Govharagha (real name Govharnisa), the daughter of the last khan of Karabakh Ibrahim khan, was also one of the famous philanthropists of her time.

The Ashagi Govharagha Mosque, built at her expense, was built in Shusha in 1874-1875 by architect Karbala Safikhan Garabaghi.

The mosque was included in the “List of immovable historical and cultural monuments of national importance” by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 132 dated August 2, 2001. During the occupation of Shusha in May 1992, the building and minarets of the Ashagi Govharaga mosque came under heavy fire from armored vehicles.

The Yukhari Govharagha Mosque was built in 1883-1884, i.e about eight years after the Ashaghi Govharagha Mosque, at the expense of Govhar Agha by the architect Karbala Safikhan Garabaghi.

This mosque, which has a square plan (21.30 x 26.20 m), generally supports the construction idea of Aghdam Juma and Ashaghi Govharagha mosques. One of the main construction criteria of the architect is the balcony on the second floor, installed along the side walls of the hall, and the glazing opposite the altar.

Although the minaret of the Yukhari Govharagha Mosque is made of natural limestone, as in previous mosques, the geometric ornaments used on its body do not correspond to the minaret decorations of the Ashaghi Govharaga Mosque. They mainly continue the artistic idea of geometric ornaments on the minarets of the Aghdam Juma Mosque. The attic roof of the minarets is made of wood. Its end is decorated with a crescent-shaped figure.

This mosque, which has been used as a history museum since 1969, was destroyed by Armenian vandals in May 1992 after the occupation of Shusha.

After the liberation of Shusha by the Azerbaijani army on November 8, 2020, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is carrying out restoration work in the mosques.

Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency