Alinja Castle

Alinja, or Alinjagala, is an ancient fortress on the summit of the mountain of the same name near Julfa in Azerbaijan. Legends interpret its name as either ‘the place of Ali’ or ‘after the conquest,’ and it appears in the epic Book of Dede Korkut. Built between the 6th and 8th centuries, the fortress served for centuries as a strategic stronghold of the Seljuks, Atabegs, and Safavids and as the residence of Zahida Khatun. Massive stone walls run from the foot of the mountain to the summit, enclosing former palaces, residential quarters, and water cisterns. Watchtowers and guard posts once protected the approaches and warned of approaching enemies.

An old legend speaks of Tamerlane’s treasure hidden at Alinja. Gold and diamonds are said to lie somewhere within the fortress, reached by a secret tunnel. No one has found them, and local people warn that anyone who tries risks both health and life.