The city of Nakhchivan is renowned for housing one of history’s most ancient monuments—the tomb of Yusuf ibn Kuseir. This mausoleum dates back to the era of the Atabeks of Azerbaijan, standing as the oldest structure that has survived to this day in its original form. This is remarkable, considering the numerous devastating wars that have swept through the region, with Nakhchivan itself experiencing complete destruction on several occasions at the behest of invading forces.
Perhaps its survival can be attributed to the fact that it was not erected in honor of a ruler; rather, it was commissioned by a wealthy and esteemed citizen. The inscription above the entrance reads:
“This is the tomb of the hodja, the distinguished rais, the embodiment of faith’s piety, the beauty of Islam, the leader of the sheikhs, Yusuf ibn Kuseir. During the month of Shavval in the year 557 of the Hijra (September-October 1162).”
The prominence and significance of ibn Kuseir are further underscored by the fact that the mausoleum was constructed by the renowned architect Ajemi Abubakr oglu Nakhchivani—a master builder who established his own architectural school, enriching Azerbaijan with numerous exquisite medieval monuments.
The mausoleum itself is an impressive structure made of baked brick, featuring an octagonal plan and topped with a pyramidal roof, reaching an overall height of approximately 15 meters. True to form, the internal space of the mausoleum is divided into an underground crypt and a spacious upper chamber. The crypt is crowned with a dome of intricate shapes, while the walls of the upper chamber are adorned with pointed arches.
The upper section of the tomb is embellished with quotes from the Holy Book rendered in Kufic script. In the western part of the mausoleum, there is an inscription that indicates the time of construction as well as the name of the individual whose remains rest here. Inside, the mausoleum is divided into two sections, one of which serves as the actual burial site.
Of course, the tomb has long been looted, and no records remain of what treasures it once held. Yet, when one contemplates that this magnificent structure was built over a thousand years ago, it evokes a profound sense of connection to the past.
Imagine the people who molded the bricks, who labored to construct this mausoleum, and who eventually came to mourn their departed loved ones—now long gone, along with their sorrows and joys. Just as they faded into history, so too will we eventually slip into oblivion. This realization brings a humbling perspective to the triviality of historical disputes.
What thoughts and arguments occupied the minds of those medieval Nakhchivanians? Does it truly hold any significance? What matters far more is what they left behind for future generations to ponder.