Paired Fortress Gates, Medieval fortress gates in Sabayil, Azerbaijan
The Paired Fortress Gates are two matching stone structures with embrasures and battlements built into the northern wall of Baku Fortress. Together they form a passage that controlled entry and reinforced the defensive line.
Construction of the first gate began in the 12th century under Manuchohr III, while the second gate was added in the 17th century under Shah Abbas I. These two building phases reflect extended periods of fortification expansion and improvement.
The gates display features of the Shirvan-Absheron school through their design, reflecting local craftsmanship and defense methods from the medieval period. Today, visitors can see how such entrances were built to both repel intruders and manage trade flow.
The gates are located at the northern corner of the fortress and are easy to reach on foot. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and the structure lacks dedicated viewing paths.
Despite being built about 500 years apart, both gates retained identical dimensions, showing how builders preserved the same construction techniques across generations. This continuity is rare and worth noticing during a visit.
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