Tomb of Noah in Nakhchivan – History, Architecture & Tips

Nakchivan Azerbaijan

Visit Tomb of Noah: Lasting from the VI Millennium BC

Different religious traditions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) often associate the tomb of Noah with different locations.

But all 3 of them have one thing in common, and that is that they point to one place:

To the Caucasus (Nakhchivan), very close to Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı in Azeri and Turkish).

And, today, here, what is called Noah's Mausoleum attracts massive crowds and tourists from all over the world.

So, if you also wish to know everything about this destination before going there, along with its:

History;

Architecture;

Useful tips for visiting and more.

You're in the right corner.

Let’s start.

Exactly Where Was Noah Buried: Longstanding Belief

In course, in the Bible (Genesis 8:4), Mount Ararat (easternmost end of Türkiye; very close to the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan) is recognized (popularly) as the resting place of Noah's Ark.

Then, logically, Noah might have lived with his family and companions in the vicinity and also died there.

In this sense, the tomb of Noah must also be nearby.

So, in the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Mount Ararat (on the map), there is a tomb that is more or less 8,000 years old.

And the longstanding belief of the people is that this grave belongs to the Prophet Noah, which is now a beautiful mausoleum.

History of Noah's Mausoleum in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan

First of all, Nakhchivan is known for being a legendary site associated not only with Islam but also with early Christian stories.

For example, one of them is the Ashabi Kahf Cave, also known in Christianity as the Cave of the Seven Sleepers.But with Noah’s grave, it turns out that this place is much more historic than originally thought; older than the Abrahamic religions that are known.

Most likely, that's why the origin of the name Nakhchivan is also known in Azerbaijani as “Nuhçıxan”.

It means the place where Noah came out with his ark.

Turning back to the history of the prophet's mausoleum, it dates back to the 8th century.

But in fact, it has undergone numerous reconstructions over time.

On the plaque of the monument, it is also stated that it was reconstructed in the VIII, XII, and XXI centuries.

To make it clear, the mausoleum looks different today than it did during the Middle Ages.

Even in the 1890s, for example, its look felt so otherwise.

As pictured, the tomb resembles a not very large shrine rising from the ground.

Octagonal Architecture of Noah's Mausoleum

Regarding architecture, Noah's Mausoleum in Nakhchivan is octagonal in form.

The mausoleum has a conical roof resting upon an eight-sided (octagonal) base.This type of structure is characteristic of medieval Azerbaijani architecture.So it indicates the building's cultural (maybe religious) and historical significance.

For example, the Diri Baba Mausoleum in Qobustan has an octagonal cupola, even though it isn't eight-sided architecturally.

The structure, which consists of three separate parts (tomb, mausoleum and roof), is 15.50 meters high and 7.50 meters wide.

After the restoration in 2006, an 8-sided glass design was added in the middle of the mausoleum, allowing a view of the lower part.

In addition, the mausoleum contains ancient animal bones found in the Nakhchivan area and a stone from the 12th century, which’s used in the construction of the structure.

Useful Tips for Visiting Grave of Noah in Nakhchivan

Unfortunately, as of 2025, there’s no direct way by car to get to Nakhchivan from Baku.So, if you want to visit Noah's Tomb by land, you can reach Nakhchivan through Iran or Turkey.On the flip side, the easiest way to reach Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is by a domestic flight from Baku.

It takes about an hour.The best time to visit the mausoleum is in the morning or late noon if you want to feel a sense of satisfaction and mental serenity.At other times of the day, it may be crowded.

The entrance is completely free.

In the meantime, Noah’s Mausoleum is right next to the Nakhchivangala (Nakhchivan Castle) History and Architecture Museum complex, as well as Heydar Mosque.

That’s to say, you have a chance to hit two birds with one stone.

Maybe even more.Because within a 3 km radius of the tomb of Noah, you can also visit other attractions of the city. Like Momine Khatun Mausoleum, Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum, and more.

That’s all.

Hopefully this post will give you enough hints before you visit the monument.

Have a spiritual tranquility.

Wikipedia

Recommended airport

Nakhchivan Airport (NAJ)

Nearby destinations

Nakchivan, Azerbaijan

Nakchivan Azerbaijan