One of the most prominent historical monuments of the Republic of Azerbaijan is the Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası) in the city of Baku, which is highly fascinating both historically and in terms of the narratives associated with it.
The Maiden Tower is a stone, cylindrical structure located in the old city of Baku (Icherisheher). Its construction is generally dated to between the 7th and 12th centuries CE; however, some studies trace its origins back even further, linking it to the pre-Islamic period and Zoroastrian traditions. The monument forms part of the Icherisheher complex, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Today, the Maiden Tower is regarded as a symbol of the city of Baku and even of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a whole, and its image appears on banknotes, postage stamps, and official emblems.
The Maiden Castle of Mianeh is likewise one of the most significant historical monuments of northwestern Iran. It is located near the city of Mianeh in East Azerbaijan Province, perched atop a high and difficult-to-access rocky outcrop. The castle’s distinctive geographical position, overlooking valleys and major communication routes of the region, clearly indicates its strategic role during various historical periods.
Based on historical and architectural evidence, the Maiden Castle of Mianeh is attributed to the pre-Islamic era, and many scholars consider it to date back to the Sasanian period. The name “Maiden Castle,” which recurs in various parts of Iran, is generally associated with ancient Iranian religious and ritual beliefs, particularly concepts of purity, sanctity, and the goddess Anahita. Accordingly, it is likely that this fortress, in addition to its military function, also possessed ritual or ceremonial significance.
From an architectural perspective, the remaining stone walls and durable mortar of the castle demonstrate that it was constructed with defensive purposes in mind, with access possible only through limited routes. This characteristic enabled the Maiden Castle of Mianeh to serve as a refuge and defensive stronghold in different periods, especially during times of regional instability. Today, although it survives largely in ruins, the castle remains one of the historical symbols of the Mianeh region and reflects the political, military, and cultural importance of this area in Iranian history.
