Takiya (Ichery Sheher)

Takya (Azerbaijani: Təkiyə, Persian: تکیا) is a historical monument of the 13th century by the Iranian Shirvanshahs. It is a part of Old City and located on Gazi Muhammed street, in the city of Baku, in Azerbaijan. The building was also registered as a national architectural monument by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated August 2, 2001, No. 132.

History

The monument was built in XIII century. It mainly operated as mahallah mosque, and also as secondary school. In 1967, archeological excavations were conducted around the takya. It was restored in 1970s.

Dervishes were spiritually purified, performing individual and mass religious rituals here. Takyas were also a shelter for traveling strangers.

Architectural features

The monument is square-shaped and consists of a single room. Its facade is towards the Maiden Tower. Unusual plan of the takya, as well as covering of the worshipping room with stepped domes system resulted with specificity of the interior of the monument.