BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 11. On August 11,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady
Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the restoration and conservation efforts
at the Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan city.
This was reported by the press service of the President of
Azerbaijan.
Erich Pummer, Director of Atelier Erich Pummer GmbH, briefed the
head of state and the First Lady on the progress of the restoration
works at the mausoleum.
The “State Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2023–2027,” approved by an Order
signed by President Ilham Aliyev in 2023, envisages assessing the
current condition of historical and architectural monuments in the
autonomous republic and carrying out restoration and conservation
works. The works at the Momine Khatun Mausoleum are being
implemented in accordance with this program.
As a result of inspections and studies conducted by local and
foreign experts between 2023 and 2025, restoration and conservation
works on the mausoleum were deemed necessary.
In 2025, the head of state signed an Order on measures related
to the restoration and conservation of the Momine Khatun Mausoleum,
a historical and architectural monument of world importance.
One of the prominent monuments of Azerbaijani architecture, the
mausoleum was built in 1186 by architect Ajami Nakhchivani.
According to historical sources, it was part of the Atabeg
Architectural Complex. The mausoleum is the only surviving monument
from the complex. The original height of the mausoleum was 34
meters. However, an eight-meter section of its outer roof
subsequently collapsed, bringing its current height to
approximately 26 meters. The mausoleum consists of underground and
above-ground sections.
Taking into account the monument’s architectural characteristics
and significance, a contract was signed with an Austrian company
with extensive experience in this field. The current condition of
the monument was assessed, and comprehensive research and
measurement works were conducted. Restoration works are currently
underway, including the reconstruction of the roof, measuring and
monitoring the existing tilt of the mausoleum, and the installation
of a drainage system.
The Momine Khatun Mausoleum was placed under state protection as
an architectural monument of world importance in 2001. In 1998, it
was included in UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List.
The implementation of this project is of paramount importance
for the preservation and promotion of Azerbaijan’s historical
heritage. A magnificent monument of Azerbaijani national
architecture and one of the pearls of Eastern architecture, the
Momine Khatun Mausoleum represents an important legacy of
Azerbaijan’s history and culture. Created by prominent Azerbaijani
architect Ajami Nakhchivani, this rare and monumental work of art
is distinguished by its unique compositional design. The mausoleum
also serves as a vivid testament to the highly developed culture
and traditions of statehood in Azerbaijan during that period.
