SYMBOLYSM AND ARCHITECTURAL TYPOLOGIES OF MEDIEVAL TOMBS IN KARABAKH: COMPARATIVE REFLECTIONS FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD

Abstract

This research analyzes the architectural features of medieval tombs in the Karabakh region and explores their symbolic meanings within the broader context of Islamic funerary architecture. The purpose of the article is to identify the typological characteristics of Karabakh tomb monuments and to examine their cultural, spiritual, and symbolic significance in comparison with similar monuments in different regions of the Islamic world. The article compares the Karabakh tombs with tomb architecture in Azerbaijan, Iran, Anatolia, Central Asia, and other Islamic regions, emphasizing both common architectural traditions and local characteristics. Particular attention is given to the typology of the tombs’ forms, including octagonal and dodecagonal plans, domed and conical roofs, stone ornamentation, and epigraphic elements such as Kufic and Nastaliq inscriptions. Methodology. The research is based on comparative architectural analysis, visual typology, and the study of historical and architectural sources. Through stylistic interpretation and cross-regional comparison, the study evaluates the symbolic content of the monuments, including Sufi concepts, cosmological symbolism, and representations of power and sanctity. The results of the article demonstrate that the tomb architecture of Karabakh reflects the interaction of local building traditions with broader artistic and ideological trends of the Islamic world. The monuments integrate Turkic nomadic heritage, regional construction techniques, and Islamic spiritual symbolism. In conclusion, the study highlights that the medieval tombs of Karabakh are not only funerary structures but also important cultural and artistic expressions that reflect collective memory, spiritual beliefs, and the architectural heritage of the Islamic civilization. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive and comparative analysis of medieval tomb architecture in the Karabakh region within the broader framework of Islamic architectural heritage. While previous studies have primarily examined tomb monuments in Azerbaijan from a regional or stylistic perspective, this article introduces a cross-regional approach that places the Karabakh tombs in dialogue with mausoleum traditions of Iran, Anatolia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Practical relevance. The practical relevance of this research is related to the preservation, documentation, and scholarly interpretation of medieval architectural monuments in the Karabakh region. Many of these tombs were damaged, neglected, or altered during the period of occupation, making their systematic study an important step toward their restoration and protection. The findings of this study may serve as a valuable academic resource for architects, historians, and specialists working in the fields of architectural conservation, cultural heritage management, and monument restoration. The comparative analysis presented in the article can also support future restoration projects by providing historical and stylistic references for the original architectural forms and decorative elements of the monuments.