The life and creativity of the architect Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi, an architect from Shusha

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the life and creativity of the prominent architect Karbalay iSafikhan Karabakhi, who lived in Shusha in the 19th century. Karbalayi Safikhan Karabakhi is known for his unique style in Azerbaijani architecture. He participated in the construction of many historical buildings, mosques, and other architectural examples, particularly in Shusha. Among his most notable works are the Imamzade Mausoleum in Barda (1868), the Juma Mosque in Agdam (1870), the Ashagi Govhar Agha Mosque (1874–1875), the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque (1883), and the Saatli Mosques (1883) in Shusha, as well as the Haji Alekber Mosque in Fuzuli (1889–1890). These monuments are considered some of the best architectural examples of their time,
both aesthetically and functionally. SafikhanKarabakhi’s architectural style is characterized by the use of local materials and the application of Azerbaijani national ornamentation in his buildings.