Travel Forum - Traveler Mania

Tours on Azerbaijan
 
 
 
 
 
  Big Baku
 
 
 
  If the shape of Azerbaijan on a map is similar to a bird flying towards   the sea then the bird's "beak" would be the Absheron peninsula with an   ancient and ever young city situated on its southwest coast. The city is   Baku - the capital of Azerbaijan.
  COORDINATES:
  Latitude: 390 39' N- 400 03' N
  Longitude: 490 гр.39' E - 490 39' E
  The population is 2000000. Even though administratively Baku is   separated from Absheron suburb settlements (in a total number of 32),   historically they are indivisibly linked to the capital both in cultural   and economical as well as in geographical terms. Due to this, the whole   Absheron peninsula including the capital is called "Big Baku".
  Absheron and Baku feature major transport lines: International Airport   n.a. Heydar Aliev, a big port in the Baku Bay (the biggest on the whole   Caspian Sea), Baku Railway station and highways connecting the capital   with the rest of the country.
  Major oil and gas pipelines also originate on the peninsula. Baku is a   key point of the international transport corridor (Europe-Caucasus-Asia)   TRASECA, in the framework of which Azerbaijan participates in   restoration of a historical route, the Great Silk Road.
 
 
 
  CLIMATE. The Absheron Peninsula is located 29 m below World Ocean   level. The climate of Baku and Absheron is of temperate warm   semideserts and steppes with Absheron-specific winds. While bringing   refreshment in summer the northern wind "Khazri" is chilling in winter;   on the contrary, the southern "Gilavar" is heating in summer but   attenuates the cold in winter. In general, however, the climate of   present Baku was substantially softened by gardens and parks, lovingly   cultivated by Baku citizens. While at the beginning of XX century it was   often impossible to go outside due to blinding
  dusty winds, today's Baku has evolved into a warm and comfortable city.
 
  MINERAL DEPOSITS - oil, gas, building stone (limestone -   "badamdash"), salt, sand, lime. Salt lakes at the Absheron include   Masazir, Gala, Beyuk-Shor and Hodzhasan. There are some of the oldest   oil wells in the world where people would draw oil from with buckets and   the first industrial oil wells on the Absheron.
 
  MUD VOLCANOES - A FINE MYSTERY OF NATURE. Azerbaijan is the first   among the world's countries by quantity and diversity of mud volcanoes.   Among 800 mud volcanoes known in different countries on Earth 400 are   located within the boundaries of the South Caucasus oil-and-gas basins   and among the latter 300 are located on the land of Azerbaijan, within   its Caspian area of water and on numerous islands.
  All known types of mud volcanoes on the world are represented in   Azerbaijan. This is a genuine natural stock and laboratory of mud   volcanoes. Due of this, in the last years Baku has become a center of   international scientific forums on mud volcanism, geodynamics and   seismicity.
  Mud volcanoes also attract a great number of tourists visiting our   country. Desert and rocky landscapes of Absheron with its volcanoes   remind of the youth of our planet, of the ages before the advent of   humans, or moon landscapes. However, the volcanoes in Azerbaijan are   alive, active…
 
 
 
   GOBUSTAN PETROGLYPHS - AN OUTDOOR MUSEUM. Prehistoric rock   drawings - petroglyphs - are an art "archive" of the human evolution on   Earth. The "articles" of such archives are the first transmissions from   the human "I" to the outer world. There are a few of such outdoor   "archives" in Azerbaijan. One of them, the largest, is located in   Gobustan, at the Baku State Reserve of History, Ethnography and Arts,   near Baku. It is a rocky massif on the bottom of the southeast part of   the Great Caucasus Range, near the Caspian Sea and a modern highway   built on the ancient Shirvan road.
  A great number of rock drawings, dwellings, ancient settlement sites and   mounds have been found here. D. Rustamov and F. Muradova, a married   couple of archeologists who devoted 35 years to the research of Gobustan   maintain that the most ancient group of Gobustan petroglyphs is the   most optimistic and in spite of the basic form of self-description   presents a very informative picture of the human life in the dawn of the   development of humanity. They studied about 20 rock dwellings and   settlements, excavated around 40 mounds and revealed 300 new rocks and   stones with drawings. However, the stones of Gobustan are not only   witnesses of the most ancient ages of human life. They reflect the   history of the region during the period of over 15 thousands of years,   from the Lower Paleolithic to The Middle Ages.
  The first researcher of Gobustan who introduced this unique place to the   world science in 1939 was archeologist Izhak Dzhafarzade.
  By now, over 4000 petroglyphs (rock drawings in the style of wooden   engraving) have been found and studied. Among these there are pictures   of hunt, fishing, domestic life, group dances, various symbols including   solar (fylfot, spiral, cross), constellations, men and women   (interestingly, women hunted along with men), pictures of animals -   gazelles, aurochs, lions, goats, pictures of reed boats, two-wheeled   carts, human traces. There are remains of unique "plates" - depressions   carved in stones and even ornamented. There are also unusual "musical   instruments" - stones producing loud sounds, each stone with its own   timbre. This is the "Gaval-Dash", the tambourine stone.
  The rocks of Gobustan also retain the evidence of the presence of Roman   legionnaires crossing this attractive region in the 1st century BC. A   rock has been found here with the carved inscription in Latin written by   Roman centurions of the XII Legio Fulminata. The inscription reads that   the Emperor Domitianus Caesar Augustus Germanicus ruled in Rome at the   time. Now Gobustan is nominated for the inclusion in the list of "World   Legacy" maintained by UNESCO.
 
