Azerbaijan - Susha historical and architectural reserve

In the South Caucasus, in the first half of XVIII century, in political unstable conditions, some independent khanates were appeared. In this period, the necessity for building the defensive town stronghold, was the reason of appearance the stable town types in Azerbaijan. In the middle of XVIII century, Karabakh khanate was founded, and it's center - Shusha was one of such cities. The Karabakh khan, Panah Ali khan found Bayat stronghold in 1747, Shahbulag stronghold in 1752 and at least in 1753, at the top of Caucasus mountain he founded Shusha city. In this period of Russian occupation this khanate has been destroyed and Shusha being the capital of Karabakh khanate turned into capital center after 1 84 1. Shusha is densely surrounded with woods, and was founded at the top of the mountain, which was a natural stronghold, surrounded with steep precipices from three sides. The, tough relief and the terraces spreading from the South to the North sides make the site like a truncated cone and stretched out amphitheater. The highest point of the town is on 1600 meters above sea-level, the lowest part of the town's wall is on 1300 meters above the sea-level. As the foundation site of the town is surrounded by the impregnable rocks from the South, East and West sides, there was built the only Northern wall for the defense. Another strategic advantage of the site is a clear view of the environs. This excludes the possibility of a sudden attack. Unlike the others feudal towns founded in XVII-XVIII centuries, the building of Shusha's stronghold and Khan's residence took place at the same time, also the walls of the town and stronghold were built simultaneously.