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  Name Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
  Infoboxwidth 250px
  Type Cultural
  Criteria iv
  ID 958
  Region Europe
  Year 2000
  Session 24th
  Danger 2003-


The Maiden Tower (, old town Baku , originally on the shore of the Caspian Sea . Due to Land Reclamation in the early 20th century the tower is now separated from the Caspian by a busy main road and public gardens.

It was constructed in the 12th century, or possibly earlier - its architectural style and construction sequence is obscure, and estimates for its age go back to an unlikely 2,500 years. It was built by the 12th century architect Masud Ibn Davud , who was probably the father of the architect of Mardakan Round Tower (not to confuse with Mardakan castle)Ашурбейли Сара. История города Баку: период средневековья. Баку, Азернешр, 1992; page 149.

There are a number of competing explanations for the name:
  • A legend concerning a maiden who threw herself off its top, to her death in the waves below.

  • The fact that the tower has never been taken by force.

  • Some historians relate it to Oghuz Turks

  • Some consider that it was once a Watch Tower Qalası


The Maiden Tower is a noted landmark and one of Azerbaijan's most distinctive national emblems, to be seen on Azeri Currency Notes and other official pieces of paper. It houses a museum and a gift shop, selling traditional textile and ceramic products. The view from the roof is highly recommended, taking in the alleys and minarets of the Old City , the Maritime National Park , the De Gaulle house and a wide vista of the Baku Bay . In recent years the brazier on the top has been lit during the nights of the Norouz festival, celebrated in Iran as well as Azerbaijan.


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