“My Thoughts on the History and Purpose of the Maiden Tower” – Vafa Guliyeva

 

Author:
Vafa Guliyeva
Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences
“Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration

 

 

The Maiden Tower is the oldest fortress built along the coastal part of Icherisheher. It is a symbol of Baku and one of the most important components of the city’s seaside “facade.” In the year 2000, along with Icherisheher and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, the Maiden Tower was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Maiden Tower was built in a cylindrical shape on a massive rock that slopes toward the sea. An elongated buttress has been added on the seaward side. One side of the rock is covered with carved stone, while the other is protected by a wall featuring a system of large semicircular projections.

 

 

The interior of the tower is divided into eight levels. Each level is built with hewn stone and covered with a domed ceiling. The connection between the levels is maintained via a staircase constructed within the southeastern wall of the tower. The connection between the first and second levels was originally only possible through a circular hole in the ceiling, using a ladder or rope.

To provide lighting and ventilation from the inside, loopholes were constructed on the southern and southeastern sides. On the southern side of the tower, at the level of the third floor, there is a deep water well. Starting from the second floor up to the seventh floor, a neatly constructed vertical shaft in the form of a well is present. At each floor, a semicircular niche is opened at the point where this shaft is located. Inside the shaft, ceramic pipes were fitted together, extending from top to bottom.

The Maiden Tower stands out for its large dimensions (its height varies between 28 and 31 meters) and the strength of its walls (5 meters thick at the base, 4.5 meters at the top). The attached buttress structure has no known analogues in either medieval Middle Eastern or Western European fortification architecture. Its purpose remains undetermined. According to architects, it is neither a wave breaker, nor a buttress meant to provide additional stability to the tower, nor a structure intended to resist stone projectiles or wall-breaking machines.

The upper, ribbed part of the tower resembles the Chiragh Tower, a structure from the Sasanian period located in the Davachi (modern-day Shabran) region of Azerbaijan, which was part of the Gilgilchay defense system (6th century). It is believed that the tower was once connected to nearby wells through underground passages or kahrizes (underground water channels), and was not as isolated as it appears today. This is supported by remnants of masonry on the southwestern side.

The tower’s unusual appearance, with no equivalent in the Middle East, indicates its antiquity. There are several scholarly hypotheses regarding its original function. The most prominent is the theory that it served as a sacred temple. The geometry of the temple represents an abstract human form, and the sacred numbers encoded in its structure reflect the process of divine rebirth. Thus, the design and construction of the temple symbolize an exchange between this world and the afterlife.

The Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası) is one of the most enigmatic and iconic monuments of Baku, Azerbaijan. Situated in the southeastern part of the ancient city of Icherisheher, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. The tower’s unique structure and mysterious origins have been the subject of extensive research and debate among historians and architects.(Википедия)

According to Professor Vəfa Quliyeva, a leading expert from the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, the Maiden Tower was constructed atop a massive rock formation, with a cylindrical shape complemented by a protruding buttress on its seaward side. This architectural feature is unparalleled in both Near Eastern and Western European medieval architecture, suggesting a unique purpose and design.

The interior of the tower comprises eight levels, each separated by stone floors and connected by a staircase embedded within the southeastern wall. Notably, between the first and second floors, access was originally possible only through a circular opening in the ceiling, navigable by ladder or rope. The tower also houses a deep well on the third floor, indicating the presence of an internal water supply system. From the second to the seventh floors, a vertical shaft lined with ceramic pipes facilitated water movement, with semicircular niches at each level.

The tower’s substantial dimensions—rising 28 meters on one side and 31 meters on the other, with walls up to 5 meters thick at the base—underscore its significance. Its design bears resemblance to the Chirag Gala fortress in the Davachi region, dating back to the Sasanian era (6th century), hinting at its ancient origins.

Professor Quliyeva posits that the Maiden Tower may have served as a sacred temple. The structure’s geometry and alignment suggest a connection to solar worship. Specifically, during the winter solstice on December 22nd, sunlight penetrates the tower’s windows, illuminating its interior from top to bottom for over an hour—a phenomenon that aligns with ancient solar rituals. This event symbolizes the “rebirth” of the sun, a concept central to Zoroastrian beliefs.

The term “pir,” meaning a sacred place, is believed to be the root of the word “pharaoh” (“pir-on”), translating to “high, sacred house” or “ruler’s abode” in ancient Egyptian. This etymology underscores the tower’s longstanding spiritual significance.

