Nabat Ashurbeyova
Nabat Goja Ashurbeyova | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1795 Baku |
| Died | 1912 Baku |
| Occupation(s) | Benefactor, businesswoman |
| Known for | Philanthropy, ownership of oil fields and real estate, funding of Taza Pir Mosque and other infrastructure in Baku |
Nabat Goja Ashurbeyova (; born 1795 in Baku – died 1912 in Baku) was a distinguished Azerbaijani benefactor and among the wealthiest female figures in Azerbaijan during the 19th century. Her fortune was largely accumulated through ownership of oil fields and extensive real estate holdings. Upon her marriage to affluent merchant Haji Musa Rza Rzayev, she gained prominence for her charitable activities. The couple had three offspring: Haji Abbasgulu Rzayev, Zuleykha, and Gulbeste.
Philanthropic work
Nabat khanim significantly contributed to funding key infrastructure developments in Baku, notably the Shollar water pipeline that provides potable water to the city, in partnership with industrial magnate H.Z. Taghiyev. She also sponsored the establishment of the Seyyid Hospital located in the Sabunchu area, which offered free medical care to numerous patients, and supported a public bathhouse that allowed underprivileged individuals complimentary weekly access.
Her paramount philanthropic endeavor was financing the erection of the Taza Pir Mosque (constructed between 1905 and 1914), which currently serves as the headquarters for the Administration of Caucasian Muslims. Utilizing earnings from her oil enterprises, she obtained official authorization to build the mosque and engaged Ziver bey Ahmadbayov—the pioneering Azerbaijani architect educated at the St. Petersburg Civil Construction Institute—to design it. At her expense, Ahmadbayov furthered his studies in mosque architecture abroad and designed the mosque featuring two-level minarets; however, religious authorities permitted completion only of the first level.
As a symbol of collaboration, H.Z. Taghiyev placed both the initial foundation stone and the final dome stone. Nabat khanim passed away in 1912 at approximately 117 years old and was interred within the mosque’s courtyard near its principal entrance; her son Abbasgulu assumed responsibility for completing the mosque and was eventually laid to rest there as well.
In 2005, a presidential decree initiated restoration efforts for both the mosque and its environs, culminating in a reopening event in 2009 attended by Azerbaijan’s president. Furthermore, Mustafa Subhi Street in Baku’s Sabail district was renamed Nabat Ashurbeyova Street to honor her legacy.