Ilham Aliyev reviewed the Juma Mosque in Salyan after major repairs and reconstruction

As part of a visit to Salyan District, President Ilham Aliyev has reviewed the Juma Mosque in Salyan after major repairs and reconstruction.

The head of state was informed about the landscaping and reconstruction work carried out around the mosque.

President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the stands describing the previous and current condition of the religious site.

The President also examined various instruments, attire and other objects discovered during archeological excavations at the Babazanan mountain.

Then President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the mosque proper. It was indicated that the historical monument of the Juma Mosque was built in 1865. In Soviet years, six of the mosque’s 21 domes were knocked down and the shrine was used as a warehouse. Then the building functioned as an art gallery and became a mosque again in 1992.

It was noted that nine other domes of the mosque became affected by ground waters in the aftermath of the Kura River bursting its banks in 2003. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism started repairs and reconstruction of the mosque in February 2010 and completed the work in June 2011. At present, the mosque has 18 domes, 12 columns and one minaret. The mosque has all the necessary condition for divine services. In order to protect the building from ground waters, a drainage system has been created around the monument.

It was mentioned that according to the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers the Juma Mosque has been protected as a historical monument of national importance since 2001.

After reviewing the mosque, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the work done.