Karabakh and adjacent territories
Shusha
Distance to Baku: 373 km
Population: 30,300
Shusha city
– an ancient and picturesque city of Azerbaijan, rich in unique mineral waters.
Among them are Turshsu, Isa-bulag, Sakina-bulag, Isti-bulag, Soyug-bulag,
Charikh-bulag, Sahsi-bulag, Girh-bulag, Yuzbulag and others.
Shusa city
was built by Panakh Ali khan in 1751 as impregnable stronghold for defense of
Karabakh khanate from enemies. Many times this place had to defend itself
against enemies and fierce fightings often took place here. At the time of
Russian – Iranian war small garrison of Shusha 40 days heroically held the line
against Iranian army.
Starting
approximately with the end of 18th century the city played a leading part in
all spheres of the life of the country. Geographical situation and rapid
development helped the city to be a center of culture and science. First
theatres, print shops, libraries and schools opened exactly here, first circus
show, scientific meetings and other educational programs were held here as
well.
On the
outskirts of the town, close to very deep gorge there was a plateau called
Racings Field. Steep stairs led to Dashalti river – this very beautiful and
staying in memory place was visited by everyone who came to this land.
Close to
Shusha is located a small town Khankendi that was founded by Turkish tribes. It
is impossible to list all monuments of architecture and art that were in Shusha
– they were too many.
Shusha is a
native land of many very famous cultural figures, especially musicians,
composers and singers. Due to this fact the city is often called a
“conservatory of Caucasus”. Here were many house-museums belonging to: poetess
Hurshud Banu Natavan, composer Uzeyir Gadjibeyli, singer Bul-Bul and others.
Due to the fact that since 8th of May, 1992 this
area is under Armenian occupation tourists are not recommended to enter the
territory of Shusha and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Khankendi
Distance to Baku: 329 km
Population: 55,300
Khankendi –
a city of Azerbaijan Republic that includes into its administrative territory
Khankendi city and settlement Karkijakhan. Khankendi is located at the
administrative territory of Askeran district of Azerbaijan.
Khankendi
is one of the youngest cities of Azerbaijan Republic. There is an information
in archives that the city was founded at the end of XVIII as a place for
recreation of the rulers-khans of Karabakh khanate. The settlement was built in
10 km from Panakhabad (Shusha city) at the relative slope with the aim to
provide Karabakh khans with the maximum comfort for their activity. While
defining the place for city’s foundation its proximity to the other
strategically important cities – Agdam, Khojali, Malibeyli, Karkijakhan was
taken into consideration. This young settlement like many others was populated
by Azerbaijanis only. During the first years after foundation only Khan with
his family and escort lived there. That is the origin of the name Khankendi –
“Khan’s village”. Later the settlement was officially called Khankendi.
Khankendi
was a well developed industrial center of the republic. Light and food
industries were well developed here. Electrical engineering, auto repair and
asphalt-concrete plants, furniture fabrics, construction materials complexes,
manufacturing and educational-manufacturing complexes worked here.
The
district is under Armenian occupation since December 26, 1991.
Tourists
are not recommended to enter the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh through third
countries. In this case they will get a refusal in Azerbaijani visa issuance.
Entrance at the territory through Azerbaijan will be possible only after
settlement of the conflict when authorities could guarantee the safety of the
tourists.
Khojaly
Distance to Baku: 375 km
Population: 26,700
Khojali is located in 14 km to north-east from
Khankendi, on Shusha – Agdam highway at the altitude of 580 meters above sea
level and has an advantageous geographic location. In this district placed at
the Shusha slope and at the foot of the mountain were 57 villages. Soil is
fertile here. Population of the city was 24,000 as of November 26, 1991.
This
ancient settlement is located in the center of Khojali – Gedabek cultural zone
related to Bronze Age. The most ancient historical monument of this area is a
cemetery – Khojali burial ground that refers to the end of Bronze – beginning
of Iron Age (XIII-VII cc. B.C). Funeral constructions in the forms of stone
boxes and barrows from 1 to 15 meters of height are preserved here. One can
also meet cromlechs, menhirs, and in some places boulder fields left from ice
age.
