Architecture of Ordubad

The city of Ordubad, a monument of history and culture, has existed for nearly one and a half millennia. It emerged along the Great Silk Road, enduring cycles of prosperity and decline. By the 18th century, the architecture of Ordubad had developed a unique character, with no parallels found in other regions of Azerbaijan.

The city’s golden age coincided with the rule of the Ilkhanids. After reclaiming Ordubad from the Ottomans, Shah Abbas I exempted its residents from taxes as a token of gratitude for their valiant resistance against the enemy. The decree issued by the Shah, consisting of five points, is inscribed on a stone that still adorns the walls of the mosque today. With a vigorous resurgence, by the early 18th century, Ordubad once again became a thriving center for trade and crafts. As in ancient times, caravans departed from here, transporting silk, agricultural products, and fruits renowned for their exquisite taste and aroma.

As the residents prospered, they adorned the city with beautiful buildings, many of which have survived to this day. Here, medieval architecture seamlessly integrates with the landscape. The city sprawls like an amphitheater across the verdant slopes of the Ordubadchay gorge, surrounded by picturesque hills and the white peaks of mountains.

The streets radiate like a fan from the central marketplace. Each of the numerous neighborhoods features a central square with a mosque and a fountain. This administrative division into neighborhoods has been shaped by the kinship ties of the residents and has remained unchanged for centuries.

Among the many attractions of the city, one should highlight the Juma Mosque and the covered market of Geyseriye, as well as the izorkhana (a building for sports competitions). Thanks to its unique architecture and over a hundred preserved historical and archaeological monuments, Ordubad was declared a historical reserve in 1977.

A distinctive feature of Ordubad homes is the octagonal vestibule, covered with a semi-circular or octagonal vault. Most residential houses face the street with their back sides, while the grand facades open into the inner courtyard. The houses are constructed from clay and stone, allowing them to remain cool during the hot summer days and warm in the winter. The ornate decoration of the facades beautifully complements the surrounding fruit orchards and vineyards.

Numerous travelers have described the unparalleled beauty of the city and the intoxicating fragrance of its gardens. The local peaches, grapes, apricots, plums, quinces, and nuts have made Ordubad famous not only in the Caucasus but throughout the East. Fruits are an essential part of various rituals and ceremonies. For instance, during engagements, among trays of gifts and sweets, a tray of red apples is always presented. When a bride steps over the threshold of her husband’s home, she is showered with coins, sweets, and finely chopped apples, symbolizing abundance. All these customs are reflected in the local decor.

Traditional Ordubad courtyards feature fruit trees, a stone-paved pool with flowing water, a cheshme (fountain), and finally, an adobe wall with pointed niches that encloses the area.

Verandas are a common architectural element in the residential buildings of Ordubad from the 18th and 19th centuries. They feature numerous columns facing the courtyard, rectangular spaces slightly elevated above ground level, and a paved veranda that extends into the lush garden, forming a cohesive composition with it. Such verandas give the courtyards a picturesque, elegant, and cozy appearance. This part of the house is where residents relax or perform everyday household tasks.

Typically designed as double-leaf portals adorned with intricate decorations, these doors add a unique beauty to the streets of the city. Strolling through Ordubad, one can spend hours admiring the details of the gates: various metal shapes, large-headed nails, decorative handles, and striking knockers. Until the early 20th century, Azerbaijan had distinct knockers for the male and female halves of the household, differentiated by their sounds. The sound of the female knocker signaled that a woman would open the door, while a man would greet male guests.

The portals feature pointed semi-domes complemented by vividly painted coffered cornices. Deep arched niches on the portals of ancient buildings harmonize beautifully with patterned alabaster inlays in the shape of eight-pointed stars; the relief of the masonry is enhanced by a delicate play of shadows. These architectural compositions are crowned with domes featuring whimsical angular facets, characterized by a distinctive shell of brick ribs—a unique variation of herringbone laying.

In the 18th century, wall paintings became fashionable in the homes of wealthy citizens, introducing narrative compositions alongside traditional floral and botanical motifs. These murals, combined with vibrant carpets and embroideries, greatly enhanced the interiors of the homes.

Crafted using a distinctive technique from slender pieces and often adorned with multicolored stained glass, shebeke gained widespread popularity in Azerbaijani architecture during the Middle Ages. These intricate latticework screens can be found in the main historical monuments of Ordubad, including the zorhane, Geyseriye, and the Juma Mosque. Unlike the artisans of Sheki, who exclusively used wood for their shebeke, the craftsmen of Ordubad incorporated small metal nails, adding a unique touch to their creations. The traditions of Ordubad shebeke, known for their richness and originality, continue to thrive in the Mingis quarter, where workshops dedicated to crafting exquisite doors and windows still operate. The complex ornamental compositions create whimsical interweavings of lattice patterns, astonishing viewers with their artistic integrity and harmony.

The system of kyahriz (underground reservoirs), which still serves as a vital source of water supply for the city, was established during the medieval period. Each neighborhood in Ordubad had its own kyahriz, with larger neighborhoods hosting two or three. Most of these were communal; to access water from the kyahriz, a well was dug in the courtyard and connected to the kyahriz channel. Locally, these wells are referred to as “gyrkh pilleken” (meaning “40 steps”), as steps were carved into the stone for ease of descent and ascent to the water. Kyahriz not only supplied the residents with drinking water but also powered mills, irrigated fields, gardens, and orchards. In the summer months, they were even used to store vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.

Many courtyards in Ordubad still preserve the ancient stone tool known as the dibeq mortar. This simple yet durable instrument, which can be up to a meter in diameter, features a hollow for grinding with a stone pestle or a wooden “ketuk-dibeq.” It served multiple purposes, including crushing, grinding, and slicing food. These large stone mortars were actively used outdoors in households until the mid-20th century, showcasing the enduring legacy of traditional practices.

The staircases connecting the floors of homes were constructed in both enclosed and open styles (the latter typically located on the facade). Made from stone or fired brick, they often took the form of spirals, adding an aesthetic appeal to the interiors while serving a practical purpose.

Numerous surviving examples of ancient ceramics impress with their beauty and elegance, despite their simple forms. Each piece is aesthetically expressive while remaining utilitarian. The vibrant color palette of the glazes—green, blue, turquoise, dark cherry, and dark brown—adds a special effect to the dishes. The ornamental painting is characterized by a wealth of elements, refinement of lines, curls, spirals, and smooth roundness of contours, along with countless small details that complement the main pattern.