BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 12. Restoration and
conservation work at the Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan is
expected to take several years, Erich Pummer, director of Austrian
company Atelier Erich Pummer GmbH, told Trend in an exclusive interview.


According to him, the initial stage focusing on a comprehensive
assessment of the monument’s condition, the selection of
appropriate materials and the installation of systems to monitor
its structural stability.


He noted that specialists have already carried out the necessary
assessments and studied the history of the mausoleum, as well as
the nature of the damage affecting the monument.


“We have already conducted the necessary studies and examined
the history of the monument and the damage it has sustained. Based
on the experience we have gained, we are proposing a system that
will help preserve and stabilize the mausoleum,” Pummer said.


He stressed that the current stage is the first phase of a
project that will take several years to complete.


“At the first stage, it was particularly important to determine
which systems and materials should be used, as well as which
systems can be deployed for continuous monitoring of the monument’s
structural condition. These are the main issues we are currently
working on,” the company director said.


On August 11, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First
Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the restoration and conservation
work being carried out at the Momine Khatun Mausoleum.


The restoration is being carried out as part of efforts to
preserve the historical and architectural heritage of the
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. In 2023–2025, local and
international specialists conducted assessments and studies of the
mausoleum’s condition, confirming the need for restoration and
conservation work.


In 2025, the head of state signed an order on measures to
restore and conserve the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, a historical and
architectural monument of global significance.


The mausoleum was built in 1186 by prominent Azerbaijani
architect Ajami Nakhchivani and was part of the Atabeg
architectural complex. It is the only surviving structure of the
complex.


Specialists are currently working on the restoration of the
mausoleum and reconstruction of its roof, measuring and monitoring
the existing tilt of the structure, and installing a drainage
system.