Repair and Restoration of the Creative Center Building

One of the numerous projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the field of cultural heritage restoration in the liberated territories is the restoration and reconstruction of the Caravanserai building in the city of Shusha, which was constructed in the 1880s with the funds of the famous Shusha merchant Agha Qahraman Mirsiyab oglu, and its subsequent transformation into a Creative Center.

The restoration of the historical appearance of the building will contribute to fully utilizing the cultural, tourism, and recreation potential of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan.

The restoration works have been carried out under the initiative and order of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation , with financial support from the Karabakh Revival Fund.

Completed Works:

• Mobilization;
• Organization of design and interior works;
• Demolition and plastering (removal of unsuitable plaster from internal and external walls and application of new plaster);
• Restoration of walls and fences using sandblasting techniques;
• Injection works with tiles, metlax and marble;
• Renovation of plumbing units;
• Demolition of the damaged marble steps of the staircase and installation of new steps;
• Roof installation;
• Faсade and electrical works;
• Installation of low-flow systems;
• Installation of VRV (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, water supply, sewage, and fire safety systems;
• Installation of plastic windows and doors, among other tasks.

Information about the Monument:

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city of Shusha was highly active in international trade. Due to its trade relations with Eastern and Western countries, the city saw the development of a commercial hub within its structure. The first caravanserais in Shusha emerged immediately after the construction of the city walls and the settlement of the area.

Most of the caravanserais in Shusha were two-story buildings. One wing, facing the courtyard, served as the storage area for the caravans, while the second wing opened onto the street and was designated for shops or artisan workshops. The second floor was intended for guest accommodation.

In his work dedicated to the historical and cultural monuments of Shusha, Firudin Shushinski writes: "In the late 19th century, there were ten caravanserais operating in Shusha. Among them, the caravanserais of Haji Abbas, Qatirchi Murad, Mirsiyab oglu, as well as the Sheitan Bazaar and Khanliq Muxtar caravanserais were notable. However, the best caravanserai in the city was the one built by Mirsiyab oglu Meshadi Shukur. This grand building was constructed in the 1880s."

Although the commissioner of Agha Qahraman Mirsiyab oglu's caravanserai is known, the architect who built it remains unidentified. Like many other caravanserais in Shusha, this monument is a two-story building. The main facade of the caravanserai faces the northeastern part of Shusha’s central trade street, Rasta Bazaar.