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26 years after the construction of "Atababa" the most outstanding Nahchivan landmark, the Mausoleum of Momine-Khatun, also known as Dome Atabei was erected. The majestic decahedral mausoleum was a medieval skyscraper standing 34 meters tall. Today its height makes only 25 meters . The mausoleum constructed and named in the honor of one of the local rulers Atabek Dzhahan Pehlivan's wife is skillfully decorated with a complex geometric pattern and quotes from the Koran.
From a distance the surface of each side (of niche type) is all covered by a graceful carved ornament; in fact they are nothing but kufi and Arabian letters stylized as geometric patterns. Each side has a different ornament. The top of the mausoleum is decorated by a skilful stalactite composition.
The mausoleum is round inside. The only interior ornaments are 4 round medallions covered with inscriptions and ornaments. These medallions are placed on the northeast, southeast, southwest and west sides of the dome and bear the names of Mohammed, Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman Ali, Hasan, Hussein.
The burial place of Momine-Khatun is under the building but the most interesting fact is that there is no entrance to it.
The Mausoleum of Momine-Khatun is distinguished by imperial grandeur. This is one of the most monumental buildings of the Azerbaijani architecture |
