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Palace of the Shirvanshahs facts for kids

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Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower *
Tomb of Shirvanshahs of Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Country Azerbaijan
Type Cultural
Criteria iv
Reference 958
Region ** Europe
Inscription history
Inscription 2000 (24th Session)
Endangered 2003-2009
  • Name as inscribed on World Heritage List
    ** Region as classified by UNESCO

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a very important historical site in Azerbaijan. It is the largest monument of the Shirvan-Absheron style of architecture. You can find it inside the Inner City of Baku, which is the old, walled part of the city.

This amazing palace complex includes several buildings. There is the main palace building, a special hall called Divanhane, and burial vaults. It also has a mosque with a tall minaret, a mausoleum for Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, and a grand entrance gate called Murad's Gate. You can also see the remains of an old bath-house and a water reservoir.

A Look at the Palace Buildings

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is more than just one building. It is a whole complex that shows how people lived and built things many centuries ago. Each part of the palace has its own story and purpose.

The Main Palace Building

This is the heart of the complex. It was where the Shirvanshahs, who were the rulers of Shirvan, lived and governed. The building has many rooms and halls. These spaces were used for royal ceremonies, meetings, and daily life.

Divanhane: A Special Hall

Divanhane is a unique pavilion within the palace grounds. It has an octagonal hall and a beautiful open courtyard. Historians believe it was used for official receptions, state council meetings, or even as a court of justice. Its design is very elegant and detailed.

The Royal Burial Vaults

Beneath the palace, there are special burial vaults. These were used to bury members of the Shirvanshahs' royal family. It is a quiet and respectful place that tells us about the history of the ruling family.

The Palace Mosque and Minaret

A mosque is also part of the complex. It has a tall minaret, which is a tower from where calls to prayer are made. This shows the importance of religion in the lives of the Shirvanshahs and their people.

Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's Mausoleum

This mausoleum is a tomb for Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, a famous scholar and philosopher. He lived in the 15th century and was highly respected. His tomb is a peaceful place for reflection.

Murad's Gate and Other Features

The eastern portal, known as Murad's Gate, is a grand entrance. It was built later than the rest of the palace. The complex also had a water reservoir to store water and a bath-house for washing. These show how advanced the city was for its time.

The Palace on Money

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is so important that it has been featured on Azerbaijani money. It was shown on the front of the 10,000 manat banknote from 1994 to 2006. Today, you can still see it on the newer 10 manat banknote. This shows how much the palace means to the people of Azerbaijan.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Palacio de los Shirvansháhs para niños

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