Shamakhi, September 18, 2026 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected conservation works carried out at the historic Pir Omar Sultan shrine in Shamakhi on September 17.
Located in Avakhil village of Shamakhi district, the Pir Omar Sultan shrine is a significant historical and religious monument. Initial archaeological excavations at the site uncovered the remains of a 14th-century tomb and artifacts indicating that it belonged to Pir Omar Avakhili, founder of the Khalwatiyya order.
During their visit to Shamakhi in 2020, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the shrine and instructed relevant authorities to undertake conservation works on the monument.
With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the remains of the shrine, constructed from river stone and rock, were conserved. Eight graves were discovered and restored, including the grave of Pir Omar Avakhili inside the shrine and other graves located around the site.
A protective wall made of matching stone materials was constructed around the shrine and its surrounding area. An 16-meter-high octagonal metal canopy was installed above the wall to protect the monument, while a walking path was created within the conserved area for visitors.
Particular attention was paid during the conservation works to preserving the natural environment and ensuring that the surrounding graves were not damaged.
The conservation of the Pir Omar Sultan shrine forms part of broader state efforts to preserve Azerbaijan’s religious, historical and cultural heritage. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has played a significant role in supporting such preservation initiatives across the country.
During the inspection, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were also briefed on restoration works completed at the Kalakhana Tombs Complex in Shamakhi district.
Located in Kalakhana village, the complex originally consisted of nine 17th-century tombs. Eight of the tombs have survived, while one has sustained significant damage.
Restoration and conservation works at the historical complex were carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, with the participation of international experts. The restoration programme covered seven tombs within the Kalakhana complex.
