Restoration and Reconstruction of "Palace of Panahali Khan and the Imarat complex"

• Client: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan
• Financial Support: Karabakh Revival Fund

About the Project

The palace of Panahali Khan, founder of the Karabakh Khanate, is among the historical and architectural structures in Aghdam district destroyed and looted due to Armenian vandalism. This 18th-century monument is listed among the immovable historical and cultural monuments of local significance under state protection.

Following the occupation of Aghdam, Palace of Panahali Khan and the Imarat complex, along with other historical, cultural, and religious sites, suffered from Armenian vandalism. The tomb of Ibrahim Khalil Khan and the grave monument of Khurshidbanu Natavan were destroyed.

After the Second Karabakh War, restoration and reconstruction work began on " Palace of Panahali Khan and the Imarat complex " under the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev. In 2023-2024, restoration and archaeological research were carried out with the participation of local and foreign experts. Foreign experts conducted site inspections, surveys, and archival research, and prepared restoration and design projects based on international best practices. The Karabakh Revival Fund provided the funding for the complex's restoration.

Design and estimate documentation was prepared for the restoration and reconstruction of the complex.

The 3.3-hectare complex now includes restored buildings for ceremonies, tombs, a historical cemetery, an equestrian complex for showcasing Karabakh horses, and a visitor center.

The Karabakh horse park within the complex will host auctions of the world-famous Karabakh horses of Azerbaijan. The park will also hold training sessions and shows featuring these horses.

President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the restored Estate Complex in Aghdam on September 19, 2024.

The Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli, informed the President about the work done. The President then planted a tree on the complex grounds.

Information about the Complex:

Palace of Panahali Khan and the Imarat complex is a historical landmark in Karabakh, named after the founder of the Karabakh Khanate.

Located in Aghdam's historical center, the complex dates back to approximately 1738, when Panahali Khan began establishing the khanate.

One of the Khan dynasty's first estates, the complex includes historical monuments, Panahali Khan's residence, a guest house, the mausoleums of Ibrahim Khalil Khan and Mehdiqulu Khan, the Xanoğlan mausoleum, the mausoleum of Ibrahim Khan, the mausoleum of Panahali Khan, the monument of Khurshidbanu Natavan, and a cemetery.

The complex included Panahali Khan's palace, his luxurious residence, a stable for horses, a chovgan field for equestrian displays, and water features.

The monuments within the complex suffered damage during the occupation. The roof coverings were destroyed, and the buildings were used as stables. This caused plaster to detach from the walls, erosion of the stonework, cracks and collapses in the walls and roof, and destruction of the floor, doors, and windows.

The extensively restored Aghdam İmarat Complex is now open to visitors, who can enjoy the park, visitor center, museum, and cafe.