What to see in Nakhichevan?

Nakhchivan is one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus and the Middle East. Founded in the 16th century BCE, its first recorded mention dates back to the 2nd century under the name Naksuana. According to legend, the city’s establishment was preceded by a biblical event—the Ark of Noah is said to have docked at Mount Ilandag (“Snake Mountain”), where he subsequently founded his settlement.

Throughout nearly its entire history, Nakhchivan has been “sandwiched” between powerful empires, making it a battleground for fierce wars and consequential events. One of the most tragic chapters in the city’s history was the forced relocation of all Nakhchivan residents to Iran in the early 17th century, during one of the many wars between Safavid Persia and the Ottoman Empire. Continuous wars and devastating raids persisted for centuries, which makes it all the more remarkable that a significant number of ancient historical monuments have survived in Nakhchivan.

A relatively peaceful period in the city’s history began in 1828 when, under the Treaty of Turkmenchay, the lands of the former Nakhchivan Khanate were incorporated into the Russian Empire. In 1924, a decree from the Soviet government established the Azerbaijan SSR, which included the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

To begin your exploration of Nakhchivan and its ancient history, a visit to the local Historical Museum is highly recommended. Here, you will find artifacts from all eras of the city’s existence—many of which date back to the time of biblical Noah.
Address: 90 İstiqlal, Naxçıvan.

The two-story palace, built in 1780 for the last khan of Nakhchivan, is a stunning example of traditional Eastern architecture. Foreign envoys who visited the palace shortly after its construction noted the opulence of its interiors and the exquisite European furniture. Restorers have managed to recreate the original décor of several rooms, which are now open to tourists.

The famous mausoleum of Momine Khatun is part of a vast open-air museum—a landscape park featuring tranquil ponds and cascading waterfalls, where approximately 400 ancient stone tombstones have been displayed, meticulously transported from across the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Recognized as a masterpiece of Nakhchivan architecture, the Momine Khatun mausoleum was constructed in 1186 by the great architect Ajemi Nakhchivani in honor of the mother of the local ruler, Jahan Pehlavan. Ajemi designed the mausoleum as a 10-sided tower standing 34 meters tall; today, its height has diminished to just 25 meters. The facets of the structure are adorned with exquisite stone carvings, and each facet contains niches, each with its own unique ornamentation. Beneath the roof lies a blue Kufic inscription featuring verses from the Quran. The arch of the main entrance is embellished with an Arabic inscription that reads: “We shall leave—this will remain; we shall die—this will remain as a memory.” Inside, the mausoleum is almost devoid of decorations, save for four round carved medallions. Directly beneath the main entrance is the access to the burial chamber, where the remains of Momine Khatun once rested.

Just a stone’s throw from the Khan’s Palace, you will find the intriguing Carpet Museum, dedicated to the unique Nakhchivan school of carpet weaving. The museum’s collection features over 300 carpets, as well as ancient ceramics.

This architectural monument of Nakhchivan was erected in 1732 and is believed to be the burial site of one of the sons of the eighth Shia Imam, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The building is notable for its massive green dome, located next to the square mausoleum of the Nakhchivan khans.

This octagonal stone pavilion is yet another creation of the architect Ajemi Nakhchivani. Constructed from baked brick, it is topped with a pyramidal roof adorned with a frieze featuring a Kufic inscription from the Quran. The western facet of the mausoleum displays a geometric pattern, beneath which Ajemi inscribed the name of the buried individual and the date of construction. The name of Ajemi Abubakr oglu Nakhchivani is inscribed at the top of the first facet (to the left of the entrance).

This ancient square fortress stands as a testament to fortification architecture from the 7th century. Today, it has been meticulously restored (perhaps even too meticulously) and transformed into a museum. Within its walls lies the Nakhchivan Historical and Architectural Museum Complex, renowned for its extensive collection from the prehistoric era of Nakhchivan’s history. The fortress’s inner courtyard is paved with stone and adorned with neatly arranged flowerbeds, illuminated by colorful lights in the evenings. Following the restoration, this courtyard has become a vibrant venue for various historical festivals and fairs. In ancient times, a larger fortress, known as Böyük-Kala, was constructed on the surrounding hills, and the ruins of this grand structure have also survived to this day.

Located just south of the Small Fortress is the mausoleum of the Prophet Noah (referred to as Nuh in Orthodox tradition). It is believed that the relics of Noah rest beneath a chapel that has stood at this site since ancient times. Unfortunately, the original chapel has not survived; the current octagonal mausoleum, adorned with traditional Nakhchivan ornamental decor, was constructed in 2006. This building serves to reinforce Nakhchivan’s claim that the Ark of Noah docked at Mount Ilandag after the Great Flood—an exceptionally picturesque rock that rises to the east of Nakhchivan.