History of Barda

Barda is a city rich in history and culture. The rich past of the city of Barda is reflected in its architecture, monuments and traditions. By visiting it, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, admire unique architectural monuments and enjoy the beauty of nature.

One of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan is the city of Barda, founded in the 5th century AD. The city was a major trade and cultural center and played an important role in the life of Caucasian Albania. The discovery of artifacts from the Bronze Age in the Barda district indicates the urban culture that developed in this region more than 5,000 years ago.

In the 7th century, the Barda district, like all of Azerbaijan, was occupied by the Arabs. This left its mark on the architecture, culture and religion of the region.

In the 11th century, the Barda district was occupied by the Seljuks. The Seljuks built many caravanserais, mosques and other architectural monuments in the region. In the 13th century, the Barda district was destroyed by the Mongols. After the Mongol invasion, the region fell into long-term decline.

In the 18th century, the Barda district was annexed to the Russian Empire. In 1920, the Barda district was incorporated into the Soviet Union. During the Soviet period, industrialization, agriculture, and culture developed in the district.

With the collapse of the USSR, Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991, and the Barda district became part of the independent Azerbaijani state. In 2020, the Barda district suffered serious damage during the Second Karabakh War. Many settlements were destroyed, and part of the population was forced to leave their homes.

Some historical monuments that have survived to this day and testify to its history remain in the city.

• Barda Castle: One of the most famous and impressive historical monuments of Barda is the Barda Castle. It was built in the 4th century and was a reliable defense of the city from numerous enemies. The castle has a rich history and has changed hands several times. Today, ruins remain that allow you to imagine the scale and power of this defensive structure.
• Barda Tomb: Allah-Allah Tomb or Nushaba Castle is a historical architectural monument located in the city of Barda. In the 14th century, two tower-shaped tombs were built in Barda, one of which has survived to the present day. The inscriptions on the monument, which is included in the scientific literature under the name Barda Tomb and dates back to 1322, reveal when and by whom it was built.
• Juma Mosque: The Juma Mosque of Barda is another pearl of city architecture. It was built in the 13th century and was completed in 1905. The mosque is distinguished by its elegant proportions, rich decoration and magnificent domes.
• Caravanserai: Since Barda was an important trade center in the past, several caravanserais have been preserved here, where merchants could rest and spend the night. Several ancient bridges cross the rivers flowing through the city, which are also interesting architectural structures.

The Barda Museum of History and Culture houses a rich collection of archaeological finds, household items, works of art, and documents about the history of the city and the region. Here you can get acquainted with the lives of people who lived in Barda during different historical periods.

When planning a trip to Barda, do not forget to include a visit to these amazing places in your itinerary.