Juma Mosque in Shamakhy under reconstruction

Ancient mosque Juma in Shamakhy is being capitally reconstructed upon President Ilham Aliyev’s order. The Mosque is restored as a part of "Azerbaijan: Home to Tolerance" project of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which renders huge care to the historical past and religious-moral values.

The Mosque, the second oldest religious center in the South Caucasus and the first ancient religious center and unique architectural monument in present Azerbaijan, was built in 743. Hit by a strong earthquake in 1859 the Mosque was restored later. Damaged by the second quake in 1902 the Mosque was restored in 1909 owing to the project of first Azerbaijani educated architect Zivar bay Ahmadbayov from Shamakhy and Polish engineer Iosif Ploshko. Reconstruction works at the Mosque are based on the advanced version of that project.

The 2-floor gallery embracing the Mosque from 3 sides is also constructed. It will include administrative building, conference room, library, ablution places and other secondary rooms. 2 minarets, each in 36m, will be built within the Mosque. Cupolas decorated with ornaments of ancient architecture will be set in the beginning and end of the gallery and on the Mosque. 

The cornerstone of the Mosque was reinforced with ferro-concrete constructions of 1-m depth related to seismicity of Shamkhy. To strengthen firmness of minarets, foundation fixing works were done in 15-m depth. The Mosque will have a 4-m entrance with a cupola on the top. Ancient cells in the vicinity will be restored.