  THE HISTORY OF ABSHERON. Favorable climate-geographical and   geological conditions contributed to the fact that the Absheron was   already inhabited 20000 years ago (e.g., an ancient human settlement   site near the village of Yeni Surakhany). The whole peninsula is studded   with ancient man settlement sites and mounds dated to the Bronze Age   and Early Iron Age. There are types of burial complexes with burials of   anthropomorphic figures made of stone accompanied by plot pictures   (villages of Dubandy, Turkani, Hashahuna, Mardakan, and Shuvelan) that   are restricted only to the Absheron. More settlement sites have been   found in Pirallakhi, on the lake of Zikh, in Binagadi and in   Amiradzhani. This evidences that the whole Absheron was one of inhabited   places in the most ancient times. However, geostrategic position of the   peninsula attracted various invaders as well.
  The largest settlement site on the Absheron is Mashtaga.
  Here, aside of settlements dated to the Bronze and Iron Ages there are   also posterior monuments: mosques: Bira Argutai (1414), Hodzha Aydamir,   Gazikhana, Hodzha Kerbalai Khusein, (18th century); a mosques dated to   the 13th-14th centuries with a 40 m tall minaret built later, a bath of   17th century, Ovdan (a lodgment dated to the 19th century), mausoleums:   Agilbara, Hodzha Aslan, Gasanbek, Hodzha Aydamir (18th century). "Gala"   if the Baku State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve located in the   Absheron village of Gala. Remained in "Gala" are ancient mosques, old   roads, ovdans, an ancient cemetery (15th century), baths and settlement   sites dated to the Bronze Age. Gala is a typical Absheron settlement and   is sometimes called "Icheri Sheher" of Azerbaijan.
  Attracting a great interest among guests of Baku is the temple of   Zoroastrians - Ateshgah (the house of fire) in the village of Surakhany   (17th century). It is situated on a rock where natural emergences of gas   on the surface have been burning for thousands of years. Near the   village of Muhammedli one can observe an interesting natural phenomenon   -the emergence of burning natural gases at the bottom of the mountains.   The place is called Yanar Dag (The Burning Mountain"). In ancient times   there were many such places in Azerbaijan.
  Ancient, prehistoric tracts - complete analogs of the mystical road   tracks in Malta have been found in every part of the Absheron. Many of   them lead right to the sea vanishing in the depths…
  In very ancient times the city became the first sea port on the Caspian   coast. Both the boats of invaders and civilian trade caravans with   traders traveling from Russia and European countries were plying one of   the ancient naval routes along the Volga River to Astrakhan. From here   they could travel further, to the southwest - across Georgia, to the   Black Sea countries, and to the east - to Persia, China and India. If   the whole Azerbaijan is a country on the virtual border between Europe   and Asia then Baku-Absheron is one of its main gates, through which the   residents of European countries would travel to unveil the lands of   Asia. Also, residents of Asian and Far Eastern countries traveling to   Europe did not pass Baku by. The place emerged as one of the branches of   the Great Silk Road.
  Some sources mention the city of Baruka located in the ancient Caucasian   Albania. Scientists maintain that this is connected to Baku. Bagavan,   Atesh-i-Bagavan, Bakukh, Bakuya, Bad-Kube, Baku, Baka - these are the   ancient names of our city mentioned in various written sources of the   antiquity.
  In the period of Shirvanshahs State formation, Baku attained even higher   importance. In the 12th century, after a powerful earthquake that   severely damaged Shamakhi, the capital of the State of Shirvan,   Shirvanshah Ahsitan I whose wife and children also died during the   earthquake, relocated the capital to Baku.
  Thus Baku became of the main city of the Shirvan State. Shirvanshah got a   new capital, built the fortress walls of Icheri Sheher, and surrounded   them with ditches. The population was occupied in crafts: carpet   weaving, production of copper and bronze wares, weapons (many of them   made their way to the museums of different countries in the world). Baku   emerged as a strategic port on the Caspian Sea which favored its   further prosperity.
  Shirvanshahs built a powerful fleet on the Caspian Sea. During the reign   of Shirvanshah Khalilullah the 1st (1417-1462) extensive building   construction works were conducted in Baku; economy and culture were   prospered, too. In 1501 Baku was captured by Shah Ismail Sefevi and   during the reign of Shah Tahmasib (1538) the state of Shirvanshahs was   incorporated to the state of Sefevids. After a collapse of the latter in   the 18th century a new, independent Baku Khanate was established. At   that time Russia began to intensify the development of its geopolitical   strategies at the Caucasus with the territory of Baku being a crucial   part of these strategies. In 1723 Peter I launched an expedition to the   Caspian Sea. In the same year his armies occupied Caspian borderlands   including Baku, Shamakhi, Shirvan, Derbent, and border towns of Iran.   The wars between Russia and Iran ended in 1813 with the Gulustan peace   treaty by which Azerbaijan was divided into the North and South parts.   The North Azerbaijan was incorporated into Russian Empire while the   South part went to Iran.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  MONUMENTS OF BAKU. Among historical monuments of Baku the most   exciting is the Old City - Icheri Sheher, surrounded by large fortress   walls from three directions. There is a palace of Shirvanshahs with a   complex of various structures: a burial vault, palace, mosque,   Divan-khane, the Mausoleum of Seyd Yakhya Bakuvi (mausoleum of a   dervish) - a court scientist. The palace was built by Shirvanshah   Khalilullah I (1417-1462) and his son Farrukh Yasar (1462-1501). An   interesting monument of antiquity is Juma Mosque with the inscription of   Sultan Oldzhaytu (13th century). In the narrow streets of Icheri Sheher   where the width of passages between houses are often reduced to the   width of stretched arms, there are many little shops where one can buy   ancient and modern wares of local craftsmen: carpets, ceramics,   copperware etc. Here in Icheri Sheher, in buildings of the ancient   caravanserais there are restaurants where one can taste the meals of   Azerbaijani national cuisine.
  Viewing the city from above, from the Upland Park of from the direction   of the sea it is easily seen that the city's shape resembles an   amphitheater on the slopes of rocky hills, it is like a bowl on the sea   coast. Rising above at the edge of Icheri Sheher, near the big Baku   Boulevard is one of the most famous historical-architecture monuments of   the country, a symbol of Baku, Giz Galasy (Maiden's Tower)
  Giz Galasy is dated to the 12th century, researchers maintain that the   Tower was of military and defensive importance and was a part of the   whole complex of defensive structures originating on the northern   borders of Azerbaijan (at Derbent Fortress), Gilgichai Defensive   Structures (a long wall, originating in the sea with many fortresses   along its extent and ending in the mountains with a big tower called   Chirag-Gala).
  However, not all secrets of Giz Galasy have been revealed. For instance,   there are facts supporting the view that the Tower was built in much   earlier times. For many residents of Baku the Tower, a unique example of   the history and architecture of the country, possesses not only   cultural, defensive (astronomic) but also esoteric importance. City   folklore contains many legends both about the Tower itself and about its   name.
  It has been speculated that on the Caspian Sea, not far from Baku, there   was another tower of the same kind. However, only the following   information can be considered reliable. In 1235 Shirvanshah Fariburz III   built fortifications on the rocky islands of Bail bay (in the vicinity   of the present Baku, the oldest region of oil production). There was a   castle in a shape of an irregular rectangle with the length of 180 m and   the width of 40 m. The castle was surrounded by fortress walls, 1.5-2 m   thick and had a 15 m tall watch tower. Extending along the upper part   of the fortress wall there was a 400 m-long inscription describing   genealogy of Shirvanshahs dynasty. The inscription on one of the   remained stones reads "Bender-i-Baku" (Port of Baku). It was a naval   fortress guarding the approaches to the city since Shirvanshahs had a   strong fleet already in the end of the 12th century. In the 13th century   the fortress was besieged by Mongols who destroyed many of its   structures with their battering rams but ultimately failed to capture   it. The island with the castle was located 350 m from the city. After   the earthquake in 1306 and subsequent increase in the Caspian Sea level   the island with the castle became scuttled. During archeological   excavations about 700 stones with inscriptions along with fragments and   whole pieces of earthenware and copper coins of Shirvanshah Kershasb   (13th century) were raised from the bottom of the sea. Some of the   stones were later exhibited in the atrium of the palace of Shirvanshahs.   The submerged fortress is now known as "Shahri Saba", "Sabail Castle"   or "Bail Stones".
  Nowadays Baku is a modern city with a delicate charming of the East and   features of a modern megapolis. Here, in the capital, there are museums   of: History of Azerbaijan, Literature, Musical Culture, Carpets, and   Theater. There are also memorial Museums of: U. Hadzhibekov, the founder   of modern Azerbaijani music, a renowned Azerbaijani composer Niyazi;   composer and jazz performer V. Mustafazade, Baku-born world-famous   musician M. Rostropovich, writers and playwrights G. Javid, Jabbarli,   M.S. Ordubadi and a unique museum of miniature books.
  There are also a number of exhibitions, concert halls, art galleries,   theaters, sport complexes, stadiums, swimming pools, numerous hotels and   restaurants.
  Around Baku, along the whole perimeter of the Absheron peninsula there   are a number of beaches. One can bathe and tan on the Absheron five   months a year since there are many warm and hot sunny days. When the sun   goes down and the heat of summer days fades away discos and night clubs   begin their work on the beaches. At the service of tourist and   vacationers are plentiful of hotels, resorts and health centers on the   Caspian Coast.        

