Ganja: First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, visited the Shah Abbas and Huseyniyye mosques in Ganja, accompanied by her daughters Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Imam Isgandar Mammadov provided Mehriban Aliyeva with insights into the Shah Abbas Mosque during the visit. The mosque, commissioned in 1606 by Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I and designed by architect Sheikh Bahaddin Muhammad Amili, is also recognized as the Ganja Friday Mosque. Situated on the Ganja River’s left bank in the historical center of Ganja, this 17th-century structure showcases the Arran architectural style. The mosque’s architectural composition, planning, structure, and artistic-decorative elements reflect medieval Azerbaijani architecture’s portal-dome traditions.

In 2008, restoration and repair work on the mosque was initiated by President Ilham Aliyev. During her visit, Mehriban Aliyeva assessed the mosque’s current state and issued further instructions for its preservation. Copies of the Quran were presented to her and her daughters.

The visit continued with the exploration of the Huseyniyye Mosque, a 19th-century structure also known as the Tatlar Mosque. Initially serving as a madrasa and later as a mosque, it now requires restoration. Instructions for necessary repair work were provided.

Azerbaijan’s tradition of religious and ethnic harmony is supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which plays a crucial role in maintaining these values. Through the ‘Address of Tolerance – Azerbaijan’ project, the Foundation undertakes restoration and repair of religious monuments and organizes thematic exhibitions.