Overview:

Mardakan Castle is a small Islamic fort located in Baku, Azerbaijan. The castle is situated at the highest point of the Mardakan settlement in a small suburban village of Dashbyaz, about 25 km from central Baku. It was built in the 15th century by the Shirvanshahs, ruling princes of the Shirvan Khanate. The castle was mainly used as a stronghold and as a base for its garrison. It is believed to have been originally built as part of the Shirvanshah imperial complex and later served as the temporary residence of the Azerbaijani khan. Today, Mardakan Castle is a protected national monument and a major tourist attraction in Baku. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Azerbaijan
Prominent Features:

Mardakan Castle is a historical castle located in the town of Mardakan, Baku in Azerbaijan. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the most prominent and historic fortresses in Azerbaijan. The castle was initially built of earth and wood, but it was later reconstructed using stone. The castle sits atop a hill and surrounds a small village. It has five towers, a high defensive wall, a keep, and two deep wells. It was the seat of the Shirvanshahs, the ruling dynasty of the area at the time. The castle is now a popular tourist attraction and one of the best-preserved of Azerbaijan’s medieval fortresses. The site also features several shrines, including a 12th century mosque, a 19th century minaret, and a unique underground cemetery. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Azerbaijan.

History:

Mardakan Castle, located in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a medieval architectural monument of great historical and cultural significance. The castle was built in the 13th century and was formerly known as Qiz Qalasi, or Maiden's Fortress. The castle was originally owned by one of the most influential families of the Shirvanshahs, the rulers of the region, and was the summer home of the prominent Khan family. The castle was strongly defended, with four gates - the north gate of the inner citadel, the west gate, the east gate, and the aqueduct gate. Inside, the castle comprised several buildings and facilities, including the mosque of Ismail Agha (a wealthy merchant), stables, baths, barracks for the guards, and the tombs of two of the Shirvanshah’s sons – Zeynal Bey and Abbas Bey. The castle was also the site of many battles, including the Battle of Mardakan during the Russo-Persian War in 1813. Today, Mardakan Castle is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to explore a wealth of history. It also houses a museum that contains many artifacts and displays related to the medieval era and the town of Mardakan, including artifacts from the Khan family and coins from the Middle Ages. The castle, along with other nearby structures, was declared a National Park in 1976 and is currently being restored to its former glory. Visit one of the famous monuments of Azerbaijan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Mardakan Castle is a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century and is located in Baku, Azerbaijan. 2. The castle was initially built to protect the city of Baku from piracy and invaders. 3. It is the only remaining fortress from the 12th century in Baku. 4. The castle is surrounded by a moat and is situated on a hill offering a great view of the surrounding areas. 5. The castle used to be an important fortress of the Shirvanshah, an Iranian dynasty ruling the Shirvan Khanate. 6. Inside the castle there are several wells and tunnels, as well as different civilizations remains and artifacts. 7. In 2010, Mardakan Castle was restored to its former glory with the help of UNESCO and has since become a popular tourist destination. One of the historical monuments of Azerbaijan, it tells the story of a bygone era