Geysariyye, Ordubad

Among the key attractions in Ordubad is the Geysariyye, a former 17th-century marketplace that has now been transformed into a museum. The story behind this remarkable monument is intertwined with the influence of a woman: Shah Abbas commissioned the building for his wife. The term “Geysariyye” translates to “covered eastern market,” specifically constructed for the sale of gold jewelry and precious stones. Such architectural wonders can be found in only three locations worldwide—Samarkand, Tabriz, and Ordubad. Additionally, the market was known for showcasing exquisite treasures belonging to local rulers, earning it the nickname “Shah’s Bazaar.”

Today, Geysariyye houses the Museum of History and Local Lore, situated in the heart of Ordubad, conveniently located near the Juma Mosque. The structure features a grand central dome, flanked by eight smaller domes, and is constructed from baked bricks, reaching an impressive height of 8.5 meters.

In its heyday, this covered eastern market was a bustling hub for the sale of jewelry, gemstones, and ornate decorations. Later, it served as a zorhane, a venue for traditional wrestling matches. Geysariyye captivates tourists with its architectural beauty, intricate ornamentation, and thoughtful design, making it a must-visit site.

The museum’s exhibition includes a variety of ancient artifacts, such as petroglyphs from the Ghamigaya region—often referred to as the “Nakhchivan Gobustan”—located beneath the Kaputjukh Mountain. This site boasts approximately 1,500 rock carvings dating back between 3,000 to 6,000 years.

Additionally, the museum showcases an array of clay pottery, weaponry, household items, clothing, and samples of crafts that were prevalent in ancient Ordubad.

By the early 20th century, the silk industry supported four-fifths of Ordubad’s population. Compared to the Armenian workshops in Agulis, they were more patriarchal and lagged behind their neighbors in technical equipment, but they matched them in both the quantity and quality of finished silk. During the Soviet era, the workshops were consolidated into the Ordubad Silk Combine.

However, overall, the number one enterprise in Ordubad during the Soviet period became the fruit canning factory, as the surrounding foothills were exceptionally well-suited for growing fruits and nuts.

You can learn more about those time and see some of the silk products and fruit preserves from those times exhibited in the museum.  

The main exhibit of the exposition is a fragment from Mount Gapydzhyk – the Gamigaya petroglyph.