Maiden Tower; A diamond in the crown of Baku
The walled city of Baku observed many civilizations like Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman and Russian. The inner city also known as Icheri Sheher has a rich cultural heritage of 12th century. Maiden tower along with Shirvanshah’s Palace. This tower is one of the national monument. It is featured on Azerbaijan’s currency and official letterheads. It has a gift shop. You can see the Baku Bay, Baku Boulevard and the house of isabek Hajinksi. A list by the UNESCO World Heritage depicts this historical monument as cultural property of Azerbaijan Culture.
Ensuing to the retreating of the sea shoreline of the Caspian Sea, a strip of land emerged. This land was developed between 9th and 15th centuries. Some sources declared that the Maiden tower is an example of Zoroastrianism and the pre Islamic architecture in Iran and Azerbaijan.
Another Interesting fact that the maiden tower has many legends and mysteries about its building. Approximately there are 20 legends related to this tower are circulated. One of them is the legend of the fire color haired virgin girl savior.
In ancient times, in Baku there were a town-fortress. According to their tradition, they had a fire temple in their every place. The enemies encircled the fortress, people of Baku were fight but the enemy cut down their water supply. Everyone in fortress was very thirsty, they started pray to their god, after praying day and night, crowd see a fire along with a beautiful girl coming from above, the girl had beautiful colored hair. She told them that she came to help them give her a helmet and sword and just open the gate of fortress. She fought very well and married with the enemy commander after defeating him in battle field and save the people of Baku.
The inner structure of Maiden Tower consists of eight levels that are connected by a spiral staircase, with an eminent entramce on western side which is mainly made for defensive purpose. This tower keep attracting tourists and scholars, the come here and mesmerized by its historical importance and its uniqueness in its architect.