By the 11th and 12th centuries, Baku had evolved into a significant commercial seaport on the Caspian Sea. In response to growing security concerns, the Shirvanshah dynasty embarked on an extensive construction initiative aimed at fortifying the city. A formidable fortress was erected around Baku, featuring three concentric walls and a deep moat for added protection. Additionally, a series of flag towers and smaller fortresses were constructed atop the surrounding mountains, creating a comprehensive defensive network for the city, which is situated on the Absheron Peninsula today.
The origins of these towers and castles trace back to the 11th and 12th centuries, encompassing notable structures such as the iconic Maiden Tower, Sabil Fortress, Ramana Fortress, Mardakyand Fortress, and Shikh Fortress. Primarily serving as military outposts, these fortifications constituted the first line of defense against potential invasions. Between the 11th and 14th centuries, Baku faced numerous attacks from various forces, including the Seljuk Turks, Mongols, and Rus’. In 1175, the Shirvanshah ruler Akhistan successfully thwarted a Russian attempt to seize Baku, aided by the existing towers and fortresses, which had been approached by 73 ships. Beyond their defensive roles, these towers also functioned as communication hubs; defenders would ignite oil on the tower tops to signal impending danger to the city.
Among the castles integral to Baku’s defensive system was Bayil Castle, now largely submerged beneath the waters of Bayil Bay. Constructed in the 13th century, this fortress was strategically positioned across from the city to guard against maritime attacks. However, after a devastating earthquake in 1306, the water level rose dramatically, causing the fortress to be engulfed. The castle was designed in an irregular rectangular shape, surrounded by 1.5-meter-thick walls and featuring 15 towers along its perimeter.
The Maiden Tower, another key component of Baku’s fortifications, has a debated primary function. This cylindrical structure, rising eight stories high, served various purposes throughout its history, including functioning as a lighthouse during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the nearby town of Ramana, one can find the Ramana Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold constructed from white stone. Standing at 15 meters tall, this fortress was commissioned by the Shirvanshahs for defensive purposes. Historical records suggest that an underground passage once connected the Ramana Fortress to the Maiden Tower, facilitating communication and strategic movement.
Also located near Baku in the town of Mardakan is another defensive structure known as Mardakan Fortress. Built in the mid-14th century under the orders of Shirvanshah Akhsitan, this fortress commemorated a victory over a defeated enemy. It served as both a military outpost and an observation point, rising to a height of 22 meters.
Lastly, the Shikh Fortress, or Ishyg Galasi (Light Fortress), is another significant defensive structure in the same village. Constructed in 1232, this 16-meter-high fortress served as an observation post, further enhancing the region’s defensive capabilities.
The Nardaran Fortress (Azerbaijani: Nardaran qalası) was constructed in 1301 by the architect Mahmud ibn Saad, situated in the northern part of the Absheron Peninsula. Located 25 kilometers north of Baku, the fortress lies within the village of Nardaran, not far from the city of Mashtaga. The Shirvanshahs utilized this fortress for both surveillance and defense purposes. Close to the fortress, approximately 200 meters away, stands the Nardaran Mosque, also known as the Rahimakhanym Sanctuary, which was built in 1663.
