Shusha: The Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque stands as a unique example of Shusha’s historical and architectural heritage. The mosque, highlighted in AZERTAC’s ‘If I Were a Tourist’ column, is a significant piece of the city’s religious and architectural history.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Shusha historically boasted 17 neighborhoods, each with its own mosque. The Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque, constructed by architect Karbala Safikhan Garabaghi in the 19th century, was the first mosque in the city built with financial assistance from Govhar Agha, the daughter of Ibrahim khan. Notably mentioned in Shusha’s 1855 master plan alongside a nearby madrasah, it is also recognized as the city’s second Friday mosque, often referred to as the Little Mosque.

In 1874-1875, the mosque underwent significant reconstruction, further solidifying its status as the Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque, named after its benefactor. The mosque suffered during the occupation of Shusha, facing acts of vandalism. However, following the city’s liberation, the mosque was restored to its former glory.

The mosque is a two-story structure, featuring cylindrical brick minarets and a domed prayer hall. Tourists visiting the site can explore a museum housed in the historical madrasah. The museum’s exhibition, “Garabagh and East Zangezur Museum: Before and After the Occupation. Renascence,” showcases the regions’ history before the occupation, the destruction of religious monuments, and the ongoing revival efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur.