Ajami ibn Abubakr Nakhchivani is a renowned architect from Azerbaijan who established the Nakhchivan School of Architecture. He revolutionized medieval Azerbaijani architecture with his artistic vision, introducing delicacy and dynamism to the Seljuk period's previously heavy and stern style. His impact extended beyond Azerbaijan to influence Middle Eastern architecture. Recognized for his genius, he was honored with the title of "Sheikhul-muhandis" (chief of engineers) by esteemed figures in the East.

Ajami's creativity was intertwined with Nakhchivan, the bustling capital of Azerbaijan's powerful Atabay state during the 12th century. The city was undergoing significant renovation and construction, as it served as the hub of political, economic, cultural, and artistic activities in Azerbaijan, strategically positioned at the crossroads of key international trade routes. Ajami's first known monument is the Yusif Kuseyir oglu Tomb, also known as the "Atababa Dome," located in the center of Nakhchivan City. Built-in 1162, this monument features an octagonal body, a tower-like dome, and supports at the corners, all made of bricks with walls adorned with geometrical ornaments. The combination of art and architecture tectonics is seamlessly blended in this structure. The architect's name is inscribed to the left of the entrance door of the monument, translating to "This is the work of the stonemason Ajami Ibn Abubakr Nakhchivani." The Momuna Khatun Tomb, also known as the "Atabay Dome," is considered one of the tallest and most finely composed tombs in Azerbaijan and the Islamic world. It was constructed in the western part of Nakhchivan in 1186 by Ajami in honor of Momuna Khatun, the wife of Atabay Shamsaddin Eldaniz and mother of Mahammad Jahan Pahlavan. The Momuna Khatun Tomb, with its grand dimensions, imposing forms, and unique silhouette, stood out as the centerpiece of a vast architectural complex. The Momuna Khatun Tomb is a grand decagonal monument constructed with enhanced and intricate architectural principles. The tomb is a distinctive display of artistic expression in its underground structure, the innovative architectural design of its exterior surfaces, and the intricate geometric patterns that adorn it. Ajami skillfully intertwined the ornaments of the Momuna Khatun Tomb with intricate patterns reminiscent of geometric systems, adapting Kufic inscriptions to the decorations and seamlessly incorporating them into the monument's overall composition.

One of Ajami's architectural creations features twin minarets and a main portal arch connecting them. This structure serves as the entrance to a larger complex including the Momuna Khatun Tomb. The Nakhchivan Juma Mosque, which was once part of this complex but was scattered until the 19th century, as well as the "Daryulmulk" Eldanizlar Palace and "Dovlatkhana" government building mentioned in historical sources, showcase Ajami's artistic style. Researchers believe that Ajami constructed many more buildings in Nakhchivan, the capital of the Atabays, but details about these monuments remain unknown at this time.

Ajami significantly influenced the architectural styles of Azerbaijan and various Middle Eastern countries. His traditions are evident in the Blue Tomb in Maraga (1196), the Gulustan Tomb near Nakhchivan (XIII century), the Karabakhlar Mausoleum (XII-XIV centuries), the Barda Mausoleum (XIV century), as well as in the tombs created by the Turkish architect Sinan (XVI) in Istanbul. In 1926, a monument was constructed on Nizami's grave in Ganja, incorporating elements of Ajami's heritage and reflecting the brilliance of Ajami in the design of the Nizami Mausoleum. The architectural influence of Ajami can also be seen in the pedestal of the Nizami Monument in Baku, the Vagif Mausoleum in Shusha, and the Huseyn Javid Mausoleum in Nakhchivan. According to the renowned art historian Ernst Diez, the tombs built by Sinan in Istanbul were inspired by the Nakhchivan tombs. Diez mentioned that Sinan visited Nakhchivan during his 1535-36 trip to Iran as an army engineer and was influenced by Ajami's architectural school.

Ajami's work exemplifies the Renaissance in Azerbaijani culture and public opinion during the 12th century. The sophistication of his structures, the intricate architectural divisions, and the playful ornaments reflect an artistic vision that defies medieval conventions. His ornament designs seamlessly blend artistic and mathematical concepts.

Ajami was a talented engineer and artist who discovered a revolutionary solution to the problem of architectonics, a rare feat in architecture. His advanced engineering skills are evident in the ribbed arches system constructed by him in the Momuna Khatun Tomb a century before Western European architects, as well as the intricate ornaments arranged in the form of pre-made pans on its seat, the massive dome, and twin minarets of the Juma Mosque.

Ajami was the inspiration for many literary works. In 1976, the 850th anniversary of his birth was celebrated extensively. A bust of Ajami Nakhchivani was installed in Nakhchivan city.

Recommended literature:

1. Əliyeva, Rahibə Şanxay qızı. Memar Əcəmi Əbubəkr oğlu Naxçıvani = Архитектор Аджеми Абубекр оглу Нахичевани / R. Ş. Əliyeva ; layihənin rəh. E. Ə. Qasımzadə ; Azərbaycan Respublikasının Memarlar İttifaqı. - Bakı : Şərq-Qərb, 2013. - 76 s.
2. Səfərli, Hacı Fəxrəddin Yəhya oğlu. Naxçıvanın epiqrafik abidələrində görkəmli şəxsiyyətlər : monoqrafiya / F. Y. Səfərli ; elmi red. İ. M. Hacıyev ; AMEA Naxçıvan bölməsi. - Naxçıvan : Əcəmi NPB, 2016. - 144 s.
3. Əliyev, Qadir. Memar Əcəmi Naxçıvani yaradıcılığında ahəngdarlıq /Q. Əliyev; elmi red. və ön söz müəl. C. Qiyasi. - Bakı: Şərq-Qərb, 2007. - 159 s.
4. Yılmaz, Reha. Tariximizdə iz qoyanlar / R. Yılmaz ; tərc. A. Mabudova ; red. R. Səfiyev. - Bakı : Xəzər nəşriyyatı, 2008. - 204 s.