Güllü qarı məscidi

Güllü qarı Mosque — a historic mosque located on Kiçik Qala Street in the city of Shaki.

History

Güllü qarı Mosque, as one of the architectural gems of the 19th century, is situated in the narrow streets of the Kiçik Qala quarter of Shaki. This historic mosque was created by the skillful carving of local river stones and reflects the traditional elements of Eastern architecture. Distinguished by its simple yet elegant appearance, this small mosque has been an integral part of the local community's religious and social life for centuries. The walls of the mosque, bearing witness to stones that have withstood the test of time, are carriers of beliefs and values passed down from generation to generation. Due to the prohibition of religious activities during the Soviet era, the mosque was forced to close its doors for a period, but it revived in the 1990s with the restoration of the country's independence and has continued to function as a place of worship. The neighborhood life that formed around the mosque, with people gathering to organize religious and social events, shows that the mosque is not only a religious space but also a center serving the cohesion of the community.

Origin of the name

According to a legend about the mosque's name, in this mosque, which was mainly frequented by women, a woman named Güllü was the one who paid the most attention to maintaining order and cleanliness. As a result of her care and service to the mosque, it began to be known among the people as "the mosque of Güllü the old woman," and later this name became official.

Architectural features

Güllü qarı Mosque is a simple rectangular-plan structure built of river stone. The roof is covered with tiles. The interior of the mosque is simple and modest. Religious elements such as the mihrab and minbar are crafted in a plain manner. A small courtyard and auxiliary buildings (ablution facility, etc.) are located around the mosque. There is no inscription on the mosque's entrance door.

The walls of the mosque are built of river stone and plastered with white lime. The roof of the mosque is sloping on all four sides and is covered with tiles. Inside the mosque, the walls and ceiling are painted white. The prayer hall of the mosque is simple and has no decorative elements. The delicate mihrab and minbar are made of wood and adorned with carved patterns.

Significance

Güllü qarı mosque is part of Shaki's historical and cultural heritage. The mosque is used for both religious and public purposes. In addition to being a place where religious ceremonies are held for the local population, the mosque is also a venue where community members gather and hold discussions. The mosque also contributes to Shaki's tourism potential and is visited by tourists.