The Imamzadeh Mausoleum, located approximately seven kilometers from Ganja, stands as one of the most revered sanctuaries in Azerbaijan. This site features a mosque, also known as the Goy Mausoleum, Goy Mosque, or Goy Imam, which was constructed in several phases starting from the 14th century. It was built around the tomb of one of the sons of the fifth Shia Imam, Muhammad al-Baqir. Over time, this tomb evolved into a mausoleum and eventually developed into a comprehensive complex. Throughout history, various mosques and caravanserais, protected by fortress walls, have risen and fallen until the entire complex was fully restored between 2010 and 2016.
Visitors are often captivated by the exquisite dome of the mausoleum, adorned with stunning blue tiles and intricate depictions of peacocks and colorful patterns. The modern complex is designed in a style reminiscent of Central Asian Islamic architecture, evoking images of Uzbekistan or certain regions of Iran. However, beneath this contemporary façade lies a genuine ancient sanctuary—a sacred site transformed from a burial place into a destination for worship.
The central structure of the complex consists of two identical modern mosques—one for men and one for women—symmetrically designed except for the mihrabs, which indicate the direction of Mecca.
A grand mosque with spiral-patterned minarets clearly draws inspiration from the mosques of Shusha and Agdam – after all, this is still the Karabakh region, though more of a plains area! Beyond the gates, you’ll be greeted by a stunning surprise – a building within a building.
The sacred tomb at this site dates back to 737 AD, during the Arab conquests, and stands halfway between two possible founding dates for Ganja (659 and 859). It is highly likely that the person buried here was revered as a preacher who brought the teachings of the Prophet to Arran. Another inscription, however, states that this is the resting place of Khosrow Ganjavi, who was killed by the “Mongols” (likely the troops of Tamerlane) in 1393. The current mausoleum likely dates back to the same period, though it was extensively restored in 1878-79 with funds from Azerbaijani General Israfil-bek Yadigarzadeh, an officer in the Imperial Russian Army.
Today, the authorities wisely chose not to demolish this ancient monument to build a “bigger and better” temple, but instead constructed a new mosque around it, allowing the mausoleum to stand proudly in the center of its prayer hall. Inside the mausoleum, you’ll find a sarcophagus typical of those found in Shiite tombs. For some, this site may evoke a miniature version of the Shia shrines found in Iran, such as those in Mashhad or Shiraz.
While comparing it to the grand Shia shrines of Iran may seem distant—where the colors, vibrancy, and scale are far more pronounced—the underlying concept remains the same. Somewhere on the mausoleum’s floor, the tomb of a Shia saint is situated, inviting visitors to enter the inner chamber and circle the tomb, occasionally touching it while softly reciting verses from the Quran.