Khan Palace

The Khan’s Palace is the administrative center of the Nakhchivan Khanate of the 18th century. It was built by Kelbali (Halbali) Khan of the Kengerli dynasty and served as his official residence. The administration of the Nakhchivan Khanate and the private life of the Khan family took place there. Nowadays, along with the Sheki Khan Palace, it is among the few surviving Khan palaces of Northern Azerbaijan.

It reflects the characteristics of the Nakhchivan-Maragha architectural school. Its plastered orange-toned façade, brick details, and grid-style wood and stained-glass windows give the building a look in which it fits into the historic texture. The southern part is used for administrative purposes and reception, while the northern part is allocated for the living quarters of the Khan family. Inside, there is a mirrored hall, niched walls, and furniture in the European style added to it in the 19th century.

Nowadays, the building is also known as the “Khan Palace State Museum of History and Architecture.” The halls in the second floor feature exhibits showcasing the genealogy of the Nakhchivan khan family, the administrative structure of the khanate, various documents from the Russian-Qajar period, maps, belongings of the khan family, and the banners and armors of the Kengerli cavalry. Among the most striking features of the palace is a mirrored reception hall and European-style room arrangement.

The Khan Palace is a part of the same complex in which the Mömine Hatun Mausoleum and the Open Air Museum are located. The museum functions according to the Nakhchivan Ministry of Culture and operates on a visiting schedule, which is normal for state museums. Days, hours, and entrance fees depend on the museum administration and are normally announced at the entrance. Rates are different depending on categories like local and foreign visitors, adults, and students.

The palace is situated in the Qədim Qala neighborhood of Nakhchivan city center, just a few steps from the Mömine Hatun Mausoleum. It is within a few minutes’ walk or a short drive by taxi from the center. Because it is on the main axis from the airport to the city center, it is very easy for visitors to reach from outside the city.

You can learn about the political history of the Khanate, the dynasty of Kengerli, its period of allegiance to Russia, and the transformations of the palace, which are all represented with information in the rooms. Flash-free indoor photography is allowed, while the building’s outer view, the courtyard, and the staircase are also photo opportunities. You should not touch the historical surfaces, stained-glass windows, or ornaments of the mirrored hall.

Access to the upper floor of the palace is only by stairs, and there is no elevator. As such, visitors in a wheelchair or with restricted mobility will be able to manage around the lower floor and the courtyard but need escorting to the upstairs halls. A normal museum visit takes about 40–60 minutes, including time for reading the panels and taking photos.

The central position of the Khanate provides a very good opportunity to become the starting point of cultural routes in the city. Having visited it, one can easily reach the Mausoleum of Mömine Hatun, the Open Air Museum, and other museums located nearby, as well as restaurants and cafés within walking distance to complete your tour with a rest break. This allows you to fully experience both the Khanate period and the medieval heritage of Nakhchivan in a single day.