The majestic medieval complex Pir Huseyn Khanqah stands alone and solemnly on the banks of the Pirsagat River, not far from the ancient road from Shemakha (the motherland of the Shemakhan Queen from the famous fairy tale of the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin) to Iran. For decades, its ancient fortifications, beautiful minaret, tombs, and centuries-old walls have attracted a large number of visitors who want to know what the Muslim shrines of the Middle Ages were like.
A khanqah is a traditional ritual complex consisting of several mosques and mausoleums. In ancient times, pilgrims from different cities and countries flocked here, since each khanqah had a luxurious caravanserai with a religious shrine.
Previously, there were a lot of such complexes. Unfortunately, wars and time have destroyed most of them. The Pir Huseyn Khanqah is one of the few religious buildings of this type in Azerbaijan, which has been well preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day. Historians suggest that the construction of this complex began in the XII century and was completed by the middle of the XIV century, and then the complex was expanded for several more centuries.
Of course, the Pir Huseyn Khanqah is no longer as attractive as it was many centuries ago. But even now, you can see the finest artistic carvings, ceramic decorations, and partially preserved glazed tiles with bright patterns. And if you climb to the top of the minaret, you can enjoy the endless expanses and unusual landscapes surrounding the complex.
The tomb of Pir Husein was once the jewel of the complex. Its walls were covered with beautiful ceramic tiles with chandelier paintings, which gave the building a fabulous look.
The loopholes in the fortress walls, as well as rather high corner towers, which were most likely used as observation posts, indicate that it was not only a religious but also a fortification complex.
Before the Pir Huseyn Khanqah fell into disrepair, there were significantly more buildings and life there was in full swing. For example, there were several apparently residential buildings, but, unfortunately, only their foundations and warehouses remained. Besides, there were spacious stable, and special rooms for grooms.