Shamakhi:The village of Kalakhana, situated in Azerbaijan's Shamakhi district, is a year-round attraction for both domestic and international tourists, primarily due to the historic 17th-century Kalakhana Mausoleum Complex.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this remarkable site is located nine kilometers south of Shamakhi and spans an area of 4.6 hectares. The complex consists of nine mausoleums, believed to have been constructed in the mid-17th century by a single architect. Each mausoleum features an octagonal-prism design and is constructed from rubble stone, with intricately carved stone frames accentuating the entrance portals.
The interiors of these mausoleums are notable for their floors paved with aglay stone and centrally placed square stone blocks, which stand 35-40 centimeters in height. An inscription on one of the mausoleums reveals that it was built in 1074 AH (1663-1664) by Abdulazim, son of Amir Ali, with Amir Ahmad, son of Sheikh Ibrahim, being the individual interred there.
Surrounding the mausoleum complex is an ancient cemetery of significant historical import, containing numerous stone tombstones with inscriptions. Some of these tombstones were moved to Baku in the mid-20th century and are now exhibited in front of the Maiden Tower. The mausoleums' entrances face east, and five of the tombs are enclosed by fences.
The Kalakhana Mausoleums are not only a testament to the region's rich history but also a prime example of Shirvan-Absheron architecture, highlighting Azerbaijan's cultural heritage.