Tomb of Mümine Hatun

The Mausoleum of Mümine Hatun (Atabek Gumbazi) is located in a historical park and open-air museum in the very center of Nakhchivan, in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. The mausoleum is a few minutes’ walk from the main street, Haydar Aliyev Street, or can be easily reached by a taxi ride.

The mausoleum and the park in which it is situated are open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, excluding weekends. The admission is free. Because the city is small, if you stay in the city center, you can easily visit during the day or return at sunset to take photos in different lighting.

Mausoleum of Mümine Hatun was constructed in 1186 by Atabek Cihan Pehlivan, the ruler of the Atabeg State, for Mümine Hatun who was the wife of Shams al-Din al-Aliniz founder of the Nakhchivan school of architecture. The architect was Ajemi ibn Abu Bakr Nakhchivani who is considered to be the founder of the Nakhchivan school of architecture. It originally stood 34 meters high when constructed but is now approximately 25 meters, due to the disappearance of the upper tent/dome section.

The structure is among the earliest known monumental tombs in the East explicitly dedicated to a woman. Kufic inscription bands surrounding the tomb include Quranic verses and the expression “The property belongs only to God, the Victorious,” as well as an attribution to Ajemi: “We depart, the world remains; our works remain.” The interior, with invocations including the names of the Prophet, the four Caliphs, and the Ahl al-Bayt, shows that a unifying Islamic message is carried by the tomb.

Architecturally, the tomb has a decagonal plan on the exterior, which gives it the impression of a circular volume within. The body in red brick is enriched with turquoise glazed bricks placed between the spaces; the facades incorporate kufic inscriptions, geometric patterns, and floral motifs. Each facade presents a different composition, with only the entrance facade recurring in the decoration.

In the center of the landscaped historical park and open-air museum stands the tomb. Around it are hundreds of medieval tombstones, ram statues, and inscriptions brought from different regions of Nakhchivan. This way, one will see not only the monumental tomb but also a small open-air museum.

During the visit, do not lean or touch the surfaces with reliefs to avoid damaging the 12th-century brickwork and turquoise glazed pieces. Wear comfortable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You can take photos; however, if you have professional camera equipment, you have to get special permission from the site management in advance.

Because the park is flat, wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility can readily access the tomb. It should take about 20–30 minutes to explore the exterior of the tomb and the artifacts within the park. If you stay in Nakhchivan, be sure to combine the Mümine Hatun tomb with the Han Palace and other central historical sites for a pleasant half-day city tour.