Furthermore, the tower’s orientation and architectural features have been linked to ancient astronomical practices. Researchers have utilized methods similar to those employed in determining the construction dates of monuments like the Karnak Temple and Stonehenge, analyzing the tower’s alignment with celestial events to estimate its age.

The name “Maiden Tower” itself has been a topic of scholarly discussion. Some historians suggest that such towers were deemed impregnable, akin to a “virgin,” hence the nomenclature. This interpretation is supported by historical accounts, including those of 11th-century Persian historian Abu’l-Fazl Bayhaqi, who described such fortresses as “unassailable.”(Википедия)

In conclusion, the Maiden Tower stands as a multifaceted monument, embodying elements of defense, spirituality, and astronomical observation. Its unique architecture and rich history continue to captivate scholars and visitors alike, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

 

 

According to a legend recorded by the Polish traveler M. Anzheykovich in the mid-19th century, the foundation of the city of Baku was laid by a man named Khunsar, who had a wife named Zummuriada. Khunsar built a magnificent palace, and the couple lived there a long and happy life. Later, Zummuriada left the palace and declared herself a goddess. No longer wishing to have contact with people, she constructed a tower and lived there in seclusion. In her honor, the tower was named after her.

The prominent Russian orientalist B. Dorn hypothesized that “Khunsar” was the ancient name of the city of Baku. A thorough study of the famous Book of the Dead (also known as The Book of Going Forth by Day) from Ancient Egyptian history allows for the assumption that the construction of Gunzar, Khunsar–Khunzar, was carried out in several stages. The initial stage is believed to date back to the 3rd millennium BCE. This corresponds with the invasion of Egypt by the Hyksos—thought to be of Khattic-Turanian (Hittite-Turkic) origin—around 1500 BCE, and later, the arrival of Scythians and Sakas near the 7th century BCE. The erection of Aser (Asar/Azar) is assumed to have taken place in the late 2nd or early 1st century BCE.

It is especially noteworthy that certain symbolic elements associated with ancient Egyptian deities are identical to the heraldic emblems found in Icherisheher (the Inner City of Baku). For instance, the bull as a symbol of the god Osiris (Aser), and the lion as a symbol of the god Horus (Gor), can be observed.

There are numerous theories regarding the functional purpose of the Maiden Tower. Without repeating them all, it can be emphasized that this unique architectural monument is a religious, sacred temple. According to Lyubicha, the temple’s geometry resembles an abstracted human form, and the sacred numbers within its structure reflect the divine process of rebirth.

 

 

1.Architectonics in the design and construction of a temple (sacred structure) presupposes the facilitation of an exchange between this world and the afterlife. Therefore, it can be considered that the “House of God” is the external form of the divine origin, and the Divine Spirit resides within the temple. In Azerbaijan, the dwelling of religious figures is called a pir, and similarly, the ancient Egyptians referred to the house where their gods lived as per. The word Pharaoh is derived from the combination of the two parts: pir-on.

Which deity was the Maiden Tower dedicated to?
To provide a more accurate answer, it must be noted that in architecture, four key indices are essential for the degree of satisfaction—number, time, geometry, and volume. Based on this preliminary information, it can be stated that the number is derived from the temple’s dimensions, purpose, and other physical attributes. Moreover, the topology of the area is needed for the precise planning of the temple.
The Maiden Tower was built in a cylindrical shape on a massive, slanted, boot-shaped rock that inclines toward the sea. The surface of this rock determines the boundaries of the structure. The buta—a religious symbol—represents the image of the One God (God the Father and God the Mother) and signifies the universal “asexual” origin of the Creator. (R.O. Fessenden also wrote about “asexuality,” discussing the asexual God of the Caucasus, the traditions of the Scythians and Vedas, and biblical references).
Thus, it can be concluded that God the Father is the divine essence, and the rib-rib part is God the Mother—the earthly part—Gunzar, the feminine aspect of Gunzar—the round form (the rock itself is the flat-walled part of the Tower).

2.Time (temporal orientation) defines the direction of the temple (solstices, equinoxes, sunrise and sunset directions, etc.).

