Juma Mosque, Shemakha

The Juma Mosque, located in the heart of Shemakha, holds the distinguished title of being the first mosque in Azerbaijan. Founded in 743 AD, it is also recognized as the second oldest mosque in the entire Caucasus region. 

As the main attraction of Shemakha, the Juma Mosque is the largest and most frequented mosque by pilgrims in Azerbaijan. Following a significant restoration in 2013, visitors can now appreciate its beauty and historical significance. The mosque’s importance is underscored by the fact that Friday, known as Juma in Arabic, is a sacred day for Muslims. On this day, the entire Muslim community gathers for the collective Juma prayer at noon, offering praise to Allah and seeking His mercy and protection.

Friday is a day set apart from the ordinary, where individuals are encouraged to pause their daily routines, spend time with family, and strengthen familial bonds. This cultural practice explains why Juma mosques are always among the largest in the area, as they must accommodate the throngs of worshippers who come to pray.

Originally constructed in 743 AD, the Juma Mosque is the second oldest mosque in the Caucasus, following the Juma Mosque in Derbent, which dates back to 734 AD. The Shemakha mosque was established during the Arab rule in Azerbaijan, a period marked by the spread of Islam and the construction of religious structures. Over the centuries, the mosque has endured numerous destructions and restorations, including significant repairs after the earthquake of 1859 and during the ethnic conflicts of 1918. It is evident that the original structure has been lost to time, as wars, earthquakes, fires, and the passage of time have taken their toll.

The mosque features a large prayer hall divided into three independent sections, each connected by wide passageways. In each section, there is a mihrab—a prayer niche oriented towards Mecca—adorned with intricate inlays and paintings. The presence of a separate mihrab in each prayer area is intentional; the central hall was designated for the local nobility, while the side sections were reserved for individuals of lower social status, including both men and women. This unique arrangement dates back to the Arab period and is rarely seen in later mosque constructions.

Each prayer hall is topped with its own dome, with the central hall featuring a larger dome and the side halls smaller ones. Underneath the dome of the central hall, a series of windows decorated with ornate grilles allows natural light to filter in, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere.

The Juma Mosque has been restored to reflect its original design, based on preserved drawings, architectural plans, and archaeological findings. This meticulous restoration effort ensures that visitors can experience the mosque much as it would have appeared in its early days, allowing them to connect with the spiritual and historical essence of this significant site.