In total
there are more than 16 historical monuments and 6 sanctuaries in Khojali.
The
fortress Askeran is also located here (“asker” means “warrior”). It was built
in the middle of XVIII century. The walls of the fortress are two meters thick
and 5-6 meters of height. For a long time it blocked the way for enemies to the
center of Karabakh khanate – Shusha.
At the
small place Yuhari Khanbagi on a way to Shusha some time ago was located very
well known in the whole Caucasus by its traditions and hospitality caravanserai
Tanriverdi-kishi, with chayhana, music salon, barber shop. Phaetons, caravans
going to Barda, Gandja, Baku, Tiflis, Irevan and other cities of Caucasus
always stayed here.
Khojali was
the second after Shusha settlement where only Azerbaijanis lived. In 1990 the
settlement got a status of city. The only airport in the region was also
located in Khojali.
When the
new stage of Armenian separatism started in 1988 Khojali has become a fortress
fighting against Armenian occupation.
Due to the
fact that since February 26, 1992 the district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Khojali and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Lachin
Distance to Baku: 414 km
Population: 71,200
Lachin district is located to the west of Shusha
district and bounds Armenia. This is one of the mountainous regions of the
republic. The highest peak – mountain Gizilbogaz which is located at the
altitude of 3594 above sea level. The center of the district is located at the
foot of mountain chain Garadag.
By legend
the place for the city and its name were selected by Taghi Shakhbaz Simurg.
This is a perverted Turkish word “yalchin” that means “steep, vertical”. There
is an opinion that this toponym was formed from bird’s name “lachin”.
Local steep
and barely passable rocks are rich in minerals and precious metals: gold,
granite, deposits of mercury, cobalt, uranium, iron, lime stone, pumice,
travertine, marble of different colors.
The total
area of mountain forests where oak, beech and vulnerary plants grow is 34,800
hectares. One of the rare trees – argan tree also grows here.
Tens of
rapid mountain rivers are full of trout. Almost at the every rock there are
springs with sweet (drinkable), sour, hot or icy water of Narzan kind.
The
territory of the district looks like historical reserve. There are 24
historical monuments and 24 sanctuaries – mainly from pre-Christian epoch.
There are:
a cave-temple (V century) and mausoleum (XIII century) in Khochaz village of
Lachin district, vault of Malikadjar (XIV century) in Djimjdimli village,
fortress Kafir (XIV) in Zeyva village, palace of Khamazasultan and bridge over
Khanari river in Hunsu village.
The palace
Agoglan of IX century is located in Kesalar village, formerly called Agoglan.
The palace is placed at the bank of the river with the same name. By legend
Agoglan was killed in the battle with foreign aggressors and was buried in
Albanian church located not far from here.
Lachin
people have a special language. Keeping a close way of live favoured the preservation
of the ancient traditions and customs.
Due to the
fact that since May 17, 1992 the district is under Armenian occupation tourists
are not recommended to enter the territory of Lachin and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Kalbajar
Distance to Baku: 445 km
Population: 83,900
This most alpine district of Azerbaijan is
located in 139 km from the railway station Barda aside from highway Barda –
Istisu in the gorge of Terter river at the altitude of 1500 – 1800 meters above
sea level in the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. The highest peak here is
Djamishdag. Mountains Murov, Shakhdag, Shergi Bayazit, Basarkecher, Mikhteken,
part of the Karabakh mountains chain and Karabakh plateau also belong to this
region.
Winter
season at the most part of the territory is dry with cold mountainous climate.
The biggest river is Terter. There are two lakes at the territory of the
district: Alageller and Zalha. Some time ago this district was famous by its
long-lived persons because here lived a lot of persons crossed their 100 year
border-line and this is not surprising: Kelbadjar mountains where more than 200
medicinal herbs are growing could be called a green pharmacy for sure. The
recreational area Istisu located at the altitude of 2200 meters above sea level
by its beauty and characteristics is not worse than world known Karlovy Vary.
