The site sits in open countryside, making it easy to walk around and view the structures from different angles.
A Kufic inscription at the site records the name of the patron and the exact year the minaret was built in 1099. This historical note allows researchers to pinpoint when and by whom this religious structure was commissioned.
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