It is known that the Earth’s axis rotates at an angle of 23.44 degrees relative to the Sun’s axis of rotation (more precisely, 23.439281° – Ed.). This is the reason for the periodic change of seasons on our planet. This situation has remained relatively stable for a long time; however, the Earth slightly wobbles like a spinning top on its axis, a phenomenon known as precession. The Earth’s constant inclination toward the ecliptic (the path it takes around the Sun) slows down the movement of its rotational axis, which causes the Earth’s orientation in space to gradually shift—forming a conical path resembling a top. This process is primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon and the Earth’s slightly flattened shape. As a result, the locations of the poles, equinoxes, and solstices shift over time.

Approximately 3,500 years ago, the Dragon Star (Thuban in the constellation Draco) was the star closest to the celestial or terrestrial pole in the latitude of Baku, located at a declination of 4 degrees from the pole. According to other sources, during ancient times in Greece (3000–2500 BCE), this star was considered the pole star (starting from around 500 BCE, the Beta star of the Ursa Minor constellation took over this role). Interestingly, many Asian peoples placed their ancestors in the Great Bear constellation.
Therefore, Gunzar (“temple of the Sun” or “temple of sunlight”)—the Maiden Tower—was likely aligned to a declination angle of 23.48° in the early 1st millennium BCE.

How was the Earth’s axial tilt calculated in ancient times?
They used vertical gnomons (sun dials—ancient astronomical instruments that determine noon and the meridian line based on the shadow). If the angle of the shadow at noon is measured on the longest and shortest days of the year, half the sum (the arithmetic mean) equals the observer’s geographic latitude, and half the difference equals the axial tilt of the Earth.

According to written sources, gnomons were used throughout the entire history of world civilization—from Ancient Egypt and China to the classical and medieval eras. These instruments were installed with great precision and could measure the position of the shadow with an accuracy of up to 5 arc minutes.

Hence, the Gunzar Temple is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise (around December 21–22). As an analogy, it can be noted that all solar temples in Egypt were oriented either toward the solstices (Upper Egypt) or the equinoxes (Lower Egypt): sunrise–sunset.

The volume of the temple reflects the meaning and understanding of Gunzar—it shows the resurrection of the Sun by its divine parents. This form can be achieved through the use of five perfect geometric solids and the unifying force between them, as well as through the materials used. The physical structure of the Gunzar Temple symbolizes the Sun’s “death” and “rebirth” over the three critical days with the help of the divine male force (father) and the stone female womb (mother).

 

 

Since the temple was the temporary abode of a “weakened” celestial body, it had to receive maximum power here. The specific shape of the masonry was intended to reinforce the “stability and strength” of the Sun–Azer. The temple was built on the sacred foundation of an ancient sanctuary—a pir—where the sacred seed of the past era was planted into new soil, or a new stage of regeneration began.

From an engineering point of view, it would have been more logical to level the surface of the rock before construction. However, this was not done. This stemmed from the belief that cleaning the rock was considered blasphemous. Additionally, many of the stone tracks—grooves—present there are the result of astronomical observations, and the ancient well located inside was included in the composition.

Thus, the maximum height of the Gunzar Temple (modern-day Maiden Tower) is 30.8 meters, and the minimum height is 28.8 meters. The angle of the corner on the southern side of the buttress is 23.8 degrees, approximately 24 degrees, which once again mathematically proves that the Sun always rises from the Caspian Sea (on both the longest and shortest days of the year). Taking into account the oscillations in the Earth’s axial tilt, this fact allows for the approximate dating of the construction of the Maiden Tower.

The radius of the Maiden Tower is slightly more than 8 meters; it has 8 windows and one main gate. Relative to the masonry of the buttress, 4 windows are located on the mother (smooth) side and 4 on the father (ribbed) side. The main window is located at the intersection of these two sides. The number of descending and ascending courses in the ribbed part of the masonry is 31 and 24, respectively. This corresponds to the number of days in December and the number of hours in a day.

Summarizing the above, it can be concluded that the site where the Gunzar Temple was originally built had always been a pir and a primitive observatory. Recent research by respected scholars has confirmed that the Gunzar Temple—the Maiden Tower—was not built in stages but constructed all at once.

 

As a sacred space, the monument is truly unique. Such a structure could only have been designed and built by people possessing profound and expansive knowledge—much like how only a master musician can compose a symphony that endures through centuries. The creators, builders, and priests of the Gunzar Temple were of Turanic origin, specifically a group known as the Khattars. They were closely related to the Cimmerians and Saka (Scythians), some of whom had remained in the South Caucasus after migrating there.

