List of castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan Facts for Kids

Azerbaijan is a country with a long and interesting history, and you can see this history in its many old castles and fortresses! These strong buildings were made a long time ago, in ancient and medieval times, to protect people and important places. That's why many castle names in Azerbaijan have words like "qala" (which means castle), "divar" (wall), or "qüllə" (tower) in them.

These amazing structures tell us stories about the past, showing how people lived, fought, and built incredible things centuries ago. Let's explore some of the most famous and interesting castles across different regions of Azerbaijan!

Exploring Ancient Castles
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Exploring Ancient Castles

Castles and fortresses were super important in the past. They were like giant shields, protecting cities and people from invaders. They often had tall walls, strong towers, and sometimes even moats (water ditches) around them. Many of Azerbaijan's castles were built by powerful rulers or empires, and they stand as reminders of those times.

Castles of the Karabakh Region

The Karabakh region is home to many ancient castles, some dating back thousands of years! These strongholds were built by different kingdoms and rulers to protect their lands.

Askeran Fortress: This fortress near Khankendi was built in 1751. It was an important defensive structure, helping to protect the area during conflicts.
Shahbulag Castle: Located in Aghdam, Shahbulag Castle was built in 1752 by the Karabakh Khanate. It's known for its unique design and was once a key military and administrative center.
Shusha Fortress: Built in 1751 in the city of Shusha, this fortress has very strong walls that protected the city for centuries. It played a big role in the history of the Karabakh Khanate.
Koroghlu Fortress: Found in Gedebey, this castle from the 16th century was built during the time of the Safavid Empire. It's named after a legendary hero, Koroghlu, who fought for justice.
Maiden Tower (Gadabay): This tower in Gedebey dates back to the 9th century. It's an impressive example of ancient architecture and shows how people built strong towers for defense.
Lex Castle: Built around 1140 in Kalbajar, Lex Castle was part of the Kingdom of Artsakh. It's a great example of a mountain fortress, using the natural landscape for protection.
Baylakan Castle: This ancient castle in the Beylagan District goes back to the 5th century. It was an important city and fortress during the Kingdom of Armenia.

Castles of the Absheron Region

The Absheron Peninsula, where the capital city Baku is located, also has many impressive castles, often built close to the sea.

Baku Fortress: The old city walls of Icheri Sheher in Baku were built in the 12th century by the Shirvanshahs. These walls protected the inner city and are still standing today, a truly amazing sight!
Quadrangular Castle (Mardakan): This castle in Mərdəkan (near Baku) was built in the 12th century. It has a unique square shape and was used for defense.
Nardaran Fortress: Also near Baku, the Nardaran Fortress was built in 1301 by the Shirvanshahs. It's a well-preserved example of medieval military architecture.
Ramana Castle: This 14th-century castle in Baku was another important stronghold built by the Shirvanshahs. It stands on a rocky hill, making it naturally strong.
Round Castle (Mardakan): Built in 1232, this round castle in Sabunchu District is another impressive structure from the Shirvanshahs period.
Maiden Tower (Baku): The famous Maiden Tower in Icheri Sheher is one of Baku's most iconic symbols. While parts of it might be even older, it was rebuilt in the 12th century by the Shirvanshahs. Its true purpose is still a bit of a mystery, but it was definitely a strong defensive tower.

Castles of the Ganjabasar Region

This region also boasts a collection of historic castles, showing the rich past of the area.

Ganja Fortress: Located in Ganja, this fortress was built in the 16th century during the Safavid Empire. It was a major defensive structure for the city.
Old Ganja Castle: Even older than the Ganja Fortress, this castle dates back to the 10th century and was built by the Shaddadids. Its remains tell us about the ancient city of Ganja.
Didivan Castle: In Gazakh, Didivan Castle was built in the 6th century. It's another example of an ancient defensive structure in the region.
Zurnabad Castle: This castle in Goygol was built in the 13th century during the Ilkhanate Empire.

Castles of the Shaki-Zaqatala Region

This northern region is known for its beautiful nature and its historic castles, many of which are nestled in the mountains.

Sumug Castle: Located in İlisu, this castle from the 18th century was built by the Elisu Sultanate. It's a strong and well-preserved example of the region's defensive architecture.
Shaki Fortress: In Shaki, this fortress from the 15th century was built by the Shirvanshahs. It protected the city and its people.
Gelersen-Görersen Fortress: This castle near Shaki dates back to the 8th century. Its name means "Come and See," suggesting it was very hard to capture!
Jinli Castle: Located in Ağçay, this 8th-century castle was built during the time of Caucasian Albania.
Fairy Castle (Parigala): Near Zagatala, this castle from the 3rd century was also built by Caucasian Albania. It has a magical name!
Kabalaka: In Gabala, this very old site dates back to the 1st century BC and was an important city and fortress of Caucasian Albania.
Nukha Castle: This castle in Sheki was built in the 18th century by Mahammadhuseyn Khan of the Shaki Khanate.
Zagatala Castle: Located in Zagatala, this castle was built in 1830. It's a more recent fortress compared to many others.

Castles in the Janub (South) Region

The southern region of Azerbaijan also has its share of historical fortresses.

Lankaran Castle: In Lankaran, this castle was built in 1726 during the Safavid Empire. It was an important defensive point in the region.
Zindan Fortress: Also in Lankaran, this fortress from 1747 was built by the Afshar Empire.

Castles of the Shimal (North) Region

The northern parts of Azerbaijan are home to some very old and strategically important castles.

Chirag Gala: This incredible castle in Shabran District dates back to the 4th century and was built by Caucasian Albania. It's perched high on a mountain, offering amazing views and a strong defensive position.
Shabran Castle: Near Shabran, this castle from the 1st century BC was built by the Massagetae. It was once a significant ancient city and fortress.

Castles of the Aran Region

The Aran region, known for its plains, also has historical defensive structures.

Baghravan Castle-City: This very ancient site dates back to the 2nd millennium BC, from the Kura–Araxes culture. It shows how people built fortified settlements even in very early times.
Safavid Castle: In Shirvan, this castle was built in 1512 during the Safavid Empire.

Castles of the Shirvan Region

The Shirvan region, with its long history of the Shirvanshahs, has many impressive castles.

Shamakhi Fortress: In Shamakhi, this fortress dates back to 1045 and was built by the Shirvanshahs. It protected the ancient capital city.
Javanshir Fortress: Located in Ismailli, this castle from the 640s was built by Caucasian Albania. It's named after a famous ruler.
Niyal Castle: Also in Ismailli, this 3rd-century castle was another stronghold of Caucasian Albania.
Gulustan Castle: Near Shamakhi, this 9th-century castle was built by the Sajid dynasty. It's a beautiful example of a mountain fortress.

Castles of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Nakhchivan, an ancient land, is filled with very old castles and fortresses, some dating back to the Bronze Age!

Chalkhankala Fortress: In Kangarli, this fortress is incredibly old, from the 3rd millennium BC (that's over 4,000 years ago!). It was built during the Bronze Age.
Sadarak Castle: This castle near Sadarak also dates back to the 15th century BC, showing very early human settlement and defense.
Yezidabad Castle: In Nakhchivan, this castle was built in the 640s by the Sasanian Empire.
Alinja Tower: This impressive tower near Julfa was built around 1140 by the Kingdom of Syunik. It's known for its strong position on a mountain.
Ordubad Castle: In Ordubad, this castle dates back to 104 AD, making it a very ancient Roman-era structure.

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Shamkir Fortress

List of castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan facts for kids

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