Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque | |
---|---|
Basic information | |
Location | de jure Shusha, Azerbaijan de facto Shushi, Artsakh Republic |
Affiliation | Islam |
Architectural description | |
Architect(s) | Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi |
Architectural style | Islamic architecture |
Completed | 1875-1876 |
Minaret(s) | 2 |
Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque (Azerbaijani: Aşağı Gövhər ağa məscidi, lit. 'Lower Govhar Agha Mosque') is an Azerbaijani mosque located in Shusha, Karabakh region of Azerbaijan about 350 km from the capital Baku but is currently under control of Armenian forces since the occupation of Shusha on May 8, 1992.
The designation ashaghi ("lower") refers to the location of the mosque in the lower section of Shusha town, distinguishing it from the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the similarly named mosque located in the upper section of the town. Both mosques are considered symbols of Shusha and masterpieces of Eastern architecture. Construction of Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque was completed with orders of Govhar Agha, daughter of Ibrahim Khalil Khan of Karabakh Khanate approximately 8 years before the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque was built. The difference between the Ashaghi Govhar Agha with Yukhari Govhar Agha is that the minarets of the former mosque are located in the corners of the rear facade unlike the Yukhari Govhar Agha mosque where the minarets are on the front facade.
After fall of Shusha under Armenian control, the mosque stopped functioning. As of 2005–2007, the mosque is in semi-destroyed state. Although it has been claimed that the mosque was renovated, the members of Azerbaijani visiting delegation to Karabakh took photos and said that the mosque is still badly damaged and no renovation works are being done.
The Lower Govhar Agha Mosque in 2010 with both minarets still intact
Roof of the mosque in 2017
Inside the building
View from the minaret
Inscription inside