This land
rich in minerals where are more that 30000 springs, hundreds of hot and mineral
springs, where more that 4 000 kinds of plants are growing and 280 hectars are
occupied by forests is called a natural museum.
The gold
was mined here since ancient times. The gold mine Seyudlu-Zod is known for
centuries. Geological prospecting survey worked in Seyudlu in 1970-80ies found
an ancient mines, caves, wells and grains of the mined in the old times gold as
well as instruments of goldminers, like small scales that is a proof of the
fact that gold was mined here 4-5 thousands years ago. Zar village in
historical documents is called “ Shakhrezar” that means gold city.
The history
of Kelbadjar that is well known as a land of ashugs as well is traced back to
the old times. Petroglyphs, settlements dated by III c. BC, hundreds of ancient
caves, pottery found here and other material evidences are significant
indicators of the culture flourishing here.
There are
24 prominent historical monuments and 5 religious sanctuaries out of which the
Khotavend sanctuary of XIII-XVIII cc. could be mentioned. A cave of 1000 meters
deep was found here in 1980 by archeologists. The witnesses of the old history
are also sanctuaries and fortresses Lokk, Chomerd, Ulukhan, Galaboynu,
Khotavend.
Due to the fact that this district is under
Armenian occupation since April 2, 1992 tourists are not recommended to enter
the territory of Kelbadjar and Nagorno-Karabakh.
Aghdam
Distance to Baku: 358 км
Population: 182,000
Agdam is located in the valley of rivers Kura
and Araz, at the Karabakh plateau close to mountains of Lesser Caucasus at the
altitude of 410-1365 meters above sea level. Relief here is mostly flat with
not high mountains. Rivers Khachin and Gardag flow through the territory of the
district. More that 1700 hectares are occupied by forests. In the district
limestone, gravel and sand are extracted.
First time
Agdam was mentioned in historical documents in 1357. There is a stone plate
preserved at the ancient cemetery dated 1174 that informs that here was an
ancient fortress located. This information is confirmed by ancient stone quarry
in Shakhbulag settlement near Agdam where limestone was extracted. Exactly this
stone was used for construction of the fortress called Agdam (white roof).
The opening
of the winery in Muradbeyli village by brothers Sogomonov in 1853 was the
beginning of the wine-making. In 1890 special equipment was delivered from
abroad and a plant for production of brandy was opened. Another winery in Agdam
was opened by Khublarov brothers. A winery opened by Alexander Zildhiyev worked
in Boyahmedli village.
Agdam was
the first district in Azerbaijan that started to grow cotton.
At the
territory of Agdam district among architectural monuments one can mention a
mausoleum Khanoglan (XVII c.), mosque of XVII century, palace and mausoleum of
Panakhali-khan, mausoleum “Gutlu-son of Musa” of XIV century in Khachinturbetli
village, mausoleum (XIV c.) in Kengerli village, two mausoleums and mosque in
Papravend village, caravanserai of XVII century in Shakhbulag village. The
Monument of history is also a cave cut in the rock at the northern slope of
Bozdag at the altitude of 300 m. This is a cave temple of XIII century related
to Сhristian architecture of the State of Albania.
The only in
its kind a Museum of Bread is located in Agdam. Unique exhibits of an ancient
world and middle ages are collected in the museum. There are an ancient
petrified examples of seeds, unique sorts of grains, a lot of valuable books,
manuscripts, materials about husbandry, an ancient tools for farming: a plow,
sickle simple and toothed, threshing board, hand mill and others.
Due to the
fact that since July 23, 1992 the district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Agdam and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Djabrayıl
Distance to Baku: 338 km
Population: 73,300
This mountainous district is located at the
south of the country, at the south-east of Lesser Caucasian mountains, at the
left bank of Araz river and borders Iran.
