ALINJA CASTLE AS AN EXAMPLE OF MEDIEVAL DEFENSIVE ARCHITECTURE OF AZERBAIJAN

The article examines Alinja Castle as one of the important examples of medieval defensive architecture in Azerbaijan. The geographical-strategic position of the fortress, its architectural features, historical stages of development, and its role in the military defense system are investigated. At the same time, the role played by Alinja Castle in the political and military events of Azerbaijani history, especially during the medieval period, is analyzed on the basis of scientific sources. Particular attention is paid to the resistance demonstrated by the fortress during Amir Timur’s campaigns to Nakhchivan, and the place of the castle in folk memory and folklore is determined. As a result of the research, it has been established that Alinja Castle was not only a military fortification but also one of the important symbols of the Azerbaijani people’s history of struggle, heroism, and statehood.