Chirag Gala (), also spelled Çiraq Qala or Çirax Qala, which means ''lamp castle'' in
Azerbaijani is a ruined ancient fortress overlooking the
Caspian coastal plains north of
Baku
Baku (, ; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of cities in Azerbaijan, largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is below sea level, which makes it the List of capital ci ...
in
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, officially the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a Boundaries between the continents, transcontinental and landlocked country at the boundary of West Asia and Eastern Europe. It is a part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by ...
. It is located on the top of a mountain, in the Guba Forest. It was constructed by the
Sassanid
The Sasanian Empire (), officially Eranshahr ( , "Empire of the Iranian peoples, Iranians"), was an List of monarchs of Iran, Iranian empire that was founded and ruled by the House of Sasan from 224 to 651. Enduring for over four centuries, th ...
Persia
Iran, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and also known as Persia, is a country in West Asia. It borders Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the nort ...
ns in the 5th century, it was used as a defense for the khanate of
Quba
Quba () is a city and the administrative centre of the Quba District (Azerbaijan), Quba District of Azerbaijan. The city lies on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Shahdagh, Shahdag mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, on the ...
in the 18th century.
Today the Chirag Gala is a historic site and is frequently visited by tourists. Because of the large rocks and rough road, the Chirag Gala is almost impossible to reach with any vehicle. Most tourists and people travel by foot to the top of the mountain.
History
Chirag gala was built in 4–5th century AD and its function is stated as a lookout post.
The location allows to easily warn if sudden enemy invasion occurs by lighting the torches. That is why it is called "Chirag Gala" which means "lamp fortress". Chirag gala was part of the Gilgichay defensive system, which also included Baku and Derbent fortresses.
Chirag gala has stopped its defensive functions in the 18th century. In the middle of the 20th century, the fortress was partially renovated.
Building plan
One of the main advantages of Chirag gala is the terrain.
Fortress has a form of an irregular rectangle. In the north east of fortress deep cliffs adjoin the main complex.
The fortress consists of 17 towers—1 big and 16 small towers.
The towers allow the observation of the surroundings for a few tens kilometers.
Gallery
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Çıraqqala (17).jpg
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Çıraqqala (14).jpg
Notes
Buildings and structures completed in the 5th century
Sasanian castles
Castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan
Tourist attractions in Azerbaijan
Monuments and memorials in Azerbaijan
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