Keshikchigala
Name of the Monument: Keshikchigala (Watchtower Fortress)
Period: 9th–11th centuries
Location: Summit of Qaltan Mountain, Keshikchidagh State Historical and Cultural Reserve
At an altitude of 850 m above sea level, perched on the edge of the Galtan mountain, one of the historical defense fortifications, which is considered one of the precious pearls of our history, is Keshikchigala, located in the territory of the Keshikchidagh caves-temple complex.
According to the information provided by historians, the date of construction of the tower coincides with the 9th-11th centuries. According to the relief of the area, the plan, and architectural style, the tower is quadrangular in shape, 11 meters in height, has an area of 26.25 square meters, its walls are one meter thick, and the height between floors is 3.60 cm. However, the height of the third floor is slightly lower as part of it has collapsed. There are four-way observation windows on all floors of the defense watchtower. Bricks and neatly cut local mudstone was used in the construction of the walls of the tower, and clay was mainly used as a construction product for strength. There is an additional column emerged to the wall from the outside to protect the strength of the tower. This defense tower, built in a very strategic location, can be accessed only by steep roads. Bonfires were lit from Keshikchigala to signal the caves about the attack of foreigners.
