Palace of Garaboyuk khanum, 18th century defensive tower in Shusha, Azerbaijan

The Palace of Garaboyuk khanum is an 18th century fortified residence on a hill in Shusha with four towers arranged in a square formation. The structure features thick defensive walls, domed roof towers, and interior spaces suggesting a multi-level layout for residential and defensive purposes.

The palace was built in 1768, as recorded in the inscription above its entrance gate, during the reign of Panahali Khan, when castles for the khan's family were erected alongside Shusha's defensive walls. It is one of only two Shusha castles that survive, the other being Panahali Khan's castle. On 2 August 2001 it was placed under state protection as an architectural monument of national significance (inventory no. 339).

The palace belonged to a daughter of Ibrahim Khan, as its name records. Its rooms were decorated with wall paintings and arched ceilings, and a stalactite-supported cornice runs at 1.80 metres around the perimeter. The two-storey gate block led to stone stairs at the courtyard sides, giving access to the upper floor where the owner and her family lived.

The site sits on a hilltop and is best accessed from the northern side where the main entrance is located. The terrain is sloped and can be challenging in wet conditions, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The palace stands beside Panahali Khan's castle and shows different approaches to fortification built during the same period and region. Together these two structures remain as rare surviving examples of 18th century military architecture in the Caucasus.