Located on G. Zakir street in the historic Chol Gala neighborhood—one of nine lower, earlier districts in Shusha—the Chol Gala Mosque offers you a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage of the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. As one of seventeen mosques operating in Shusha by the end of the nineteenth century, this former Shia Islam mosque is recognized among the most valuable monuments within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shusha State Historical and Architectural Reserve.
When you visit, you will observe a unique architectural design that eschews traditional minarets in favor of a classic rectangular neighborhood plan. Step inside to admire an authentic interior fully aligned with Islamic religious architecture, featuring a grand three-nave prayer hall. Directly adjacent to the building, you can see the historic Chol Gala spring, which traditionally supplied the surrounding neighborhood with fresh mineral water.
Following a comprehensive restoration process initiated in 2023 by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation with support from Pasha Holding, the mosque and its adjacent spring were officially reopened during a ceremony attended by President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. It stands as an essential cultural stop for travelers exploring Shusha's restored architectural treasures.
What to see at Chol Gala Mosque
- Exterior design following a rectangular plan without minarets
- Interior with a three-nave prayer hall adhering to Islamic religious architecture
- Adjacent historic Chol Gala mineral water spring
- Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shusha Reserve
- Comprehensive restoration overseen by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
Visiting tips
Take time to view both the restored rectangular mosque building and its adjacent historic mineral water spring on G. Zakir street.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Chol Gala Mosque is easy to reach on Khankendi’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Ghazanchetsots Cathedral and Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Khankendi travel guide.
See the full Khankendi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.