Northwest route
 
 
 
  NORTHWEST ROUTE:   BAKU-MARAZA-SHAMAKHI-ISMAILLI-GABALA-OGHUZ-SHEKI-GAH-ZAGATALA-BALAKEN
 
  MARAZA
  Gobustan district is one of political provinces of our country's   historical area called Shirvan. In the 8th-16th centuries one of   principal states of Azerbaijan - the state of Shirvanshahs with the   capital in Shamakhi was located on the territory of Shirvan. It was the   longest-lived state in the history of medieval East. Presently, Gobustan   region is located to the south of Shamakhi, 101 km from Baku. Climate   in the region is predominantly semi desert. Maraza town is the   administrative center of Gobustan district. It is situated on Maraza   plateau, near the main roadway of the district.
  Famous mounds of Sheikh Duzu, remainders of old settlements dated to the   1st-8th centuries BC, situated on ancient trade roads near the present   village of Dag Kolani; the mausoleum of Diri Baba (15th century) on the   town's outskirts; remainders of Shah Abbas caravanserai in the very   center of the town remind of the fact that the place was already   inhabited in ancient times. Since the earliest times the place has been a   center of carpet production.
 
  SHAMAKHI
  Present Shamakhi district is the center of the ancient Shirvan, the   former state of Shirvanshahs, a historical area of Azerbaijan. It is   located 120 km from Baku. It is situated on southeast foothills of the   Greater Caucasus. Climate is predominantly temperate with dry summers.   Landscape is diverse - steppes alternate foothill meadows and forests   and the higher above sea level the colder is autumn and the later melts   the snow. Overall, however, the climate is mild, soil is fertile and   flora and fauna are rich. The region is attractive both to tourists and   to amateur foot travelers. Those who prefer walking tours make trips   from here to Guba and Ismailli. Eco tourists and simply amateur   travelers are eager to see Dzhalangin forest with crabs, pear trees and   cherry plum along with springs of sulfurated water in its vicinity.
  Located 1400 meters above sea level, near Pirgulu village is Shamakhi   astrophysical observatory (SAO) n.a. Nasireddin Tusi. The first of the   largest telescopes in the former USSR was mounted here.
  Historical monuments of the region include Dzhuma Mosque (8th-19th   centuries), the mausoleums of Pirmardakan (13th-14th centuries), and   Shakhandan (17th century), a complex of seven mausoleums named Eddi   Gumbez (18th century), remainders of the legendary fortress Kalai-Bugurt   near a mountain village of the same name - the fortress looks somehow   attached to a steep rock. Gulustan fortress (8th-15th centuries) where   Shirvanshah Shakhrur set up a steadfast defense against Persian armies -   his palace and the unique water supply system: a secret aqueduct   providing water for defensive walls, stone reservoir for its storage and   water tower remained within the fortress. Located on the territory of   the district is the reserve of Pirgulu. It was established in 1968 and   consists of three sectors covering a total area of 1521 hectares, 1362   of which are occupied by forests, 8000-2000 m above sea level. The   reserve's flora includes 45 rare and endemically plant species, many of   which have been included in the Red List.
 
  ISMAILLI
  The district is located 185 km from Baku. Three of eight climate belts   of Azerbaijan are represented on the territory of Ismailli district -   temperate warm with dry winters, temperate warm with uniform   precipitation (on lowlands) and cold with wet winters in mountains. The   prevalent landscape of the region is mountainous. On the territory of   the district there is a reserve "Ismailli" established in 1981. Its   territory covers 5778 hectares.
  Historical-cultural reserves have been established in Lagic and Basgal   and many monuments have been taken under protection of the state,   including the mosque of Bedoy Zevero (1791), Agali Mosque, Zevero spring   and a mosque and bath dated to the 18th century. Other monuments   include Maiden's Tower (17th century) in Khanega village, Fitdag tower   (18th century) in Sulut village and many other archeological objects.   Interestingly, residents link one of legends about Alexander the Great   to the tower. The great conqueror allegedly stopped here and his heralds   would signal from golden horns from the top of a mountain. ("Fit" is   the Azerbaijani for "a signal", "whistle"). On the top of another   mountain, on the left bank of Girdiman River, near the village of   Talystan there are remainders of the fortress where, according to a   legend, lived Dzhavanshir - one of the rulers of Caucasian Albania (7th   century). In Sulut village there are also remainders of Girkhotag   fortress, Kharam tower and Khiraki defensive wall as well as Juma   Mosque.
 
  GABALA
  Gabala district is located on the territory of Shaki-Zagatala zone, in   the northwest part of Azerbaijan on the border of Dagestan and Georgia.   This region has an ancient history; it was inhabited already in times   the Late Stone Age. Once it was a center of Caucasian Albania and then   it became a part of Shirvanshah and Sheki Khanates, in successive order.   The area is rich in walnut and chestnut trees. Here originates one of   the climber routes to the tallest mountain of the republic - The   Mountain of Bazarduzu (4466 above sea level).
  Many monuments of history and culture have remained on the territory of   the district. Their list includes a mosque of the 19th century in the   village of Bum, an Albanian temple of the 4th century in Amili village,   the Tower of Ustaszhan (9th century) in the village of Bayramkoha, the   mosque of Gadzhi-Garib and the Albanian church Chotari in Nidzh, the   mausoleums of Sheikhs Badreddin and Mansur (15th century) in Khazra   village, a mausoleum of the 17th century in the village of Shefili and   also "pirs" (burial places of people recognized as saint and pious   persons during their lives): Shih-Baba (16th century) in Hamzelli   village and Komrad on the top of Komrad Mountain.
  On the mountain of Yaloylu archeologists found an ancient settlement   site near the village of Nidzh. Archeological culture found here is   typical for the north parts of Azerbaijan and was named "The Culture of   Yaloylu Tepe". Among other findings there were weapons made of iron,   wares of bronze and gold, millstones etc. The most developed crafts were   woodworking (in Vandam village), pottery (in Gamarvan village), carpet   weaving (in the villages of Laza and Bum). In the village of Bum there   is a folk ensemble Zop-Zopa which successfully performed at various   festivals abroad.
  The village of Nidzh in Gabala district is a place of compact residence   of Udines. This ethnic group is considered descendants of ancient Albans   who managed to preserve their traditions, language, material and   spiritual culture to present day.
  There is also a large Museum of Regional History collecting numerous   archeological objects found on the territory of the district.
 
  OGHUZ
  Oghuz district is located on south slopes of the Greater Caucasus in the   Sheki-Zagatala zone. On the north this region is bordered by Russia. It   is so beautiful that they call it Azerbaijani Switzerland. Slightly   less than a half of its territory is occupied by forests. There are many   waterfalls, sulfurated springs and thermal waters emerging on the   surface. The place was inhabited already in the Late Stone Age. At the   beginning of our era its territory became a part of Caucasian Albania,   and in the 18th century it was incorporated into Sheki Khanate.   Archeologists found ancient settlements sites near the villages of   Kerimli and Garabaldir. Among the findings there were spearheads, bronze   weapons, female sculptures made stone and staves.
  On the territory of the district there are many ancient monuments of   history and architecture: Dashuz Bridge (19th century) across Sari-Su   River near the village of Khachmaz, a mosque of the 18th century in the   village of Sindzhan, a mausoleum of the 15th century in Kerimli village,   three-storied tower of the 14th century in the village of Muhas, Gabur   defensive tower (7th-14th centuries) in the village of Khachmaz at the   top of Galadag mountain, Gavurgala tower (7th century) located on the   same mountain near Gabur tower but provided with drinking water,   Surhaikhan tower (18th century) made of fluvial stone and located on the   bank of Galachai river, near the village of Filfilli.
 
