Gulistan Mausoleum

A witness to the centuries-old history of the region, the Gulistan mausoleum stands as one of the unique architectural masterpieces created by the great Ajami Nakhchivani.

Situated near the village of Gulistan in the Julfa district, this mausoleum captivates visitors with its original design and intricate details. The unique ornaments that adorn it are a sight to behold in their own right! While the exact date of the mausoleum’s construction remains unknown, its architectural style allows scholars to date it back to the 12th century. Distinguished by a rich variety of patterns and their symbolic meanings, this structure occupies a special place among the landmarks of medieval Azerbaijani architecture. The mausoleum consists of two main components: the crypt and the mausoleum itself.

Overall, the mausoleum features twelve facets, all adorned with exquisite ornamentation. Its distinctive characteristic is that, from a distance, the patterns appear to take on different forms, yet up close, one can see that they repeat in a mesmerizing fashion. Additionally, the architectural style of the mausoleum bears similarities to many historical monuments from the Seljuk era, while its geometric ornaments resonate with other globally significant structures associated with the Ajami architectural school.

Although the mausoleum has not retained its original tent-like roof (which has since been restored), it remarkably carries through the ages the original lace-like ornaments of exquisite delicacy. The influence of Ajami on local architectural styles is so profound that it has led to the establishment of what is now referred to as the Nakhchivan school of architecture.

In addition to its architectural significance, the mausoleum’s location is equally intriguing. It is situated almost on the banks of the Aras River, which serves as the border dividing the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from Iran. From the mausoleum, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the mountains in Iran, along with glimpses of ancient fortifications and even churches.