Adilet Berikbaev

Shusha is a city in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is founded by Panakh-Ali-Khan in 1751 as a fortress for protection of Karabakh Khanate. Initially the city was called Panakhabad after its founder and further was named Shusha after the nearby Shushikent settlement. The city became famous after its heroic fight against the invasion of Iranian armies in 1795. Until 1823 Shusha remained the capital of Karabakh Khanate. Since1923 it has been a regional center of Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous region within the structure of Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

During the Karabakh war (started in 1991) a lot of Shusha buildings were destroyed including, unfortunately, well-known historical architectural complexes.

Shusha is also called “a temple” and the cradle of Azerbaijani music, the cradle of music and poetry, “a music conservatory of the Caucasus”. It is there that the most ancient and original kind of Azerbaijani musical art called “mugamy” was born.

Set in a picturesque mountain area 380 km (235 m) from Baku, Sheki is not only surrounded by beautiful scenery, it’s a beautiful village itself. The most famous sight in Sheki is the Sheki Khans Palace, featuring incredible craftsmanship and built without using a single nail.

Archaeological data show that Sheki has been inhabited for about 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus. There are several architectural and archaeological places around the city, including the Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress (8th-9th centuries), numerous caravanserais, the Juma Mosque (18th century), the Gileilin Minaret (18th century), and medieval baths.

Sheki is a major crafts center. Here, you can buy jewelry and engravings made by local artists. Sheki has its own theater, a historical museum, and the house museum of the famous writer and philosopher M. F. Ahundov.

Sheki was famous as a city of craftsmen and merchants. Traders from all of the countries along the Silk Road used to gather in Sheki, so great attention was paid to the construction of caravanserais. Through the 18th and 19th centuries, 5 big caravanserais were active in Sheki to house all of the travelers passing through. Only two of them have survived. The Upper and Lower Caravanserais were built in the 18th century. The craftsmen who built these caravanserais tried their best to make them as comfortable as possible, giving plenty of space so that travelers could rest, store their goods, and trade with local residents. The cellars were used for storing goods, the first floor was for trading, and the second floor was where travelers and merchants would stay.

The caravanserais were rather big: the Upper Caravanserai is 6,000 square meters, and the Lower one is 8,000 square meters. Each one had more than 200 rooms. According to traditional design, each caravanserai had two to four entrances, and when the doors closed, the caravanserais turned into fortresses. The Upper Caravanserai has been converted into a hotel, and the Lower one is currently being remodeled.

The Juma Mosque, or Khan’s Mosque, was constructed in 1745-1750, near the market square. Directly in front of the mosque is a small cemetery. Gadzhi Chelebi, the ruler of Shki in the 18th century, is buried here. The tombs here are topped by domes, with scripts in Arabic letters cut into the gravestones. The mosque, its minaret, and the ancient cemetery are protected today as important historical monuments.

Gileili Minaret is a monument dating back to the 16th-17th centuries, when it was part of the Gileili Mosque. Unfortunately, the mosque has not survived to the present day, and so only the minaret, now under state protection, remains. Built of burnt brick, the Gileili Minaret can be seen from the Kyulekhlin neighborhood in Sheki, and is the first and tallest minaret in its district.

Sheki has a very well-preserved bath, called a hamam, from the 19th century. It was constructed in the style of other traditional baths: there are two large rooms, one for undressing, and one with a heated floor, for bathing.

The Sheki khan Gadzhi Chelebi (who reigned from 1743 to 1755) built a fortified wall in the northeast of the city for defense. The overall length is about 1,300 m (4,265 ft), and it is 8 m (26 ft) tall at the southern end and 4 m (13 ft) tall at the northern end, with the thickness averaging over 2 meters (6.5 ft). There are 21 towers along the length of the wall, and the north and south, the wall is enclosed by arch gates.

Babaratma-Piri is a small mausoleum located near Sheki. It is located on the territory of an old cemetery near the village of Taza-Kent. This place is esteemed by pilgrims, who believe that it can cure illnesses. Near the mausoleum is a small mosque.

In the high-mountain village of Ilisu, not far from Sheki, is the Sumug Fortress.

According to legend, this fortress was built by the khan for executing unfaithful concubines, and later became a watchtower for Dani yal-bek, the local leader. Earlier, Dani yal-bek had been an officer in the Imperial Russian army. Later in his life, he became a revolutionary leader, and joined his sworn enemy Sheikh Shamil to fight against Russian forces. However, in August 1859, the last of Dani yal-bek’s fortifications had to be surrendered.

Shamakhi is an ancient Azerbaijan city. It started in the 5th century BC. In the 9 th -16 th centuries it was the capital of Shirvan Empire, a residence of Shirvan Dynasty it is by right considered one of the most beautiful cities of the Orient. In the mid-18 th century it used to be the center of Shamakhi Khanate.

The main landmark of the city is Gulistan fortress (11 th – 12 th centuries) – the last refuge of Shirvan Dynasty built for the city's defense. Equally interesting are the mausoleum of Addy-Gyumbez (“The Seven Domes”) with numerous burial places of Shamakhi governors, Djuma cathedral mosque (10th century, reconstructed in the 19 th century), numerous ruins of the 10 th – 17 th centuries.

