Mayraberd fortress
About 14 km east of Stepanakert stands the impressive Askeran Fortress, also historically known as Mayraberd Fortress. This remarkable defensive structure was built to guard the strategic Karkar River valley and control the narrow passage between the surrounding mountains. The fortress is distinguished by its massive walls and tall defensive towers, which were reinforced by double ramparts, making the canyon extremely difficult for enemies to penetrate. The towers were connected by trench-like passages running along the upper parts of the walls, allowing defenders to move quickly and safely during attacks. Inside the fortifications, numerous openings, corridors, and passages of varying widths were constructed within the walls. Some of these passages contained special vertical openings resembling ventilation shafts, which helped circulate air throughout the structure. The fortress walls reach about 9 meters in height and approximately 2 meters in thickness, stretching for more than 1.5 kilometers along the valley. Because of its strategic position, the fortress often served as a protective shield during the defense of the nearby city of Shushi. Historical sources describe many heroic battles and important events that took place near the powerful walls of this fortress, making it one of the most significant medieval defensive monuments of the region.
