Epigraphic inscription of Shirvanshahs`

Photo credit: S. Mikayilova

 Covering north and north-east regions of Azerbaijan territory Shirvanshahs` state was one of the long-lasting states in the history of Azerbaijani. Shamakhi, Baku, Shabran, Bandovan, Darband were the biggest cities and cultural centers of Shirvanshahs` state. Shamakhi was the first capital of the state, after the earthquake happened in 1192 they moved the capital to Baku. But Shamakhi was keeping its cultural dominance during the ages.

During the archaeological excavations held in the cities of Shirvanshahs were found many artifacts showing us the life in the Medieval Ages in Azerbaijan. We can observe daily, agricultural, religious life, also craftsmanship with the help of archaeological finds. Craftsmen making handicrafts sometimes put some inscriptions on it. There are lots of epigraphic inscriptions on artifacts which are related to Shirvanshahs state.

But mostly inscriptions were written on the stones. It could be pillars, pedestals, entrances of palaces and cities, gravestones and so on. Artistic masonry movement was developed in Medieval Ages in Azerbaijan. So, craftsmen made beautiful and interesting buildings with inscriptions on it. One of this inscription was on the plate of Baku city wall. It is dating to the XII century. It was found after collapsing of one half-tower of the northern city wall of Baku. The inscription is in Arabic and was written in Kufic script. We can read: “City wall was ordered to be built by a mighty king, scientist, fair, victorious, the pride of religion and state, the stronghold of Islam and Moslems, the greater khagan, the great Shirvanshah Abulhija Manuchehr bin...”

The inscription was read by one of the famous researchers of Azerbaijan A. A. Aleskerzade and was published in 1964.

The abovementioned stone with its inscription is kept and exhibited in the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan.