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The entire Absheron peninsula ( Baku region) is dotted by ancient castles and fortresses. All of them are included into the uniform system of defensive installations. Such castles and towers can be seen in Mardakayany, Nardaran, Bilgyakh, Ramana, Mashtaga and other settlements. Powerful towers, castles, palaces and other structures of the 12th-15th centuries are included into the gold fund of architecture monuments of Azerbaijan .
These citadels were located outside the fortifications and consequently were intended not for lasting dwelling but only for brief repulse of enemy attacks, i.e. they were temporary refuge for the feudal lord and his vassals during defense actions. In the 17th-18th centuries towers played role of signal lanterns. As soon as the enemy approached oil was lit on tower tops thus warning the population of danger.
The largest military constructions were carried out during the rule and strengthening of Shirvan Dynasty on Absheron peninsula (the 12th century).
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