The builders were not merely superstitious priests; they were also carriers of astronomical knowledge—their minds were like celestial maps. They had deep understanding of sacred geometry, the mystical foundation of architectural harmony, akin to how musical notes form the underlying structure of a melody. They were members of the powerful and ancient Kabiri Society, a secret priesthood that had accumulated knowledge over millennia. These autochthonous Proto-Caucasians of Azov-Azer origin worshipped a solar deity named Asar-Azer. Later, they came to be known as the Bagovs and Kabiris. During the period of Gunzar’s construction, a portion of the Kabiris lived in the Absheron Peninsula and Shamakhi.

Samples taken from the Maiden Tower suggest dates between the 11th and 13th centuries, indicating that Gunzar was restored during this time. However, such a pagan temple could not have been newly built during the reigns of the Eldiguzids or Shirvanshahs. In 1924, archaeological research near the tower uncovered a number of underground, arched rooms around the base. Some of these rooms contained niches in the walls, indicating they were remnants of older buildings from a former quarter of ancient Baku, possibly destroyed when the tower was erected or during military conflict.

In 1963, excavations were conducted on a 2×1.5 meter area, focusing on the base of the tower. It was found that the foundation was filled with unhewn stone (but) and lime mortar, with occasional river stones. Despite the passage of centuries, the mortar remained impressively strong—so dense it was difficult to dig through, like trying to carve into hardened tree resin. No underground structures or passages were discovered beneath the tower.

Experts from the Institute of Geology of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan determined that the rock beneath the tower is composed of a mixture of shell limestone and marl. Studies revealed that the Maiden Tower is built atop a massive sloping rock facing the sea, as if the structure were an anchor clinging to the Earth while pointing to the heavens. The well inside the tower was cleaned and examined, revealing fragments of various ceramic vessels, including wide-necked and narrow-necked yellow clay jugs, glazed pottery with stamps dating to the 11th–12th centuries, and fragments of tombstones with Kufic inscriptions. Lab analyses confirmed that the water in the well is potable—as pure as if it had been preserved in time, like a message in a bottle from an ancient civilization.

 

During the archaeological excavations conducted in 1964–65 on the western and northern sides of the tower, it was once again confirmed that the tower stands firmly on solid rock on its western side. Several utility wells were discovered within the rock beneath the foundation. In one of these wells, numerous fragments of glass vessels were found, most of which were vase-shaped, dating to the 11th–13th centuries, and produced using mold-casting techniques. The utility wells measured 1.7 m and 0.8 m deep, with an approximate diameter of 70 cm. Additionally, a square-shaped water well was uncovered in the area, with water found at a depth of 7.5 meters.

Remains of an ancient wall extending westward from the north of the Maiden Tower were also revealed. This wall was built from large, finely cut stones, and contained four square niches carved into its surface. It is believed that these remains are part of a wall that extended to the Shah Abbas Gate and connected to the fortress wall. South of this wall, near the Maiden Tower, another well with a 70 cm diameter was discovered, carved directly into the rock. From this location, fragments of unglazed clay vessels, clay oil lamps widely used in medieval daily life, and pieces of colorful ceramics, pottery, and glassware were unearthed.

At a depth of 2.2 meters, an archaic brass fish figurine dating to the Antique period was found. The figurine was crafted with great skill and artistic taste. It measured 8.2 cm in length, 4.5 cm in height, and 0.7 cm in body width. A stone slab measuring 68x70x12 cm bearing the depiction of a bull’s head was also found in the surrounding area of the tower. The bull, symbolizing abundance, fertility, and masculinity, was considered a sacred animal by ancient Turks.

Structures named “Maiden Tower” can be found in many regions across Azerbaijan. Among them, the towers in Baku and Shamakhi have been studied in detail. Other Maiden Towers are located in Ismayilli, Oghuz, Gabala, Gazakh, Yardimli, and Sheki. Such towers also exist in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Southern Azerbaijan. Geographical analysis of these towers shows that they are consistently located on mountaintops, hills, or by seas and rivers.

The spread of structures similar to the Maiden Tower is geographically vast. Towers with this name can be found along the Black Sea coast, in Central Asia, Iran, Iraq, India, and even Europe. In Crimea, there is a mountaintop fortress called “Qız Kermen” (Maiden Fortress), and another of the same name is located in the Bakhchisarai district in a place called Eski Kermen. In Central Asia, similar constructions are referred to as “Koşk Qızqala”, which scholars date to the 8th–9th centuries. In Iran, they are called “Kale-e Dokhtar” (Maiden Fortress). The name appears in the epic poem “Shahnameh” by Persian poet Ferdowsi, who mentions a Maiden Fortress in Kerman, stating it dates back to the Sasanian era.

