Traditional houses in Ordubad

The houses of Ordubad hold a unique architectural significance, their structures reminiscent of the medieval era. These homes are regarded as some of the most captivating examples of residential architecture in Azerbaijan. In the courtyard of each house, one can find a pool and a well, while the tall fences feature specially designed openings for ventilation. The arrangement of the courtyards evokes the essence of caravanserais, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The grand entrance doors are crafted from wood, and next to the fence, there are designated areas for unloading goods and stabling livestock for guests. After a guest leaves their cargo and animals here, the host would escort them along a narrow cobblestone path leading to the house situated at the far end of the courtyard.

Ordubad houses are built using a mixture of local soil, a material that effectively maintains a cool environment in the summer while preserving warmth in the winter. The doors of these homes are particularly striking, featuring “gendered” knockers: a ring for women, symbolizing their domain, and metal clappers for men, marking their presence.

The traditional center of each neighborhood in the historic part of Ordubad typically features a mosque, a nearby kahriz (a traditional water well) with crystal-clear water, and a magnificent plane tree offering shade. The houses are primarily constructed from bricks, but their structural integrity relies on sturdy walnut beams, which enable them to withstand both powerful earthquakes and the frequent landslides characteristic of the mountainous terrain. Two-story houses dominate the landscape, each equipped with a cellar for food storage known as a “buzkhana.”

Life in the old quarter of the city resembles that of a traditional Spanish patio, reminiscent of those found in Seville or Córdoba. Here, a two-story house with windows overlooking the courtyard stands opposite a single-story building that houses a summer kitchen, storage space, and a bathhouse, all centered around a lush fruit garden.

An interesting fact about Ordubad is that each neighborhood boasts its own mosque, water supply system, and plane tree.

This can be witnessed firsthand while strolling through one of the city’s oldest districts, once inhabited by affluent families. Most of the houses have preserved their original form, though few people currently reside in them. Each homeowner has a unique story: some have left the city, while others have moved to modern homes in different neighborhoods. Today, tourists flock to this area to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the ancient city.