By legend
the village was founded by Father Jabrayil who lived in VIII-IX centuries and
who was a person in attendance of the ruler sultan Ahmed. Territory from the
local sanctuary to the river belonged to descendants of Jabrayil.
This is a
native land of Dirili Dede Gurbani (who is considered to be a founder of ashug
poetry) and such famous ashugs as Ashug Peri and other masters of fthis olklore
art. The land of emerald forests and icy springs – this is how ashugs depict
their native land in their poems.
There are
in total 90 villages, 30 historical, 35 religious buildings and sanctuaries in
the district.
There is a
cave “Divler sarayi” not far from Dagtumash village at the place called Nefesli
dere where were found tracks of the sites.
The highest
alpine village of the district Shirik is considered as a gates of Jabrayil.
But the
symbol of Jabrayil are the famous Khudaferin bridges across Araz river between
Kumlakh and Khudaferin villages. They are an outstanding monuments of
architecture of the XII century and valuable witnesses of historical past of
the country. The solution of the problem of construction of big bridges at the
large and rapid rivers besides construction skills and special engineer
knowledge is required a special competence in selection of natural outcrops in
rocks for bearing of the openings and for the purpose of link of architectural
composition of the bridge to the natural landscape. Longevity of the preserved
up to the current time bridges is an evidence of high professionalism of
Azerbaijani architects.
Do to the
fact that since August 23, 1993 the district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Jabrayil and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Fuzuli
Distance to Baku: 310 km
Population: 119,500
Fizuli district has an advantageous location
from geographical and economical point of view and is placed at the south-west
of the country at the border with Iran, not far from highway and railway Baku –
Nakhichevan, at the altitude 300 – 800 meters above sea level and covers
south-eastern foothills of Karabakh mountain chain, valley and low mountain range.
The bridge built across Araz river connects the district with Iran. Rivers
Kendelenchay, Guruchay, Gozluchay, Chereken flow through this district.
Fizuli
district – this is a clean air, generous sun, fertile soil, open hearted and
cheerful people. Here is a real concentration of the ancient monuments. There
are caravanserai (1684) and mosque of Gadji Giyasetdin (1682) in Gargabazar
village. Three mausoleums (Ahmedalilar, mausoleum of Mirali and babids) are
standing alone among the monuments of the region. An orderly silhouette of the
mausoleum Mirali in Ashagi Veyseli village (XIII-XIV) is located near the old
road from Beylagan to Barda. There is an Azikh cave in Fizuli that is
considered as one of the first sites and refers to Guruchay culture.
An ancient
settlement existed also near the Garakepektepe hill at the sleepy bank of
Gendelenchay river. Here were found stone tools, weapon, decorations and a big
number of ceramic and metal items and remains of ancient constructions.
Due to the
fact that since August 23, 1993 the district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Fizuli and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Gubadli
Distance to Baku: 403 km
Population: 37,000
Gubadli is
located at the south-east of Karabakh plateau on the bank of Bazarchay river.
Tributaries of Araz – rivers Bargushad and Khakari flow through the territory
of the district.
The main
plant cover consists of bushes and sparse woods. Woods occupy 13,2 hectares of
mountains.
Gubadli
State preserve was organized there in 1969.
By some
information this toponym is connected with the name of Sasanid’s ruler of V-VI
centuries Gubad the 1st. This is the most underpopulated district of
Azerbaijan.
Gubadli is
a motherland of the national hero Gachag Nabi.
Here is a
Bargushad city located. There are also mountain chain and river of the same
name. The city is located at the border of Gubadli and Zangelan districts.
Some
explorers connect the first part of the toponym “bargu” with an ancient Turkish
tribe “barg”. It is known from the history that tribe bargu took part in
military campaigns of the sun of Mongolian ruler Chingiz-khan Chuchin. Toponym
has a meaning of “mountain of bargu tribe”, “river of bargu tribe”.
