Embark upon exploring Basgal, a famous settlement of Ismayilli District, known for its historic fortress walls, architectural sites, craftsmanship neighbourhoods, mosques, springs, ancient market square and narrow streets paved with river stones.
Situated on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains near the Niyaldag Mountain Range, Basgal is believed to derive its name from the combination of ‘bas’ and ‘gal,’ meaning ‘head fortress,’ ‘build a fortress,’ or ‘elevate the fortress’ in Azerbaijani. The graves and sarcophagus-like monuments in Basgal Cemetery date back to the 17th-18th centuries, indicating the long-standing settlement of this area. Archaeological research conducted in Sheikh Muhammad Mosque proves that there has been significant habitation in the Basgal area since at least the 11th century.
Architectural legacy
Basgal has preserved its historical architectural structure, network of cobbled streets and neighbourhoods to this day. Due to seismic activity in the Shirvan area, the earthquake resilience of buildings in Basgal was carefully taken into consideration. To increase elasticity, a ‘ketil’ (wooden belt) would be placed between every 4-5 layers of masonry stones. In that era, the corners of houses facing the street were not angular but in a cut-off shape, in order to prevent damage from vehicles. As an intriguing architectural element, gates were equipped with two types of knockers, dictating whether a man or a woman would answer the door.
Basgal Hamam
An architectural monument from the 17th century located within the territory of Basgal State Historical and Cultural Reserve, Basgal Hamam is constructed in the classic Oriental style. The bathhouse building has been taken under state protection as a local architectural monument. Its domes, adorned with plant patterns, and the precise symmetry of column elements, indicate a high level of local architectural traditions. The bathhouse was renovated in 2021 to undergo conversion into a museum. Here, one can learn about the features and development of Azerbaijani hammam culture, as well as folk customs and traditions related to baths, including the underfloor heating system known as ‘kulkhana.’
Kuraband
The kuraband sewage system, operational since the early 13th century, is not only a unique engineering example from the Middle Ages, but also considered one of the most significant elements of medieval urban planning culture in Basgal. Initially, wells were dug, followed by the construction of deep covered channels. The kuraband combined several springs in Basgal into a single water and sewage network. Archaeological excavations conducted in Basgal between 2019 and 2021 revealed two kuraband systems in the square in front of Sheikh Mahammad Mosque.
Sheikh Muhammad Mosque
Built in the upper part of Market Square, Sheikh Muhammad Mosque is a historical structure from the 16th century. Manuscripts belonging to the historical ‘madrasa,’ which once operated in the mosque, are currently on display by Basgal State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The building periods of Sheikh Muhammad Mosque have been determined for the first time through research works on its archaeological layers, and numerous material and cultural objects have been uncovered, studied and handed over to the museum collection of the reserve.
Historical Plane Tree (1563)
A tree with a huge trunk and a large crest considered a sacred place by locals was planted in 1563 by Sheikh Safai, the son of Sheikh Mahammad. The following information about the plane tree was given in the inscription:
Studying this inscription, placed on the auxiliary building of the Sheikh Mahammad Mosque, confirmed that it belongs to the Plane Tree. The inscription of planting a plane tree was carved with local rubble stone. The stone is 0.39 cm long and 0.27 cm wide. The edge of the stone is decorated simply. The two-line inscription was engraved in the “Naskh” script with “Suls” elements.
The translation of the inscription is as follows: "The Plane Tree was planted in 970 by Al Faqir Sheikh Safai, the son of Sheikh Mahammad."
The year of 970 AH corresponds to the year of 1563 AD. Thus, Sheikh Mahammad built the Basqal Mosque in 1531. Thirty-two years later, in 1563, his son Sheikh Safai planted the Baskal’s famous Plane Tree.
Market Square
Serving as a centre of exchange and craftsmanship until recent times, Market Square (‘Bazar Meydani’) has historically been the heart of regional trade. All streets, roads, neighbourhoods and paths emanating from houses met in this square, making it the centre of Basgal. On various days of the week, certain agricultural and craft products were sold in the square. It was also the most convenient place for the local population to discuss all public and domestic matters.
Kelaghayi
In Basgal, the art of ‘kelaghayi’, which holds a significant place in Azerbaijan’s intangible cultural heritage and system of national and spiritual values, is still alive today.
In the Middle Ages, Basgal was one of the major weaving and craft centres of the Shirvan region, with most of the population engaged in silk production. Kelaghayi made in Basgal in the 18th and 19th centuries attracted great interest in countries of the Caucasus, the East and Europe. Considered a symbol of nobility and femininity, Azerbaijani kelaghayi was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014 as ‘Traditional art and symbolism of Kelaghayi.’
