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Muhammad Mosque, Baku, Azerbaijan

Muhammad Mosque In Icerisheher

Hidden within the narrow, stone-paved streets of Baku’s fortified Old City, the Muhammad Mosque — also known by its historic name Synyk-Kala Mosque — stands as one of the oldest Islamic monuments in Azerbaijan. Dating back to the 11th century, this modest but historically rich structure reflects the spiritual and architectural evolution of Baku over nearly a millennium.

The mosque is far more than a religious site. It played a role in the defensive history of the Shirvanshahs, survived foreign invasions, witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and today represents a foundational chapter in the story of Islamic architecture in the Caucasus. For visitors wandering through UNESCO-listed Icherisheher, Muhammad Mosque is one of the most compelling stops along the cultural trail.

History & Origins

Built in the 11th Century – Earliest Islamic Heritage in Baku

According to historical inscriptions found on its entrance portal, Muhammad Mosque was constructed in 1078–79 AD (470 AH). This officially makes it one of the oldest dated Islamic monuments in Baku. The structure belongs to the formative period of the medieval city when Baku was just beginning to expand as a fortified settlement.

Why the name “Synyk-Kala”?

The mosque has been known for centuries as Synyk-Kala, meaning “Broken Tower”. The name originates from a dramatic event during the 1723 Russian naval bombardment of Baku. When the Russian fleet attacked the Baku fortress, one of the cannonballs struck the mosque’s minaret and shattered its upper section.

Local oral history recounts that:

– “A cannonball fired from a Russian ship hit the minaret of the mosque, breaking its top. From that moment, the people of Baku began to call it ‘Synyk-Kala’ — the Broken Tower.”

The event became a defining moment in the architectural memory of the Old City.

Architectural School – The Master Builders of Shirvan

Although the architect remains unknown, stylistic features — such as carved limestone, kufic inscription bands, scalloped muqarnas, and the compact prayer hall — clearly identify the mosque as a product of the Shirvan-Absheron architectural school, which dominated from the 11th to 15th centuries.

Mentions in Literature and Travel Accounts

  • Medieval Arab geographers noted that Baku was filled with “fortified walls and places of worship,” a description that aligns with structures like the Muhammad Mosque.
  • 19th-century Azerbaijani poet Seyid Azim Shirvani described the spiritual character of the Old City shaped by small neighborhood mosques — again fitting the mosque’s historical function.

Architecture & Design

Two Construction Phases

The mosque consists of elements from both the 11th century and later additions dating to the 13th–14th centuries. This includes renovations to the entrance portal and structural reinforcement.

Key Architectural Features

  • Compact neighborhood prayer hall, typical of early Islamic urban planning
  • Muqarnas-decorated portal with early Kufic calligraphy
  • Cylindrical minaret — partially damaged during the 1723 bombardment
  • Local Absheron limestone used throughout the structure
  • Simple interior layout suited for a small community congregation

Role in the Old City Silhouette

Before later architectural developments, the minaret of Muhammad Mosque was one of the defining visual markers of old Baku, alongside the Maiden Tower and fortress walls.

Geography & Urban Context

The mosque is located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Icherisheher, very close to the Shirvanshahs’ Palace complex.

  • Address: Kichik Gala Street, Old City, Baku
  • Surroundings: ancient caravanserais, stone alleyways, artisan workshops
  • Urban form: positioned among the original residential quarters of medieval Baku

Its strategic location near bazaar streets and fortress gates made it an integral part of everyday life in the Old City.

Ecology & Conservation Status

Muhammad Mosque is protected as a national architectural monument under the administration of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve.

Recent conservation efforts included:

  • Stabilization of stone masonry
  • Cleaning and preservation of Kufic inscriptions
  • Structural reinforcement of the minaret
  • Minimalist interior restoration to preserve authenticity

Despite growing tourism in the Old City, the mosque has retained its original character through strict heritage management policies.

Cultural & Practical Importance

Throughout its long history, Muhammad Mosque served multiple roles:

  • Neighborhood prayer space
  • Education center for religious studies
  • Defensive observation point during sieges
  • Architectural symbol of early Islamic Baku

Today, it remains both a functioning mosque and a significant cultural monument attracting scholars, photographers, and tourists.

Things to Do / Activities

Visitors can:

  • Observe 11th-century Islamic architecture up close
  • Study the inscription panels and restored portal
  • Learn the Synyk-Kala legend and its military history
  • Explore nearby fortress walls and medieval streets
  • Photograph one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus

Respectful behavior is required during prayer times.

Visitor Information

Location: Kichik Gala St., Icherisheher, Baku

Entrance Fee: Free of charge

Opening Hours: Open throughout the day, except during prayer

Recommended Visiting Time: 10–15 minutes

Getting There:

Icherisheher Metro Station

Old City Tours guided  walking routes

Dress Code: Modest attire recommended

Best Visiting Season: Spring and autumn for comfortable Old City walks    

Nearby Attractions

Tours to Muhammad Mosque

FAQ

Is Muhammad Mosque the oldest mosque in Baku?

Yes. Its 1078–79 inscription confirms it as one of the oldest dated mosques in the city.

Why is it called Synyk-Kala?

Because a Russian cannonball damaged its minaret during the 1723 siege of Baku.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, the site is open and free to access.

Can visitors photograph inside?

Yes, photography is allowed outside prayer time and with respect.

Is the mosque active today?

Yes, it still functions as a neighborhood mosque.

How long does a visit take?

Plan for around 2 to 3 hours at the volcano site itself. If combined with other attractions (e.g., Gobustan rock art) it may become a half-day or full-day outing.

Is it suitable for families?

Yes, the open-air environment and relaxed setting make it family-friendly.

Conclusion

Muhammad Mosque is a timeless symbol of Baku’s Islamic heritage — a place where medieval spirituality, architectural elegance, and dramatic historical events blend into one unforgettable site. Small in size but immense in significance, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to touch the deepest layers of Old City history.
With Old City Tours, travelers can enrich their understanding of this ancient mosque through expert storytelling, guided exploration, and historical context provided by licensed local historians.

Sources / References