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The historic Askeran Fortress, located in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region, has been fully restored following its liberation from Armenian occupation and is now welcoming both local and international tourists.
The fortress, built 274 years ago by Panah Ali Khan, ruler of the Karabakh Khanate, served as a key defensive structure and is known as the “Eastern Gate of the Karabakh Mountains."
The fortress fell into neglect after the Armenian occupation of Karabakh in 1992. However, following Azerbaijan’s victory and the region’s liberation, Askeran Fortress underwent comprehensive restoration work aimed at preserving its historical and architectural integrity. The site has since regained much of its original grandeur.
Shamkhal Adigozalov, Public Relations Officer at the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, spoke to Anadolu Agency (AA) that the fortress is strategically located on both banks of the Karkar River.
“Askeran Fortress was built in 1751 for defensive purposes. Its height reaches up to 12 meters in certain sections, while in others it stands at about 9 meters, with walls approximately 2 meters thick,” Adigozalov said.
Highlighting its historical role, Adigozalov referred to the fortress as the eastern gateway of the Karabakh Khanate, which had Shusha as its capital at the time.
He further noted that the fortress remained under occupation from 1992 until 2023, and was liberated following anti-terror operations carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
“During the years of occupation, Armenian forces attempted to present the fortress as part of their own cultural heritage. However, the name ‘Askeran’ originates from the ancient Turkic word ‘eski’, meaning ‘old.’ This fortress is one of the oldest and most important monuments of Azerbaijani history,” he added.
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