Kirna Tomb

Kirna Mausoleum is a 13th-century medieval mausoleum situated on the banks of the Alinjachay Valley in the village of Kirna within Julfa District of Nakhchivan. The village itself is located north of Julfa and the mausoleum forms the remaining portion of a historical complex within the village. Kirna is a short journey from Nakhchivan city centre along the highway leading to Julfa. There is no dedicated public transportation line going to the mausoleum, so the best way is renting a car.

There is no dated inscription on the mausoleum, so its date of construction is uncertain; its architectural features place it in the 13th century. Its owner is likewise unknown; no inscribed name has survived. The building represents the “tower-type mausoleum” tradition of the Nakhchivan architectural school.

Architecturally, the Kirna Mausoleum is a single-volume, domed square-plan building. The transition to the dome inside is performed with mud-and-muqarnas; outside, a 16-faceted pyramidal roof is used. The considerable traces of mud-and-muqarnas that have survived on the northern facade clearly suggest the presence of a second room in this direction; however, this space did not survive. The tomb is constructed throughout of baked brick and, from this point of view, represents the same architectural style as the Alinjachay Hanegah.

The monument stands partly nowadays, while the visible brickwork and muqarnas remains reflect its original condition. Because the tomb is not a museum, there are no specific visiting hours; because it is located within the village, visits are made during the day. Entry is free, and there is no permanent staff on site. Visitors seeking information can contact the tourism offices or guides in Nakhchivan.

During the visit, basic rules include remaining silent, not touching the brick surfaces, and not climbing on the monument. It’s allowed to take pictures; however, permission from the authorities is needed to use drones all over Nakhchivan. There are no tourist restaurants, restrooms, or long-term rest areas in this village, and these needs have to be met in the city center.

The visitors coming to see the Kirna mausoleum can continue on the same route to see other important examples of the Nakhchivan architectural school: Alinja Castle, the Alinjaçay Khanate, and the Mömine Hatun and Karabağlar Mausoleums in the city center. Since there are no places of accommodation in Kirna village, visitors stay in the city center of Nakhchivan and visit the mausoleum as a day excursion. The Kirna Mausoleum, with its simple, original, and surviving structure, represents a major manifestation of medieval architecture in the Julfa region and should be included on any historic route in Nakhchivan.