AZERBAIJANI ARCHITECTURE STYLEBack to Main

Islamic Architecture | The Nakhchivan Architecture School

The Nakhchivan School of Azerbaijani architecture is named for the architect Ajami Ibn Nakchivani, who lived in the 12th centuryC.E., when Azerbaijan was an independent state (Atabakan-e Adarbayjan) within the Great Seljuk Empire. Nakchivani is famous for designing the tomb of Yusif Ibn Kuseyir, carved with Koranic verses, and the Momine Khatun Mausoleum. Nakchivani favored towers with several identical sides.
Tomb of Yusif ibn Kusey
zoom
Tomb of Yusif ibn Kusey,
built 1161-62 C.E., architect: Ajami Nakchivani

Yusif ibn Kuseyr was an important religious official and advisor to the 12th-enturyGreat Atabek of Azerbaijan and ruler of the Great Seljuk Empire Shams al-Din Ildeniz. The sides of his tomb are carved with ayat, verses from the Koran.


AZERBAIJANI Architecture

Old City BakuModern Azerbaijan is both a dynamic, progressive nation and an ancient civilization with vibrant traditions and culture. Nowhere is this combination of old and new more evident than in Azerbaijan’s built environment. For example, the architecture of Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku, beautifully showcases this legacy. While Baku’s office buildings, apartment complexes, and glass skyscrapers mirror modern European design, ”Old City” Baku, known as  Icheri sheher,  features medieval Islamic domes, minarets, and ancient stone walls.

Azerbaijani Radio Hour


The Voice of the Karabakh Foundation, October 2, 2011. Access any of the shows of the Azerbaijani Radio Hour: The Voice of the Karabakh Foundation at www.KarabakhFoundation.org.