As for the name Maiden Tower, many researchers believe it was given exclusively to impregnable fortresses. The 11th-century Persian historian Abu’l-Fazl Bayhaqi wrote: “No one could conquer this fortress—like a virgin girl.” Indeed, the strength and invincibility of such towers fully justify their name.

 

 

Other researchers associate the word “qız” (“girl”) with Zoroastrianism, interpreting it as “küz” – meaning “fire” or “ember”. In this context, the opinions of prominent Iranian historian Mohammad Ebrahim Bastani-Parizi are particularly noteworthy. He believed that the name of the Maiden Towers is linked to the Goddess of Water, Anahita (or Nakhit). In the ancient East, she was worshipped in the same way as the Fire God Mithra. Parizi wrote that Maiden Towers were initially constructed as temples dedicated to the goddess Anahita, and only later transformed into fortresses. This theory seems plausible, as in the East, many monuments were originally built for religious purposes and only lost their original functions due to changing historical circumstances, eventually becoming defensive fortifications.

It is believed that one of the key features of Anahita’s temples was that they housed rich treasuries. According to Greek sources, these temples were filled with gold and silver, which made them frequent targets for attacks. Historical records mention the destruction of Anahita’s temples by enemies. For instance, during the Roman invasion of the Caucasus in 34 BC, one such temple was destroyed, and the goddess’s statue was smashed. During wars between the Arsacids and Romans, the golden statue of Anahita in the city of Susa was also destroyed. For this reason, such temples were often built like fortresses. During the Sasanian era and the Middle Ages, religious monuments continued to be built in this style. One example is the Pir Hüseyn Khanqah, a religious complex located near the Pirsaat River, surrounded by strong fortress walls. This complex, which developed around the tomb of the renowned Sufi sheikh, scholar, and philosopher Pir Hüseyn Shirvani, dates to the 11th century.

Around the Maiden Tower, there are other monuments of no less historical importance. One of them is a religious-architectural complex – a khanqah. During archaeological excavations in 1964, an octagonal, three-tiered stone column bearing traces of fire was discovered. Similar columns can be seen on Achaemenid coins dating back to the 4th century BC. Another monument is the Chahartaq, a structure reminiscent in architectural form of the Ateshgah of Surakhani, and a clear bearer of Zoroastrian culture.

Taking all these into consideration, it is possible to conclude that the Maiden Tower was originally constructed as a religious monument or temple, but its function changed during the Middle Ages in response to new historical realities. It is likely that, in the 12th century, when the Shirvanshahs were building large fortifications in Baku and reinforcing the city walls, the Maiden Tower was incorporated into the overall defense system.

Following the occupation of Northern Azerbaijan by the Russian Empire, the tower was used as a lighthouse. The area surrounding the tower belonged to the Baku trade port, and this status remained unchanged until July 14, 1914. On that date, a decision of the Baku City Duma transferred ownership of the Maiden Tower and its surrounding territory from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to the city, recognizing it as a historical monument. In return, a 500 square sazhen (approximately 1.1 hectares) plot of land was allocated to the Port Authority near the estate of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a famous Baku philanthropist and oil magnate, located in Block 403 on Alexander II Embankment Street. Additionally, a certain amount of funds was transferred from the reserve capital of the city’s public administration to the Trade Port in compensation.

To summarize what has been said about the Maiden Tower, its uniqueness lies in the following:

1. The thickness of the walls is 5 meters, and there was no entrance at ground level. Access to the tower was gained through a window on the fourth floor.
2. Although the tower has eight levels, there were no intermediate floors or ceilings between them.
3. All windows are directed toward one side only. There are no windows on the other sides, and there never were.
4. A massive wave-breaker (a type of buttress), illogically attached to the tower and shorter than the tower itself, raises questions. This feature is unusual, as Caspian Sea storms have never produced waves high enough to reach the sixth floor of a building.
5. In many medieval fortresses, spiral staircases were designed to turn from left to right, allowing defenders descending from above to wield their weapons (usually in the right hand) effectively against attackers. However, in the Maiden Tower, the spiral staircase turns in the opposite direction, further supporting the idea that the tower was not built for military purposes.

Today, the Maiden Tower, as a unique architectural monument, proudly rises in the heart of the Old City – Icherisheher, and continues to captivate both locals and visitors alike.