Gulustan Fortress (Shamakhi)

Description

The fortress rises 190–200 m above the surrounding terrain, with defensive walls built on mountain slopes and a citadel on the summit. It was surrounded by an abyss on the north, east, and west. Surviving fragments include round and quadrangular walls and towers. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of a palace complex and material culture from the 9th–12th centuries. Water was supplied via clay pipes, and an underground passage, more elaborate than those in similar Azerbaijani fortresses, led to a water source.

History

The fortress was presumably built in the 9th century. The orientalist Yevgeni Pakhomov suggested that the ruins may mark the site of the city of Yazidiyya, mentioned as the capital of Shirvan in “Tarikh al-Bab” until 1072. From the 11th to the 16th centuries it was the residence and defensive fortress of the Shirvanshahs, with its role increasing in the 12th–early 13th century. It served as a refuge and second residence after Shamakhi.

The fortress is mentioned by Khaqani and Arif Ardabili; archaeologist Huseyn Jiddi believed Khaqani called it a “new Kaaba-shed” due to reconstruction. Written sources indicate that in the 12th century, Shahbanu, sister of Shirvanshah Manuchehr III, carried out repair work. Arif Ardabili’s “Farhad-name” describes the fortress and its walls. In 1501, Shah Ismail’s troops besieged Gulustan but failed to take it, also failing at Kale-i Bugurt and Surkhab.

In 1547, Alqas Mirza’s rebellion was suppressed, but followers led by Mehtar Dawlat Yar held the fortress. After the Shah’s envoy was executed, a three-month siege followed. According to Hasan-beg Rumlu, the fortress was breached when women embittered at Dawlat Yar threw tent ropes to qurchis of Shamlu, who climbed the walls. The fortress was destroyed on the Shah’s orders. With the spread of firearms, it lost its defensive significance.