Gallery
Description
Property Name: Shirvanshah’s Palace
Inventory No: 994-12-1
Date of infill of the inventory form: 2008-01-16
Country (State party): Azerbaijan
Province : Baku
Town:
Geographic coordinates: 40° 21′ 58.83″ N
49° 49′ 59.76″ E
Historic Period:
Year of Construction: 15th century
Style: Shirvan Shahi
Original Use: Palace
Current Use: Museum
Architect: Unknown
Significance
The Palace was built in 15th century, when Shamaha was finally abandoned as the capital in favour of Baku. Construction proceeded during the reigns of Shirvanshah Khalilulla I and his son, Faruk, until the latter was killed in battle in 1501. The palace complex creates a remarkable view because of its position on the hill of the Walled City of Baku and it is divided into five courtyards at three different levels.
Selection Criteria
v. to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change
vi. to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance
State of Preservation
The 15th-century Shirvanshah’s Palace was seriously damaged by a Russian naval bombardment in 18th century and most of the upper parts were destroyed. Restoration work was carried on in 18th and 20th centuries. Treasures from the palace, initially taken to Tabriz, were then transferred as booty to Topkapı Palace in İstanbul.
Recently The Shirvanshahs’ Palace complex was declared a museum reserve in 1964 and was taken under state protection. Major restoration works are ongoing since 2008-2015 according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
References
Aslanapa, Oktay. Kirim ve Kuzey Azerbaycan’da Türk Eserleri. Baha Publishment, Istanbul, 1979.
Arık, Oluş. Orta Asya Mimarlık Mirasımızdan İzlenimler. Nurol Publishment, Ankara, 1994.
The Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower. 2003. UNESCO World Heritage Center. Retrieved from http://whc.unesco.org/sites/958.html on February 25, 2008.
Shirvanshah’s Palace. ArchNet. Retrieved from http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.jsp?site_id=8207 on February 25, 2008.