There are
number of monuments preserved at this territory: a cave-sanctuary in Gavur
gorge (IV c.), “Galali” in Muradkhanli village (V c.), fortress Gey gala (V
c.), monuments in villages Aliguluushagi and Khojamusahli, bridge Lalezer
(1837), fortress Javanshir at the Yazi valley, vaults in Demircheler village
(XIV c.), Imamzade in Gurchuler village (XVII c), monument “Anatabat” in Seytas
village, bridge “Haji Badal” in Dondarli village (XIX c.), mosque etc.
Due to the
fact that this district is under Armenian occupation since August 31, 1993
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Gubadli and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Zangelan
Distance to Baku: 385 km
Population: 40,600
Zangelan
district is located at the South-West of Azerbaijan and stretches along Araz
river. The district borders Iran in the South. The administrative center of the
district – Zangelan city. There is an important railway station Mindjivan at
the territory of Zangelan district.
This
picturesque district abounds in number of low and medium mountains, neighboring
to the valleys and is surrounded by such a mountain peaks of Lesser Caucasus
as: Bartaz (2270), Susan (1304), Sigirt, Talid, Topdag and Agbiz. Through the
district the following rivers flow: Hakari, Ohchuchay, Besitchay, Kinav.
Valleys of the rivers are rich in deposits of molybdenum, gold, granite and
other minerals.
The largest
and rare on its structure forest in Europe is located in Zangelan. The State
reserve Bestichay was created here in the Araz river basin at the area of 117
hectare in 1974.
The forest
where eastern plane trees grow was included into “Red Book”. The age of plant
trees comes to 500 years and they extend along the stream channel over 12 km.
Territory of this district is one of ancient places of people’s habitation.
Tracks of sites of primitive men were found in caves located in Esgulum and
Susan mountains. There is a vault of XIII century preserved in Sherifan
village, in Gadjalli village one can see a round tower, there is an octagonal
vault (1304) in Mamedbeyli village, another vault of XVI century is located in
Yenikend village. Other places of interest are upland Oyug, Ohchuchay pir,
Khanazir pir in Shukurataz and others.
Due to the
fact that since October 30, 1993 this district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Zangelan and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Khojavend
Distance to Baku: 334 km
Population: 42,200
The district that is located aside from
highway Agdam – Fizuly and is placed in the valley at the foot of the mountains
at the altitude from 500 to 2725 meters (Big Kirs) above sea level.
Khojavend
is famous by its grapes and green marble and is rich of historical and
architectural monuments.
At the
territory of the district are preserved: cave Taglar, fortress “Ritis”, “Girmizi
mebed” (Red sanctuary) in Turg village (X c.), fortress Argunesh at the slope
of steep rock, vault of Rzagulu-bek in Dudukchu village (XIII c.), Albanian
temple in Taglar village (1241) and other monuments.
One of the
interesting constructions in Khojavend is an Amarass monastery in Sos village
built in the beginning of IV century. It was a cathedral of Caucasian Albania
for many centuries. A school was opened in the monastery in V century.
Due to the
fact that since October 2, 1992 the district is under Armenian occupation
tourists are not recommended to enter the territory of Khojavend and
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Terter
Distance to Baku: 324 km
Population: 99,500
By road: regular buses Terter – Gandja, Baku – Terter –
7 hours
By railway: Baku – Terter
Terter district occupies the lower reaches of
Terter river and at the north bounds Indja river. Climate in the district
varies from temperate to hot semidesert and desert.
Temperature
in January is +2 C, in June +25 C. Rivers Terter and Khachin-chay flow through
the territory of the district.
The center
of the Terter district is located on the right and left banks of Terter river
just on the ancient caravan track. The historical name of this area was
Chaparhana. There were caravanserai and fortress located in 17 km from the
ancient capital of Alban state – Barda.
The
district that in ancient times was called Chaparhana in Soviet time was called
Mirbashir.
There are
24 historical and architectural monuments preserved at the territory of the
district. One of them has worldwide importance, fifteen – state importance,
others have local importance. All monuments are located in different villages.
Among
trades there are carpet weaving, embroidery and knitting well developed in the
district.