Shaghan Castle is one of the 12th - 13th century
Absheron castles located in
Shaghan settlement. As a result of a strong earthquake in 1841, most of the castle was destroyed. Currently, only one tower exists.
The castle was included in the list of immovable historical and cultural monuments of national importance by decision No. 132 issued by the
Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on August 2, 2001.
In 2001, the Shaghan fortress was included in the
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO ) is a List of specialized agencies of the United Nations, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world peace and International secur ...
Reserve list along with other Caspian coastal fortifications.
History of the castle
Shaghan Castle was built in XII-XIII centuries. Like other castles in Absheron, the castle, which was built of white stone, now has a 24-meter high tower. The main reason for the collapse of the monument is the strong earthquake that occurred in 1841. As a result of this earthquake, the Mashtaga fortress, located near the Shaghan fortress, was completely destroyed. In the state of destruction for a long time, the fort was restored only in 2014.
During the repair work, the foundations of two stone fences of the fort and several wells were discovered. Shaghan Castle has underground roads like other castles of Absheron. Inside the castle, at first glance, an underground road that resembles a well once led to Mardakan castles. Since the castle was built on a high place of the settlement, it is possible to observe the coast of the sea and the settlement of
Mardakan
Mardakan (, ) is a settlement and municipality in Khazar Rayon of Baku, Azerbaijan, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, with a population of 32,084. It's positioned on the eastern Absheron Peninsula, about 30 km away from downtown Baku, and ...
from above.
See also
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Quadrangular castle (Mardakan)
The Quadrangular Mardakan Fortress or the Great Mardakan Castle ( or ) is a historical and architectural monument located in the Mardakan settlement of the Khazar district in Baku. It is included by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerba ...
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Round Mardakan Fortress
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Architecture of Azerbaijan
The architecture of Azerbaijan ( Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan memarlığı; اذربيجان ممرليغى) refers to the architecture development in Azerbaijan.
Architecture in Azerbaijan typically combines elements of East and West. Many medieva ...
References
{{Castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan
Buildings and structures in Baku
Castles in Azerbaijan
Buildings and structures completed in 1232
Monuments and memorials in Azerbaijan
Tourist attractions in Azerbaijan