Mosques of Ordubad District

The Ordubad district is home to several notable mosques, including the Dilber Mosque, the Dirnis Mosque (also known as the Friday Mosque), and the Hajji Guseyngulu Mosque.

Dilber Mosque is a historical and architectural gem. The city boasts numerous buildings that embody the unique values of the Nakhchivan architectural school, and the Dilber Mosque is a prime example. Open to worshippers, the mosque features a rectangular layout with a quadrangular courtyard supported by elegant columns. Most of its characteristics reflect the distinctive traits of the Nakhchivan architectural style. The Dilber Mosque exemplifies an architectural composition that harmoniously combines the style and structure typical of the early 18th century. Inside, the mosque houses an altar, lattice windows, and the entrance gates that grace the main facade. The primary entrance is flanked by large built-in windows adorned with intricate grilles, along with an asymmetrical arch and other stunning details. This uniqueness underscores how the Dilber Mosque embodies the perfect harmony between Ordubad’s architecture and its surrounding landscape.

According to local lore, the Dilber Mosque was constructed in honor of a woman named Dilber. It has become a cornerstone of the Muslim faith, built to recognize the invaluable role of women in Islam and their significant contributions to the largest communities in the Caucasus.

Another noteworthy site is the Dirnis Mosque, located on Mirza Street in the Yukhari village of Dirnis within the Ordubad district. This impressive structure is commonly referred to as the Friday Mosque by locals. The main entrance is situated on the western side, while a separate entrance for women is found on the eastern side. The ceiling on each side is supported by five columns, resulting in a total of ten pillars. A women’s balcony is constructed against the northeast wall on the first floor. The mosque features three large windows on the eastern wall, two on the western wall, and three on the southern wall. According to an inscription painted in black on the capstone of one of the columns, the mosque was restored in 1920-1921 by an architect named Hasan from Ordubad. This cultural and religious monument underwent further restoration in 1999, funded by local residents, which included the construction of a balcony opposite the main entrance on the western wall, where a minaret was also erected. Architectural features suggest that the Friday Mosque was originally built in the 17th century.

In the heart of the village of Ganza in the Ordubad district stands the historic Hajji Guseyngulu Mosque, notable for its impressive dimensions of 23 by 17 meters. Local residents claim that this mosque was constructed by Hajji Guseyngulu, an influential figure who actively promoted various forms and architectural styles of the Ajemi Nakhchivani school. Upon his passing, Hajji Guseyngulu was buried against the southern wall of this magnificent white brick mosque. After its restoration, a gravestone was placed over his grave, inscribed in Arabic with the words “Hajji Guseyngulu, 16th century.” The mosque is regarded as one of the oldest in Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan as a whole. This unique religious monument features a spacious interior hall. According to local builders, an additional hall was constructed in the early 20th century, connecting to the main structure through a passage on the western side of the old mosque. The older section of the mosque and its main hall are characterized by stone walls and three large columns. The interior columns and the sections between the columns and walls are connected by uniquely shaped arches, with wall thickness reaching up to one meter. Additionally, five niches are set into the walls inside the mosque. A balcony faces the entrance, and the facade is divided into 12 segments. Adjacent to the mosque is a guesthouse, which was renovated with bright religious inscriptions painted on its light green walls. As part of the renovation project, a magnificent minaret was erected on the southwestern wall of this cultural monument. The minaret bears the inscription: “This minaret was built by Hajji Israfil Sadigli in 2000; architects Karbalai Sayid and Karbalai Gurban.” During the sacred months of Muharram and Ramadan, morning prayers and religious ceremonies are held at the mosque. Naturally, during the festive events in the Nakhchivan region, which is set to become a global capital of Islamic culture in 2018, various ceremonies will take place at the Hajji Guseyngulu Mosque. The land on the southern side of the mosque once belonged to Hajji Guseyngulu, who generously donated it for the establishment of a cemetery adjacent to the mosque. Based on the inscriptions on the gravestones in this cemetery, it can be confidently stated that Hajji Guseyngulu lived in the 15th century, suggesting that the mosque was constructed around the same time.