Top 10 Remarkable Facts About Momine Khatun Mausoleum

Momine Hatun Mausoleum. Photo by Fuad2006. Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Momine Khatun Mausoleum

Momine Khatun Mausoleum which is commonly known as Mu’mine Khatun is a 12^th-century mausoleum located in Azerbaijan in the city of Nakhchivan. In 1998, the mausoleum was nominated for the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites by the president of the Azerbaijan Committee of ICOMOS.

The magnificent structure was built between 1186 and 1187 while Adjemi ibn Abubekr was the architect responsible for the alluring marvel. He was also the mind behind the construction of the Mausoleum of Yusuf ibn Kuseyir.

The mausoleum is not only an outstanding landmark but also the final resting place of the first wife to lldegizid Atabeg Jahan Pahlawan.

Since Momine Khatun Mausoleum is located in the capital city very many people come to learn about their history.

The monument is covered with ornaments on each of the ten different sides since it is Eastern architecture as well as national architecture.

Below are the top ten remarkable facts about Momine Khatun Mausoleum

1. The Founder Erected the Mausoleum on the Grave of his Wife

Momine Khatun Mausoleum in 2013. Photo by Toghrul Rahimli. Wikimedia Commons

Momine Khatun Mausoleum was erected by Shamsaddin Eldaniz who was the founder of the Mausoleum. He erected it just above the grave of his wife named Momine Khatun.

Since its construction in 1186, it has been the only structure that has reached our era from that complex.

The complex was however completed by his son named Mahammad Jahan Pahlavan in 1186. The research carried out showed that his son was also buried in the same mausoleum.

2. The Mausoleum Existed as Part of a Religious and Educational Complex

Some of the photos and paintings are drawn from the nineteenth century show that it existed as a part of the educational and religious complex. They also show that there were some monumental buildings as well as the Jameh mosque that existed around the mausoleum.

Although the complex no longer exists the photos confirm that its architect was also responsible for the construction of the nearby Yusuf ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum.

3. It is the Most Outstanding Landmark in Nakhchivan

Rainbow after spring rain in Nakhchivan. Photo by Murad19900. Wikimedia Commons

Momine Khatun Mausoleum has been considered the most outstanding landmark in the entire Nakhchivan. The magnificent structure has been beautifully decorated using geometric patterns as well as quotes from the Koran.

The massive monument is also considered a skyscraper due to its height of 34 meters. Although the structure is currently about 25 meters high, it contains Arab writings in the Kufic style and has been styled as a geometric pattern.

4. The Mausoleum is Decorated by a Stalactite Composition

Momine Khatun Mausoleum is not only a popular landmark but the monument is decorated to attract lots of masses. Apart from the Arab writing, the monument has nine of the ten sides with different ornaments.

Only one side repeats itself and the top of the monument is beautifully decorated with stalactite composition. The words written in Kufic are “We pass away, but only wind is left behind us. We die, only the work is left as a present”.

5. Momine Khatun Mausoleum has a Unique Design and Structure

Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the magnificent structures with the most unique design and structure. It consists of an underground as well as an aboveground part.

The aboveground part which is the exterior takes the shape of a decagonal but the interior is however round formed.

The monument also has four rounds of medallions where the names of Caliphs have been written inside the dome. There is also a rectangular entrance to the tower which was constructed in the form of a shallow sharp arch.

6. Momine Khatun Mausoleum is Distinguished by an Imperial Grandeur

Details of exterior of Momine Khatun mausoleum. Photo by The most ancient. Wikimedia Commons

The spectacular Momine Khatun Mausoleum is distinguished from other Mausoleums by its imperial grandeur. There are beautiful writings just above the tomb as well as the main book found in the monument.

The book records that the tomb was ordered to be constructed by the just, great, and educated in the world purposely for the memory of the Muslim religion.

7. It is a Representative of Nakhchivan Architectural Tradition

Momine Khatun Mausoleum in 2013. Photo by Toghrul Rahimli. Wikimedia Commons

Momine Khatun Mausoleum is the main representative of the Nakhchivan architectural tradition during the medieval era. The architecture was however massively influenced by Adjemi ibn Kuseyir who was an architect in Azerbaijan.

The Nakhchivan style of architecture differs from others specifically due to the use of brick as the basic construction material. The style also involves the use of colored and particularly the use of turquoise enameled tiles for decorations.

8. Momine Khatun Mausoleum is an Historic Site

The monument is a major historic site in Azerbaijan due to the mass information that is contained in the Mausoleum. The rich history of the monument particularly the architecture has been well maintained and preserved for many centuries.

It also contains the history of the founder of the monument who constructed the structure above the grave of his wife.

9. Momine Khatun Mausoleum was Nominated for World Heritage List

The magnificent structure was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 by Gulnara Mehmandarova. He was the current president of the Azerbaijan Committee of ICOMOS.

Although it was nominated, it however never managed to be put on the list but later underwent massive restoration between 1999 and 2003. The restoration was carried out by the Azerbaijan Cultural Heritage Support Project which was a part of the World Bank.

10. The Monument is a Tourist Attraction Site

Momine Khatun Mausoleum has been a major tourist attraction site not only for local tourists but also for international tourists. The beautifully decorated monument contains a lot of history as well as the Azerbaijan architectural masterpiece.

It is also a source of joy for those who have a similar architectural design which is filled with tiles and ornaments.

Momine Khatun Mausoleum is a fantastic place to visit and enjoy the ancient architecture of the land which has been well preserved. The monument contains rich history which the residents of Azerbaijan are very proud of.

The Mausoleum is well decorated with spectacular writing and shapes both in the interior and the exterior.