  SHEKI
  Sheki region is located on picturesque slopes of the Caucasus Mountains.   Numerous monuments of early medieval architecture remained in the   vicinity of Sheki. They include fortresses, watch towers, churches and   ruins of monasteries dated to the period of Caucasian Albania. Among the   most interesting objects are the monuments in the villages of Bideiz,   Bash Kungut, Orta Deizit and, of course, the church in the village of   Kish (2nd-4th centuries) built by St. Elias; it is considered the   earliest Christian construction on the territory of CIS. Presently, the   church is being restored and reorganized into a museum. The town of   Sheki is the major town of Sheki-Zagatala region, one of the most   ancient and beautiful towns of Azerbaijan dated back to the 1st
  The famous Sheki markets were a center of trade of seeds, engraved ware,   and jewelry. Sheki silk was of different types - soft and opaque, thin   and translucent, matted or embroidered in gold. Craftsmen of the town   made a great contribution to the development of trade along the Great   Silk Road. Sheki was a center of silk production of the whole Caucasus.   In 1860 about 62239 poods of silk were produced in Nuha (Sheki)   province. The first silkmill was constructed here in 1861 and it was one   of the biggest in the world. At the international exhibition in 1862 in   London Sheki silk was awarded with the gold medal.
  With their magnitude, the Ashaghi and Yukhary caravanserai (18th   century) evidence the advancement of trade in the Middle Ages. Near   Sheki, on the west bank of the Kish River remained ruins of the ancient   fortress "Gelersen-Gorersen" (come and you will see); the name suggests   that the defenders of the fortress were confident in its unassailability   and in their determination not to let the enemies pass. In his novel   "Khadzhi Murat" Leo Tolstoy made this fortress a place of action. The   place has been visited by Dumas and Kempfer; N. Raevsky wrote in one of   his letters "our camp is situated in the forest of pomegranates,   tamarisks and plain trees…Nuha is marvelous".
 
  GAKH
  The district of Gakh is located in the northwest part of the republic   and is bordered by Georgia. In the south part of Gakh the climate is   dry; in the center it is temperate hot, alternated by subtropical wet;   in mountains it is cold, with uniform precipitations. As evident, four   climate zones are represented here, on a relatively small territory.   Temperature drops are significant: from -400 C at mountain tops to +400 C   near Adjinour Lake. Located on the territory of the district is the   State reserve "Ilisu" (covering an area of 9.2 hectares). The main   protected objects of the reserve are middle-mountainous forests (90% of   the territory). There are about 300 plant species, including 90 tree and   bush species, a significant number of endemic and endangered species.   The mountainous forests are inhabited by bears, wild cats and jackals.   In the region of Ganyg-Airichai Valley there are good places for hunt   and fishing.
  There are remainders of historical monuments in the region. Mounds,   found by archeologists, suggest that the region was inhabited already in   the Bronze Age. An example of the original culture is the bridge Ulu   Kerpu, dated to the18th century. Here archeologists found unique pitcher   burials dated to the 1st century BC. Here, in Ilisu, remained a square   Watch Tower, 10 meters -tall, dated to the 14th century. About the   village there are many sulfurated thermal springs.
  Remained near the village of Kum are monuments dated to the period of   Caucasian Albania (fortress Sirtgala of 18th century, Kum Basilica,   ruins dated to the 5th century, The Round Temple (7th century). In the   village of Lekit there also remained a Temple Complex (12th century).
 
  ZAGATALA
  Zagatala district is located on ridges of the Greater Caucasus, in the   northwest part of the republic. It is located 372 km from Baku. The   northeast border of the district forms the border between Azerbaijan and   Russia. Landscape is mountainous and plain; climate is cold in   mountains and warm on plains. There are many forests in the area;   however they are mostly located in mountains and foothills. In 1929   here, on the south slopes of the Great Caucasus Range was established a   State Reserve "Zagatala", with the present area of 23843 hectares. It is   located 650-3686 m above sea level and includes a part of not only   Zagatala but also Belokani districts.
  Historical monuments of the regions are located in the villages remained   from ancient times. Remained in the villages of Gezbarah and Galal is a   mosque dated to the 18th century, in Kebeloga village - two towers   (14th century), in the village of Mazih - a tower of the 12th century,   in the village of Yukhary Chardakhlar - Peri-Gala fortress-grotto (5th   century), in Djar village - Jingez tower (14th century), in the same   village there is a museum of regional history, in Pashan village - an   Albanian tower (13th century), and another Albanian tower (12th century)   in the village of Ahahdere. In various villages of the district, e.g.   in Aliabad and Mosul remained mosques of the 19th century. In Zagatala   there is a museum of regional history with a broad collection of   medieval manuscripts
 
  BALAKEN
  Balaken district is located in the northwest part of Azerbaijan, on the   south and west it is bordered by Georgia and on the north and east - by   Russia. It is located 394 km from Baku. Landscape is diverse, mountains   are alternated by plains. On lowlands climate is temperate warm, with   dry winters, at foothills it is temperate warm with uniform   precipitation, in mountains - cold with wet winter (annual humidity   averages over 40%).
  There are many mountainous rivers and a beautiful lake near the Katekh   Mountain, on the north the area is occupied by forests. More than a half   of the territory of the Zagatala reserve belongs to the district of   Balaken. The reserve was established in 1929, it extents along the south   slope of the Great Caucasus Range 650-3496 m above sea level. By the   character of vegetation the territory of the reserve can be divided into   mountain-forest (67.4%), and mountain-meadow zones. Flora includes more   than a thousand of species, with rare ones (hornbeams, aldertree, oaks,   walnuts, chestnuts, acacia and over 30 species of herbal plants) Fauna   is rich, of special interest is the habitat of black Caucasian grouse in   the area.
  On the territory of the region remained many historical and   architectural monuments. Archeologists revealed a number of places   identified as ancient settlement sites dated to the Early Iron Age. E.G.   2 km off Mahamallar village by the rock Gubek there is a cave named   Noho with the traces of a site dated to the Early Iron Age. At the same   place, near the village of Mahamallar, there is a pitcher burial   (2nd-1st centuries BC), a pir and ruins of residential buildings   (5th-7th centuries), a mosque (18th century), a tower (19th century) and   stronghold walls. There are also an underground reservoir and mosque   dated to the 17th in the village of Gullar, mausoleum of the 14th   century in Tul, temple of the 14th century in Hanifa, mosque of the 14th   century in Halatala, Albanian temples in the villages of Hanifa and   Mazimchai, Peri Tower (12th century) in Gullar village on the bank of   Gumbez river. There are also remainders of an early medieval settlement   site at the Meklakan Mountain.
  Collected in the regional museum there are articles of traditional   crafts, different archeological findings suggesting that the place was   already inhabited in the Late Stone Age and other items evidencing the   rich history of the region.        

