Masally is an interesting destination for cultural trips if you would like to explore shrines, museums and archaeological evidence. The historical dates range from the Bronze Age to the 19th century. Religious buildings, an extensive museum collection and kurgans offer different ways to discover the history of Masally.

Shrines and religious buildings

The Imamzade shrine in Hişkədərə dates from the 8th or 9th century. It contains the tomb of İbrahim, a grandson of the seventh Imam, Museyi Kazım. The shrine was restored in 2001. The construction date and the restoration are two distinct points of reference for establishing its chronology: the early date refers to the shrine, while 2001 is the year of its restoration.

Other religious sites offer different historical points of reference. The Baba-Seyidağa Mausoleum in Mahmudavar dates from the 16th century, while the Amir Mausoleum in Güllütəpə dates from the 19th century. The Juma Mosque in the city of Masallı is also assigned to the 19th century. Comparing them highlights the span of time without assigning the different buildings to a single era.

Castle, bathhouse and historical sites

Ərkivan Castle dates from the 9th to 10th century. A historic bathhouse in the city of Masallı and the Mehti Spring in Ərkivan date back to the 19th century. These sites differ not only in their dates but also in type: a castle is accompanied by a bathhouse and a spring. There is also an archaeological monument in Mahmudavar dating from the 3rd to 9th century. Its date spans several centuries and adds another point of reference to the more narrowly dated buildings.

Kurgans from the Bronze and Iron Ages

Archaeological sites also offer a clear comparison between different dates. Qaraxantəpə, a Bronze Age kurgan, is located in Hişkədərə. Məmmədtəpə in Təzə Alvadı is a kurgan from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Both sites date to the Bronze Age; Məmmədtəpə also dates to the Iron Age. Those wishing to explore Masally’s history across its various eras will find a concrete comparison here between archaeological sites with different dates.

The museum in Hişkədərə

The Rəhim-Tağıyev Museum of History and Local Lore is located in Hişkədərə. Its collection comprises more than 19,000 exhibits in the fields of paleontology, ethnography, numismatics and archaeology. This offers a perspective beyond individual buildings and archaeological sites: the four collection areas give the museum a broad thematic profile, from paleontology to numismatics. The museum is visited throughout the year by guests from various parts of Azerbaijan and from abroad. Check the current visitor arrangements before your trip. Numismatics is the study of coins.

Discover more destinations: Masallı, Qakh, Ganja, Absheron, Oghuz, Şəmkir, Khachmaz, Shamakhi.

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