Taza Pir Mosque

Taza Pir Mosque stands on Samad Vurgun Avenue, one of the main arteries of modern Baku, its two yellow 45-metre minarets rising between the Soviet and eclectic-style buildings that define this stretch of the city. From the pavement you can see the central golden dome catching the light at different times of day; at sunset, when the sun shines directly onto it, the effect is quite striking without needing to cross any threshold.

The building combines the orientalism of late Russian imperial architecture with recognisable Islamic references: horseshoe arches, cream-coloured brick cladding and geometric exterior decoration reminiscent of certain buildings in Istanbul or Tehran, though with a character distinctly its own in the Caucasus. The interior surprises with its relative austerity: prayer carpets in red and blue tones, stone columns without excessive ornamentation, Quranic inscriptions on the walls and natural light entering through side windows. It smells of old wood and soft incense, especially on Fridays.

A visit lasts between twenty minutes and an hour, depending on your interest. Taza Pir Mosque is the most central option for seeing an active mosque in Baku without travelling to the Old City. On Friday at noon the courtyard fills with worshippers and the atmosphere is more intense; any other time between prayers is quiet. Women must cover their hair; scarves are available free of charge at the entrance.

Taza Pir Mosque was built between 1905 and 1914, during the oil boom that transformed Baku from a provincial town into a cosmopolitan capital. It was funded by philanthropist Nabat Ashurbeyova, one of the few female patrons of the period. The name Təzəpir means new prophet in Azerbaijani. During the Soviet era the building was closed as a place of worship and converted into a document archive; it reopened as a mosque in the 1990s, after Azerbaijan's independence. Today it is the most important Shia mosque in Baku and headquarters of the Caucasian Muslim Board, the country's highest Islamic religious authority.

• Minarets and golden dome The two 45-metre minarets and the central dome are the most recognisable features of Taza Pir Mosque; they can be photographed from Samad Vurgun Avenue without going inside.
• Main prayer hall The interior with colourful carpets, stone columns and ceramic panels with Quranic inscriptions. The light changes considerably throughout the day.
• Ablution courtyard The outdoor space with marble fountains where worshippers perform ritual ablutions before prayer; it gives a sense of the place's daily rhythm.
• Cream brick facade The exterior cladding and geometric details on the main entrance are a fine example of the orientalist style of early 20th-century Caucasian architecture.
• Library and study rooms Some visitors may access the adjacent rooms used for Islamic religious instruction; it is worth asking at the entrance directly.

Photo gallery

Taza Pir Mosque is on Samad Vurgun Avenue, about ten minutes' walk from Sahil metro station and fifteen from Icherisheher (Old City). From most hotels in central Baku you can walk without needing any transport. Open every day; busiest during the five daily prayer times, especially Friday at noon.

Taza Pir Mosque can be visited at any time of year. Winters in Baku are mild (5–10 °C) and the interior is heated. In July and August outdoor temperatures exceed 35 °C, though inside it remains comfortable. To visit without crowds, avoid Friday at noon; any other time between the five daily prayers is quiet and accessible.