Western Route
 
 
 
  WESTERN ROUTE: BAKU - HAJIGABUL - KURDEMIR - YEVLAKH - TERTER -   NAFTALAN - GANJA - KHANLAR - DASHKESEN - SHEMKIR - GEDEBEY - TOVUZ -   AGSTAFA - GAZAKH
 
  HAJIGABUL
  Hajigabul district is located in a part of ancient fruitful land of   Mugan in Kur-Araz lowland. Hajigabul city, administrative center of   district, is located in 113 km from Baku. Climate is semi-desert, dry   and hot, winter is mild. Temperature of weather is not lower than   positive 6 degree in winter. It rains less, but tugai forests and bushes   exist along the Kur River. Hajigabul Lake created as a result of   natural withdrawal of Caspian Sea in certain geological period is   situated within this district. Bed of the lake was enlarged as a result   of flood of Kur River in springtime. Now used hot waters of Ali-Bayramly   State District Power Station flows into this lake. This lake, depth of   which does not exceed 5 meter, is not frozen in winter. It has big   importance as suitable place in winter for migrant birds, as well for   water-march birds to build a nest. Many of those birds belong to unique   types that face the danger of being ended.
  This territory was inhabited yet 5 thousand years ago - archeologists   found out ruins of cyclopean buildings in Harami Mountain in north-west   of city. Petroglyphs in walls of these buildings catch the attention.   There were found out images of people and extraordinary, fantastic   animals on the stones near. Scientists suppose this object belongs to   Eneolith era. Other historical-architectural monuments remain near   Hajigabul. In Gubali Baloglan village Pir Huseyn Khanegah includes:   ancient mosque with minaret, castle walls, caravanserai, living   buildings (XIII-XIV centuries), mausoleum of Sheikh Huseyn, who lived in   XI century, (this mausoleum that was built in honor of sheikh was   erected after two centuries after his death), as well ancient bridge   (XVII-XIX centuries). Glazed brick of Khanegah reflecting picture of   lion is considered one of the best in the East. At the present time a   part of this bricks is at The Hermitage in Saint-Petersburg and Nizami   Ganjavi's Literature Museum in Baku. Gungormez defense tower of early   middle ages remained in Udulu village.
 
  KURDEMIR
  Kurdemir district is situated in Shirvan, historical province of   Azerbaijan, in north-west from Baku. This beautiful and fruitful land is   very attractive for tourism and recreation. It sometimes is called   Gulustan. Summer is hot and dry in Kurdemir. Climate is steppe. Fauna of   district is diverse - there are wolf, fox, jackal, wild boar, pheasant,   turac, wild duck and goose here. Kurdemir city, administrative center   of Kurdemir district, is located on the left bank of Kur River, in 189   km from BAKU.
 
  YEVLAKH
  Yevlakh district is situated on the right bank of Kur River and one of   biggest cities of the region called by the people Ganjabasar (it is   called so because was the territory of former Ganja Khanate). Ganjabasar   region covers a number of districts of Azerbaijan. These districts are   similar for their joint history and geographic-climate circumstance.   Yevlakh city, administrative center of Yevlakh district, is 280 km away   from Baku. Yevlakh is located on the cross of numerous roads. Roads lead   from here directly to Mingechevir, Sheki, Balaken, Ganja and Khankendi   cities. It is not accidental that Yevlakh is called "Door of Karabakh"   in written sources of XII century. Both caravans and travelers used to   pass from these "doors", as well flocks of sheep used to be taken to   pastures in alpine meadows. A number of archeological objects of Bronze   Age and early middle ages were found out in Garamammadly, Garamanly and   Khaldan villages of Yevlakh.
 
  TERTER
  Fruitful land of Karabakh is one of the very ancient regions of   Azerbaijan. Popular Karabakh Khanate, center of which was Shusha city,   was located here in due time. There are numerous   historical-architectural monuments, rich flora and fauna here. One of   the colorful types of Azeri carpets - Karabakh carpet was created here,   famous sort of Karabakh race horses was raised here. This land,   possessing such a rich natural features, gave numerous talented writers,   poets and musicians to Azerbaijan. Most popular singers - mugham   singers (mugham - national musical genre of Azerbaijan) have come from   Karabakh. And mugham melodies are base to national opera of Azerbaijan.   Unfortunately Karabakh is under occupation of Armenians at present time.   
  Terter district is situated along the lower flow of Terterchay, borders   upon Injechay from north. Temperature is not lower than positive 2   degree in winter and rarely exceeds 25 degree in summer. Climate is   different within the district - mild and semi-desert climates are   specific to different regions. Just because of such a changeable climate   sheep-breeding is widespread here. Khachinchay crosses this district.
  In due time this territory was a constituent part of Albanian state,   which was one of early state institutions (Manna, Mydia, Atropaten,   Caucasian Albania) of Azerbaijan. Like other Azerbaijanis, Albans also   believed in religion of Zoroaster in ancient times, converted to the   Christianity later.
  Terter city is administrative center of Terter district. City is   situated on the both banks of Terterchay, 332km from Baku. Agriculture   and cattle-breeding, as well ancient folk arts such as carpet-weaving,   weaving and sewing are developed here. Terter city, located on the   ancient caravan way, was called Chaparkhana in due time. A number of   architectural monuments exist in Terter, Kengerly, Garadagly, Gaynag,   Azad Garagoyunlu villages of district.
 
  NAPHTHALAN
  Patients coming to sanatoriums and pensions of this resort city are   treated with Naphthalan oil and solutions made of it. Naphthalan oil is   very effective for treatment of injures, dermatologic, nervous, urologic   and gynecologic diseases, liver, joints and soft tissues around joints.   Naphthalan city was built in the place of the same-called small   village. The word 'naphtha', which is the base of this name, means   'flowing, leaking' from language of Mydia that was one of the ancient   state structures in Azerbaijani territory. Yet a few thousand years ago   Azerbaijanis were able to use the naphthalene for different purposes.   Not only local residents used Naphthalan oil to treat the wounds, also   soldiers of Alexander of Macedonia, Roman legionaries and Vikings, as   well alans, khezers and reps of other tribes that attacked Azerbaijan in   due time used Naphthalan oil to treat their wounds. Naphthalane used to   be exported as well. It was transported to other countries - Kiev   Russian State, Central Asia, Afghanistan, India, Persian Gulf countries   through caravan routes. Famous traveler of middle ages Marco Polo called   the Naphthalan oil 'magical solution to treat dermatologic diseases'.   When oil industry started to rapidly develop in Azerbaijan in XIX   century, number of European engineers, manufacturers and bankers   increased much in Azerbaijan. In 1874 German engineer Yeager took   interest in what the local people said on Naphthalan oil and regulated   the production of 'Naphthalan" ointment in Germany. He exported that   solution to different countries. Obviously, Germans producing solutions   in base of Azerbaijani Naphthalane were good managers because this   solution was used not only in European countries. First-aid set of   Japanese soldiers included jars containing naphthalane ointments during   Russian-Japan war in 1904. This ointment was used as first-aid means. It   was written on those jars: 'One having this solution should not be   afraid of any wound.
 
