Why Azerbaijan, the ‘Land of Fire,’ is home to many awe-inspiring castles and fortresses

Rich in natural resources and strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan offers a captivating history shaped by its position as a gateway between continents.

The 'Land of Fire' has attracted everyone from legendary conquerors like Alexander the Great and Timur to vast empires such as the Achaemenid, Roman, Ottoman, Safavid, and Tsarist Russia – along with numerous local kingdoms and dynasties.

Each left a lasting impact on Azerbaijan’s culture, cuisine, folklore, and mentality. More tangible evidence of their influence can be found in the multitude of castles, fortresses, and fortified towers spread across the country, from bustling cities to remote mountain peaks.

Azerbaijan has been a key intersection for major trade routes, including the legendary Silk Road,” says Elchin Aliyev, a prominent architect and author who has written a children's book on the nation's castles. “For millennia, various peoples, cultures, and traditions have passed through, lived in, and left their mark on this land.”

The structures they left behind are 'the visible history of our nation. They stand as silent witnesses to many pivotal moments in our rich past, both triumphant and tragic,' he explains. 'To truly understand these historical events, one must be at the place where they unfolded, feeling the spirit of the era as if traveling back in time, like in a time machine or an Oriental magic carpet.'

This remarkable architectural heritage remains largely undiscovered, largely due to Azerbaijan's tumultuous 20th-century history. 'Many of the castles lie abandoned, with no excavations having been conducted – under the USSR, studying the history of national republics was discouraged,' he says.

However, the fact that these sites are unexplored also means they are unspoiled. Today, they offer curious travelers a chance to experience the country's living history and multicultural legacy, free from the crowds of typical tourist spots. Here are 10 places you should add to your travel list.

Old City of Baku

You don't have to venture far to encounter Azerbaijan’s fascinating past. At the core of Baku, the capital city, lies a medieval citadel, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. The winding, ancient streets of this vibrant district are home to historic hammams, mosques, caravanserais, and palaces.

Baku's iconic Maiden Tower stands proudly near the Caspian Sea, its enigmatic design sparking ongoing debates about its origins. Some historians suggest it was a Zoroastrian fire temple from the 5th century, while others argue it was part of the fortress walls built in the 12th century.

Mardakan Castle – A Quadrangular Fortress

To the north of Baku, several small castles dot the Absheron Peninsula, extending into the Caspian Sea. In medieval times, they formed a cohesive defense system protecting vital trade routes and shielding the coastline from invaders. Local legend claims these fortifications were connected by secret underground tunnels. One of the best-preserved is the square-shaped fortress in Mardakan village, built by Shirvanshah ruler Akhsitan I in the late 12th century. Inside, you'll find a central courtyard and a towering 72-foot structure.

Chirag Gala

In the northeastern Shabran region, the remnants of Chirag Gala – a tower and its surrounding walls – mark the site of the oldest castle on this list, dating back to the 6th century during the Sassanid Persian era. Accessible only by a challenging trek up a rocky outcrop, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of both land and sea.

Chirag is thought to have served as a lookout along the Gilgilchay Wall, a vast defensive structure built to fend off northern nomadic tribes like the Huns, who used the Caucasus mountain passes and Caspian coastline to invade. Its name, 'Lamp Castle,' comes from the fires lit here to signal warnings of impending danger.

Sheki Fortress

Nestled at the base of the Caucasus Mountains, Sheki Fortress is a prominent feature of the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Sheki. Built in the mid-18th century, it once served as the administrative center of the Sheki Khanate (1743-1819) and included about 40 buildings, fountains, and gardens. The only surviving structure is the Sheki Khan’s Palace, an architectural masterpiece constructed without nails or glue, adorned with Persian miniature frescoes and vibrant Venetian glass windows, which would have traveled to Azerbaijan along the Silk Road.

Sumug Tower

This striking two-toned tower, built from stone and brick, stands at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains near the picturesque village of Ilisu. It dates back to a time when Ilisu was the capital of a small sultanate that lasted nearly 300 years until its fall to Russian control in 1844. The tower was likely built in the 17th or 18th century, though its origins remain unclear. Today, it houses a modest museum dedicated to the Ilisu Sultanate and is famous for its appearance in the 1981 Soviet comedy film 'Don’t Worry, I’m With You.'

Zaqatala Fortress

At the heart of Zaqatala stands a formidable fortress, constructed in 1830 under the orders of Russian general Ivan Paskevich. The fortress played a crucial role in securing Tsarist Russia's control over north-western Azerbaijan and defending against attacks from local mountaineers loyal to the legendary resistance leader Imam Shamil during the Murid War (1829-1859). After the failed Russian Revolution of 1905, it was used as a prison for mutineers from the battleship Potemkin, later immortalized in Sergei Eisenstein’s 1925 silent film. Several Tsarist-era buildings and cast iron cannons still remain inside.

Maiden Tower, Gadabay

One of the most rewarding hikes in the Lesser Caucasus mountains is reaching the ruins of a mountaintop castle in Gadabay, overlooking the Shamkirchay River. The site is accessible by a steep footpath and offers stunning panoramic views. The main tower, constructed of brick, likely dates back to the 12th century. While little is known about its history, some historians associate it with the powerful Eldiguzid dynasty of the period, while others suggest it may even predate this era.

Shusha Fortress

Nestled in the mountains of the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, soon to be officially dissolved in 2024, Shusha is a city of immense cultural and historical importance. It grew around a fortress constructed in the 1750s by Panah Ali Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate (1748-1822). During a time when Russia and Persia fought for dominance over the Caucasus, the fortress was strategically placed atop a 5,000-foot mountain plateau, surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides for added defense. Built from local limestone, its walls stretch 1.5 miles and feature three grand gates and several circular guard towers. In 1795, the fortress famously repelled an invasion by the Persian Shah, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar.

Alinja Castle

Perched on the peak of Mount Alinja in the exclave of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, Alinja Castle is often compared to Peru's Machu Picchu due to its breathtaking location. The castle's history is as dramatic as its setting, notably the siege by the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) from 1387 to 1401, with Timur finally capturing the stronghold after a 14-year struggle. While the current structure is a new build atop the original ruins, which somewhat diminishes the historical atmosphere, the hike up 2,000 steps to the mountaintop is rewarded with spectacular views.

Zindan Tower

This small cylindrical tower, located in the southeastern part of the country, was originally part of the Lankaran Fortress, which once served as the seat of the Talysh Khanate (1747-1828). After a fierce Russian siege in 1813, the fortress was destroyed, but Zindan Tower remained standing and was later used as a prison for many years. Local legend claims that Joseph Stalin was briefly imprisoned here in the early 20th century before making a daring escape through an underground tunnel.