Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory or in short: ANAS SHAR (full name: Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after Nasireddin Tusi of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan ) — was established on November 17, 1959 by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR No. 975, ANAS Physical, Mathematical and Technical Sciences Observatory, which operates as a scientific-research institute within its department.
The observatory is located in the north-east of the Great Caucasus mountains , 150 km from Baku , in the eastern part of Pirgulu mountain, at an altitude of 1435-1500 m above sea level , at the geographical coordinates of λ = 48⁰ 35′ 04″ E, φ = 40⁰ 46′ 20″ N. The number of clear nights suitable for observation here reaches 150-180 during the year