  GANJA
  Ganja city - is located on the banks of Ganjachay in Ganja-Gazakh   lowland. City is divided in two by river. Two climate zones exist here -   mild-hot semi-desert and dry steppe climate, as well mild hot climate.   Number of population of city is 302.000. City is situated in 375km from   Baku. Ganja is the second biggest city of Azerbaijan. There are Ganja   State University, Academy of Agriculture, Ganja Branch of National   Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Scientific-Research Cotton-growing   Institute, Experimental Agriculture Station here. Modern Olympic Sport   Complex was built in city.
  Ganja is one the most ancient cities, which played important role in   history of our country in different periods. Arabs called this city   Ganza. During excavations conducted in Ganja archeologists discovered   ancient habitations of II century B.C., many archeological objects   belonging to Bronze Age around Ganja.
  History of Ganja includes its destruction by invaders and revival after   that. Ganja was destroyed in Khazar-Arab wars by foreign invaders,   tribes such as the alan, Mongol, Georgian kings and Osmanly. After   destruction of residence of Christian head of Albans in Barda in XI   century, his residence was moved to Ganja. Christians and Muslims used   to live in peace together in Ganja, goods taken to Black Sea coasts from   Eastern countries were transported through caravan ways crossing this   city. In XII century Ganja was capital and residence of feudal lords.   But at the time two strong quakes happened in the city. As a result of   quake happened in 1139 Ganja was destroyed, nearly 250,000 of city   residents died. One of peaks of Kepez Mountain fell and created Goygol   Lake by blocking the way of Agsu River.
  Hajikend resort zone is located now near Ganja. There are numerous   tourist routes, pensions, tourist bases and rest houses here.
  “Goygol” State Reserve is first in Azerbaijan. area of this reserve   created in 1925 in order to protect and study ecologic systems of middle   mountainous, forest and partly subalpine areas, as well Goygol,   Maralgol, Zeligol and other mountain lakes, consists of forests and   mountain meadows. Goygol, which is located in south of Ganja at the   north foots of Murovdag, in 1566m above sea level, is rightly called   pearl of Azerbaijan lakes. This reserve that is the first in Caucasus is   consisted of two parts - main part and branch called 'Forest of Eldar   Pine'. Distance between the two parts of reserve is 80-85km. Ganja got   own history-regional geography museum. There are very interesting   findings of Bronze Age among exhibits of museum.
 
  KHANLAR
  Khanlar district is situated at the foots of Small Caucasus, a bit south   of Ganja. Agriculture is well-developed in this district, which has   very nice landscape. Climate is mild hot. There are many bird nests   here. Ganjachay and Gushgara rivers are best places for hunting and   fishing. Highest peak of district is Murovdag range that is located in   3724m above sea level. This district is very popular among tourists and   ecotourists. They lodge at houses of local people and surrounding   villages. Administrative center of Khanlar district is Khanlar city   located in 384km from Baku.
  Khanlar city was built in XIX century by refugee Germans in place of   ancient village called Khaniglar. They planned this city with order   specific to themselves and called it Yeleniyendorf in 1819. Tourists   visiting this silent and green city travel from there to tourist zones   on different routes. Archeological findings belonging to Bronze and iron   ages confirm that this city possess ancient history. Lutheran Church   (1854), 'Ikigozlu Korpu' (XVI c) and 'Uchgozlu Korpu' (1896) on   Ganjachay have remained safe till now as historical-architectural   monuments. Monuments remained near Khanlar include castle of XII century   in Zurnabad village, Mausoleum of XVI century in Sari Gaya village, 'Ag   Korpu' of XII century in Topalhasanly village, a number of historical   monuments in Chaykend village.
 
  DASHKESEN
  Dashkesen district, located at the north-east foots of Small Caucasus,   is ore producing center of Azerbaijan. Temperature is strictly   changeable. 20 degrees of frost in winter (this is not characteristic   for Azerbaijan) and 35 degrees of hot in summer like in Absheron,   climate of which is semi-desert. District attracts both tourists and   people resting with its fresh air, mountainous grasslands rich with   alpine meadows, springs.
  Archeologists found out ruins of ancient habitations belonging Stone Age   in areas of Khoshbulag, Zagaly, Gurbulag, Emirvar, Bayan, Darderya   villages of this district. Two ancient stone bridges built on the   Gushgara River and mausoleum in Ahmadly village are   historical-architectural monuments remained till now. Monastery built in   Gushchu village in 487 is safe. There are ruins of Christian temple of   XV century in Bayan village.
  Administrative center of district is Dashkesen city, which is located in   397kn from Baku.
 
  SHEMKIR
  There are many archeological objects of Bronze and early Iron ages in   Shemkir district. They mostly were discovered in Chenlibel, Seyidler and   Garajaemirly villages. There are also a number of   historical-architectural monuments o middle ages: castles in Tatarly and   Ashagi Seyfelly villages, bridges in Tehneli village and on the Zeyem   River, Christian churches in Yukhari Chaykend, Guneshly, Dag Jeyirly   villages. There are beloved places of fishers here - Yenikend dam on Kur   River is specially popular.
  Shemkir city, administrative center of district, can be reached in an   hour with a car from Ganja. Shemkir is 417km away from Baku.
  There was a small colony called Annenfeld of German refugees here in XIX   century. Like in Khanlar, residents of this colony also left here a   number of streets that are ideally smooth and Lutheran church. According   to written sources and archeological information this city was built in   V-VI centuries on the bank of Great Shemkir River near current   Mukhtariyyat village, 20km from modern Shemkir.
  Two ancient castles belonging to XVII century remain around modern   Shemkir. These are Shamkhor Castle and Koroglu Castle (name of this   castle was chosen as our national symbol in honor of hero Koroglu, who   bravely fought against despots).
 
  GEDEBEY
  Gedebey district is situated in Small Caucasus Mountains, as well in   high mountains (height of Goshabulag peak is 3549m, Gojadag peak is   3317m) and mountains with middle height. Different levels of territory   above sea make climate changeable. Climate, specific to tundra, of   mountainous area partly transfers into dry climate accompanied with hot   summer. Distance between district center and Baku is 462km.
  There is good circumstance within Gedebey district for fishing in   Shemkir River. There is special fishing farm near Galakend village.   Flora and fauna of Gedebey district is rich and various. 'Gizilagaj'   reserve is located within this district.
  Ancient cultural monuments that entered Azerbaijani history under name   of Khojaly-Gedebey Culture - Cyclopean buildings belonging to Bronze   age, as well 'Gedebey Treasures' - domestic appliances and ancient   jewelry jugs, silver coins belonging to XVI century - reign of Shah   Tahmasib were discovered here. These coins were used in from Tebriz   (current Iran) to Shirvan and Ganja. Historical-architectural buildings   that are safe within district include Tagly Korpu (XIX c), Gulle in Gala   village (XVI c), Giz Galasi in Soyudlu village (or Namerd Gala - IX c),   Christian temples of early middle ages in Novosaratovka, Soyudlu,   Chanakhchi and Kilevi villages.
  Territory of Azerbaijan was paid attention by some of popular western   owners. For instance, The Brothers Nobel became rich due to Baku oil.   Germany's 'SIEMENS' company built two copper-smelting plants in Gedebey   in later XIX century. 25% of all the copper smelt in Russia of czar was   carried out at these plants. The brothers Siemens took interest in   history of this extra-ordinary land and organized implementation of   archeological excavations in this region.
 
  TOVUZ
  Tovuz District of Azerbaijan is situated in west of republic, borders on   Georgia and Armenia. Kur, Akhinja, Tovuz, Zeyem and other rivers cross   territory of this district. There are many forests, springs, rich flora   and fauna (wolf, fox, rabbit, turaj, partridge) on the mountains.   Climate is dry, mainly rabbit and water birds can be hunted.
  Ancient monuments have been preserved in Tovuz district. Most   interesting ones of them include temple of XII century in Kirzan   village, mosque of XVII century in Yanigly village, mausoleums in   Gazgulu village, castle in Alibeyly village and etc. There are also   numerous archeological objects of Bronze, Iron and early Middle Ages   here.
  Administrative center of district - Tovuz city is 457km from Baku. Like   majority of Azerbaijani cities, Tovuz also was built in place of ancient   habitations belonging to Stone and Bronze ages. This city left the   traces in genetic memory of people as if to remind the places where our   fathers replaced each other during millenniums.
 
