Nestled not within the city itself but rather in the mountainous terrain near the village of Yukhary Chardaklar, approximately 20 kilometers from the urban center, lies the enigmatic Fortress of Pəri Gala. The name, which translates to “Fortress of the Fairy,” seems to speak for itself. However, according to various sources, “Pəri” refers to an Avar princess who ruled these lands long before they fell, albeit briefly, under the influence of the Georgian Queen Tamar.
This architectural marvel is tentatively dated to the 4th to 5th centuries and is believed to have served as a Zoroastrian temple. Indeed, similar rock-hewn temples can also be found in Iran. One of the most striking features of the temple is its portal, which dramatically contrasts with the rugged backdrop of the surrounding rock. It is likely that a sacred fire once burned there. In truth, what we see from the outside is merely a small glimpse of the grandeur that lies within this wonder of architecture and human endeavor. Inside the rock, three chambers are carved out, interconnected by narrow passages. Accessing these chambers requires a certain level of climbing skill, as the approach to the tower involves a tunnel that ascends several dozen meters, with crumbling steps making movement between the rooms quite challenging.
A mystery remains regarding how the builders managed to carve this structure into the rock. It is unclear how the workers accomplished their tasks at such great heights, suspended in mid-air, and how they gauged the dimensions and scale of the future construction. Thus, we can only marvel at the beauty and craftsmanship of the ancient stonemasons.
The Fortress of Pəri Gala is located 300 meters from the village of Yukhary Chardaklar, perched on a steep section of the mountain at an elevation of 150 to 200 meters above the ground. The total area of the fortress is approximately 30 square meters. To reach the fortress, there exists a path hewn from the rock, measuring 1 to 1.5 meters in width, the remnants of which have survived to this day.
Inside the fortress, three rooms await exploration. The trail leading to the fortress is arduous, rendering it nearly inaccessible. According to historian Muhammad Gadjiakhmedov, there were once steps within the fortress that have since crumbled. Gadjiakhmedov also notes that water channels were constructed to the fortress using reeds as pipes.
The very name of the village, Chardaklar, is also linked to the fortress. The word “Chartak” translates to “temple of fire on a rock.” According to another legend, a girl named Pəri took refuge in this fortress to escape foreign invaders. Rather than surrender to her enemies, she leaped from the fortress, leading to its name being associated with her. It is believed that the name “Fortress of Pəri” may have originated in the 8th century during the Arab conquests. Once, at the foot of the fortress, there was a grave that has since eroded.
Some researchers attribute the construction of the fortress to the 12th or 13th centuries or to the period of Emir Timur’s reign, which corresponds to the late 14th century. According to another legend, Timur’s forces attempted to seize the fortress but were met with resistance led by a woman named Pəri. When Timur was informed of the fortress’s impenetrability, he declared that he would personally capture it and make its defender his woman. However, Pəri refused to surrender to Timur’s army, and after a prolonged battle, Timur succeeded in taking the fortress. To avoid capture, Pəri leaped from the cliff. It is speculated that following this event, the fortress was named the Fortress of Pəri.