  AGSTAFA
  Agstafa district is situated at the foots of Great Caucasus Mountains,   in frontier of Azerbaijan with Georgia and Armenia. Climate is mild.   Local people are engaged mainly in cattle-breeding and agriculture.
  Garayazi State Reserve, covering 4,9 thousand hectares of area on the   bank of Kur river, was created in 1978 to preserve and restore tugai   forests around Kur, Garayazi lowland and middle flow of Kur river. Major   object protected in reserve is tugai forestland.
  'Garayazi-Agstafa' Reserve that was established in 1923 in area of 12,0   thousand hectares, is located within Agstafa district. Goal of creation   of this reserve was to protect Caucasian deer, pheasant, partridge,   other types of unique animals and birds and lift their number. Reserve   is situated in thick forestland in middle flow of Kur River, in border   between Georgia and Azerbaijan. Flora and fauna of this reserve is   identical to ones of 'Garayazi' Reserve, which directly borders on it.
  A number of historical monuments were discovered within district:   ancient habitation called Molla Nagi Tepesi of Paleolithic age near   Kochasger village, Gulle of XVII century and Mosque of XIX century in   Girag Kesemen village, mosques of XIX century in Kolkhalvaly,   Garahasanly, Dagkesemen and Duz Gishlag villages and etc. There are too   many monuments here belonging to Stone, Bronze and Iron ages. These   facts show that level of habitation of this region was very high in   ancient times. There is need for detailed study of all these   archeological objects and realization of new excavations.
  There are defense castle and cave-monasteries, built in Caucasian   Albania during early Christianity, near herdsman places, which are   grasslands for sheep flocks in summer, in Keshikchidag Range in upper   part of Agstafa city. This zone was banned to visit during UUSR, because   military units of TransCaucasus Military Division were located there.   This is why that unique complex was not studied in required manner. It   was prohibited zone, many of ancient images in caves were wiped off with   artillery fires. This complex, which belongs to Caucasian Albania - one   of state structures of ancient Azerbaijan, is studied at present time   by archeologists of National Academy of Sciences.
  Agstafa City is situated near Georgian border, 479km from Baku. City was   built in 1914 as railway junction. The city, territory of which was   small then, was called Yelizavetinka.
 
  GAZAKH
  Gazakh district is situated near western borders of Azerbaijan. In   general, Gazakh and Agstafa districts are considered western borders of   not modern Azerbaijan only as well state of Caucasian Albania. Division   of this region into two independent administrative districts - Gazakh   and Agstafa districts took place not long ago. There are historical   monuments (architectural and archeological monuments) here that are   preserved by state: Sinig Korpu (XII c), Damjili Cave, Temple of V   century in Yukhari Eskipara village, Sheker Gala Temple of XV century,   Didevan megalith Defense Castle, Temples Complex of Alban era (VII c) in   Dash Salahly village, Goyazan Mountain (last middle ages), which is   attractive with ruins of castle walls, and ruins of ancient city   recently discovered near that.
  There are many ancient habitations within Gazakh district: caves   periodically inhabited by Neanderthals in Avey Mountain, between Dash   Salahly and Kemerly villages, Injesu River valley, north-east parts of   Small Caucasus, settlements of Cro-Magnon men near Damjili cave in Avey   Mountain, Khal-Khal city place near beautiful pinky-golden Gizil Gaya   and ruins of castle walls were found out. This territory is supposed to   be one of summer residences of Alban rulers. Without implementing any   excavations, archeologists found here numerous ruins of ceramic   appliances of Bronze Age on the surface of ground. In due time Albans   destroyed troops of Roman Pompey here. Ancient written sources say about   this: '10,000 horsemen and 60,000 pedestrians of Albans were fighting   against troops of Pompey'. Barrow graves of Bronze Age were discovered   in Berkin Agzi canyon, which is located a bit west of Gizil Gaya. All   these historical objects (except Sinig korpu) are nearby Gazakh city.   Due to efforts of initiator men of this land, numerous archeological   artifacts have been collected and exhibited at local Regional geography   museum.
  Gazakh, which is the last biggest city in western frontier of   Azerbaijan, is homeland of talented poets and writers.

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
 
 
 
  NAKHCHIVAN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC
  Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR) is located in the southeastern part   of Azerbaijan. Nakhchivan is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by a   narrow reach of a foreign country - once it became possible due to the   conflict of Russian and Persian imperial interests. NAR is located on   the southern slopes of the Daralaya Mountains and southwestern slopes of   the Zangezur Mountains.
  This is a mountainous area - over 30% of its territory is located   600-1000 m above sea level. The tallest mountains of the region are   Kapudzhuk (3904 m) and Ilandag (2385 m). The climate in the republic is   strongly continental; temperature varies from +43C in summer to -30C in   winter. Humidity is low. Flora is represented by beech, oak, walnut,   willow and wild pear; there are many herbal plants. Fauna includes   bears, wild boars, foxes, hares, wolves, stone martens, bezoars and   Asian mouflons; birds - Caspian snowcock, alpine accentor, crag martin   and rock partridge.
  There are numerous ruins of ancient towns, towers, fortresses and   mausoleums remained all over the region. This land has always been   attractive to invaders because of both its important strategic position   and natural deposits. In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great sacked   and burned out the whole region. After that, Nakhchivan was annexed by   Persia. In the middle of the 17th century, the Nakhchivan Khanate was   formed; however, at the beginning of the 19th century the khanate was   incorporated into the Russian Empire.
  The city of Nakhchivan is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous   Republic of Azerbaijan. It is located on the right bank of the   Nakhchivanchai River, 1000 m above sea level, 560 km from Baku. This is   one of the earliest large cities of Azerbaijan and the ancient East. The   history of the city dates back to the earliest ages. Archeologists have   found objects of material culture dated to the 2nd-1st millennia BC.
  The residents link the history of the ancient settlements in the area of   Nakhchivan with the legend of the biblical patriarch Noah, who escaped   the Deluge. The earliest written source to mention Nakhchivan is the   works of Ptolemy (2nd century). He mentions Nakhchivan under the name of   "Nahsuan".
  The city is located on the crossroads of ancient trade routes. Once it   was a part of one of the states of ancient Azerbaijan - Athropatene   (4th-3rd centuries BC). In The Early Middle Ages, the links between   Nakhchivan and the countries of Asia Minor, Middle East and   Transcaucasia became especially close.
  French travelers Pierre Chardine and Dubois de Monpierre and British   traveler Porter noted that this was a splendid city with well-preserved   architectural monuments of the antiquity. Turkish traveler Evlija   Chelebi was enchanted by the city's baths with the water pools daily   scattered with rose petals.
  Nakhchivan is a homeland of the national leader Heydar Aliev.
  In present Nakhchivan, close attention is paid to the development   science and education. There is a university, a branch of the Azerbaijan   National Academy of Sciences, the Academtown. Schools are not set   aside, too - old schools are being restored along with building of new   ones - e.g. a large, finely equipped school n.a. Heydar Aliev. The city   houses the Palace of Culture, Dramatic Theatre, Puppet Theater etc. The   finely equipped Olympic Sport Complex has been built recently.
  Museums - Carpets Museum, Historical Museum
 
  ORDUBAD
  The district of Ordubad is bordered by Armenia on the north and east and   by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the south. It is located in the   eastern part of NAR. The climate is contrast - cold winters, hot   summers. The flora and fauna are rich and the air is exceptionally   clean. Many herbal plants and fruits grow in the district. There are   many historical monuments dated to the Bronze Age: stone sculptures of   rams, remainders of ancient settlements dated to the 2nd-1st millennia   BC in the village of Sabir, ruins of the ancient town of Gilan by the   village of Aza, medieval buildings in the villages of Kilit, Velaver,   Ailis, Aza, Kotam, Bilev and Vanand. There are also ruins of the ancient   town of Anabad, the Shahtakhty Tower near the village of Andemidzh,   mosques of the 19th century, a mausoleum of the 14th century in the   village of Der, a bridge (1826) near the village of Aza, ruins of a bath   (14th century) in the village of Der and many other monuments.
  On the Gamigaya Mountain, 60 km to the south of Ordubad, there are   unique petroglyphs dated to the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. There are   thousands of drawings picturing people, domestic life, and hunt, real   and fantastic animals. The town of Ordubad is the administrative center   of the district. This is the second largest town in Nakhchivan   Autonomous Republic. This town has been known since the 12th century. It   is located 850 m above sea level. For its ancient history, the large   number of historical monuments, the exterior almost untouched by new   buildings and the preserved domestic life of its residents, the town has   been named the State Historical-Architectural Reserve.
  Its monuments include the Juma Mosque with unique arched recesses of the   elevation, the Dilbar-Mosque, the Afgan Tower and an eyvan of the 18th   century, numerous ancient chashme (buildings near springs), the   Geysariya indoor trade complex with round domes (19th-20th centuries),   an ice-house and mosques of the 18th century, two-storied madrasah and   many others.
 
  DZHULFA
  The district of Dzhulfa is located to the east of Nakhchivan city. It is   dry, hot in summer and freezing in winter. Total amount of   precipitations is about 220-600 mm. There are rivers of Alindzha,   Gardara and Araz (along the border with Iran). Very beautiful and unique   are mountains along the road to Dzhulfa: the geological factor (the   composition of layers, age etc.) has influenced their appearance - the   mountains resemble huge, dome-shaped, fantastic structures. The   mountains of Dzhulfa are forested, with beech, hornbeam, oak; fauna   includes wolves, foxes and hares.
  On the bank of the Araz River, there are remainders of ancient   structures. These are a caravanserai (13th century) - one of the largest   on the territory of Azerbaijan, and the remainders of a bridge dated to   the beginning of the 14th century, built by decree of Nakchivan Khan   Khakim Ziya Ad-Din. There is the small Gulistan mausoleum (13th century)   near the village of Dzhuga and more mausoleums near the village of Der   (particularly well preserved is the Tower Mausoleum (15th century).   There is also the fortress of Alindzha (12th-13th centuries) and a   number of other monuments and ancient ruins. The town of Dzhulfa is   located on the bank of the Araz River, on the border with Iran. Located   on the opposite bank of the Araz River, almost symmetrical to the   Azerbaijani Dzhulfa, is its Iranian namesake. In the past, there was an   ancient caravan route connecting Persia with Shirvan, Georgia and   Dagestan. Now here is located a border checkpoint.
 
  BABEK
  The district of Babek is bordered by Armenia on the north and by Iran on   the south. Northern and southeastern parts of the district feature   mountainous landscape, while southern and southwestern parts are   predominantly lowlands. The tallest peaks are Kechaltepe (2740 m),   Garagush (2617 m) and Buzgov (2470 m).
  The district is rich in mineral springs (Sirab, Gakhab, Vaikhir) and   deposits of rock salt. It is traversed by the Nakhchivanchai River and   its branch called Dzhakhrichai; there are reservoirs - Araz, Nekhra,   Uzunoba and Sirab. There are no forests. Native industries include wine,   grain and melon growing as well as cattle breeding.
  Located on the area of the district are such famous archeological   monuments as Gultepe and Gultepe-2 along with the ancient ruins of   Abasabad, Vaikhir and Aznabyurt. The town of Babek is the administrative   center of the district.
 
  SHAKHBUZ
  The district of Shakhbuz is located in the northern part of Nakhchivan   Autonomous Republic. This is a mountainous land. The tallest peaks are   the Salvatly (3160) and Kechaldag (3115) mountains; there is also a   mountain pass called Bichanak.
  Like the rest of the republic, there are many underground waters,   including mineral - Badamli, Batabat, Karvansara and Bichanak. There are   also deposits of brimstone, construction materials and peat. The   district is traversed by the Nakhchivanchai River and its branches -   Kuku, Shakhbuz and Salvarty. Lakes - Ganligel, Batabat. The mountains   are heavily forested.
  The town of Shakhbuz is the administrative center of the district.There   is a resort called "Badamli" (1400 above sea level), located near the   mineral water bottling plant of the same name.
 
  SHARUR
  The district of Sharur is located in the western part of the republic.   On the south, this area is bordered by Iran. Northern and western parts   of its territory feature mountainous landscape with the Daralaya   Mountain Range. The tallest mountain is Galingaya (2775 m). The climate   is semiarid. Local rivers are branches of the Araz River (Arpachai   etc,).
  The district's numerous historical monuments include ancient settlement   sites dated to the Bronze Age on the banks of the Araz and Arpachai   Rivers. Found in the cave of Gazma were stone and obsidian instruments   dated to the Middle Paleolithic Age; examples of skillfully made   decorated ceramic ware have been found in the village of Shahtakhty.
  Archeological excavations near the villages of Arbatan, Vermaziyar,   Garagasanli, Babeki and Kosadzhan revealed the settlement sites of   Kelukler, Kehne, Arbatan, Kehnekend and Kultepe, the memories of which   had been living in minds for ages.
  The town of Sharur is the administrative center of the district. On the   other side of the railway, there is an old town with baths, bazaar and   mosques.
 
  KENGERLI
  The district of Kengerli is located between the districts of Babek and   Sharur. The southern part of the district is bordered by Iran, the   northern - by Armenia. The landscape of the district is predominantly   mountainous; it is located on the Daralaya Plateau. The climate, like in   the rest of the autonomous republic, is strongly continental; it is   very hot in summer and chilling in winter. On the territory of the   district runs the Araz River that flows along the border between   Azerbaijan and Iran.
  Mountainous landscape, climatic conditions and lack of small rivers   underlay the features of the indigenous fauna, which is represented   largely by semidesert and mountainous species (bushes, herbage and   scarce trees).
  This is an agricultural district with advanced tobacco, cine, grain,   vegetable and melon growing.
  Like the rest of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, there are many ancient   monuments, evidencing that the land was inhabited in earliest times: the   Chilkhangala mounds, the Gazma Cave and the ancient settlements of   Galadzhig, Govurgala, Damlama, Gulamtepe and Balatepe.
  There are also newer monuments - the Jami Mosque (18th century) in the   village of Khok, a mosque of the 18th century and a bath of the 19th   century in the village of Shahtakhty.
  The village of Givrag is the administrative center of the district. It   was founded only in 2004. Givrag is located on the Nakhchivan-Sharur   highway, 30 km from the capital (Nakhchivan) and 6 km from the Araz   River.        

                      Nabran
 
  Nabran is a popular resort and municipality in Khachmaz Rayon of   Azerbaijan. It has a population of 1,313. The municipality consists of   the villages of Nabran, Dalğalı, Turist, Meşəli, Günəşli, Samurçay, and   Şimal.
 
  It is located on the Caspian seashore in a forestland. Nabran is a   settlement that spreads for several kilometers. Houses, hotels,   entertainment facilities and restaurants are located along the left side   and the beach is on the right side of the road that runs along the   shoreline.