Present day Shamakhi is a recognized center of winemaking and carpet weaving. Besides, it is a city of literature since it was the native land of many Azerbaijani poets. Right near Shamakhi there is an amazing place called Pirkuli famous for its snowy hills. It is probably the only place in sunny Azerbaijan where you can enjoy active winter pastime: skiing and snowboarding.

Quba is one of the largest cities in Azerbaijan, located on picturesque hillsides 170 km (105 miles) to the north of Baku. In the mid 18th century, Quba was the capital of the Quba Khanate, but today, it is famous for its carpets, scenery, and delicious sweets.

The city itself is home to a number of architectural and historic monuments, like the Juma Mosque, Gilgilchay Fortress, and a number of other mosques and mausoleums. Explore historical monuments with a visit to the local hamam, a bathhouse visited by Alexandre Dumas when he was traveling through the region, and a beautiful brick bridge, built in 1894, one of the few to survive to this day.

Many people come to Quba as part of a trip to other parts around the city. Red Town is the world’s last surviving shtetl, a settlement of Mountain Jews with their own language and culture. Khinalug is the highest village in Azerbaijan, 2,350 m (7,710 ft) above sea level. Khinalug was isolated from the rest of the world for most of its history, leading to unique stone buildings and a language spoken nowhere else.

Quba is also popular just as a place to go to enjoy the beautiful nature of Azerbaijan. Winter brings tourists to the nearby Shahdag Ski Resort, a world-class ski resort with excellent ski runs in the winter. In the summer, people from all around Azerbaijan escape the heat by picnicking in the cool shade of the mountains, where there are plenty of forests and running rivers to make for a scenic trip.

Quba carpets also make for an interesting trip. These carpets feature intricate designs that take inspiration from nature and geometric patterns, plus a variety of vivid colors. Each village had signature patterns, though many have been lost to time. However, more recently, carpet workshops have been opening in Quba with the aim of bringing back the art of carpet weaving and reviving the skills and knowledge needed to keep this ancient art alive.

Ordubad is the second most significant city of Nakhchivan area. It stretches in the form of amphitheater on the slopes of Ordubadchai Gorge.

It is one of the most beautiful and ancient Azerbaijani cities. Ordubad has been known since the 12th century.

Being rather small in size it consists of several quarters. Each of them has its square with a mosque and a spring. In the city center stands Djuma mosque (12th century) - a medieval structure with arch niches on the facade. The architectural monuments of Ordubad are incorporated in historical -architectural reserve (since 1977).

The architectural monuments, centuries-old plane trees, silk and picturesque orchards have brought the worldwide popularity to Ordubad.

Nakhchivan is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR), an independent region of Azerbaijan that shares no common borders with the mainland country. The city was reportedly founded by Noah, and although this claim cannot be verified, its 3000-year-old history makes it one of the oldest cities in Transcaucasia. Due in part to its geographical distance, few tourists to Azerbaijan visit Nakhchivan, yet the region abounds with history and natural resources and stands ready to reveal its secrets to curious travelers.

Nakhchivan was founded around 1500 BC, although archaeological discoveries in the region indicate that the history of the area as a whole goes back even further. In the 11th - 6th centuries BC, Nakhchivan was a well-developed city in the ancient state of Media which relied heavily on farming, trade and artisanry. In the following centuries, however, Nakhchivan would be repeatedly invaded and fall successively under the rule of the Sassanids, Arab Caliphate, Shirvanshahs, Sheki Khans, Seljuk Turks, Mongols and Persians as they vied for power in the region.

In the Middle Ages, the well-developed and prosperous Nakhchivan was one of the largest Transcaucasian cities on the Great Silk Road. In the late 18th - early 19th centuries, Nakhchivan served as the capital of the Nakhchivan Khanate, an independent entity within Persia. This era of influence ended in 1827 when the city was occupied without a fight by Russian troops under General Ivan Paskevich. The Turkmenchay Peace Treaty of 1828 dictated that Nakhchivan city and the entire Nakhchivan Khanate be placed under the control of the Russian Empire. Consequently, Nakhchivan was lumped in with the newly-formed Armenian Province before being annexed to Erivan Province shortly thereafter. In 1921, a referendum indicated that most of Nakhchivan’s residents wished to join Azerbaijan as an autonomous republic. Their desire was granted, first as an autonomous territory of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR) and later as an independent region of Azerbaijan after it achieved independence from the USSR in 1991.

Nakhchivan tourism centers around its mausoleums, the most famous of which is Tomb of the Prophet Noah (Mausoleum-Tyurbe). According to legend, Noah himself was buried here after his ark landed near the future Nakhchivan following the Great Flood. Popular belief also claims that Noah was the original founder of Nakhchivan city.

Accounts of travelers from previous centuries indicate that there was once an actual tomb at Mausoleum of the Prophet Noah, although this is no longer the case. Rebuilt in 2006, Tomb of the Prophet Noah now stands as a stately structure with a cone-shaped dome and rich, colorful mosaics. The grave itself is located in the lower part of the mausoleum and can be accessed by descending the flight of stairs. Inside the room is a pillar, under which many believe the ashes of the Biblical prophet now rest.

Another interesting mausoleum in Nakhchivan is Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum, built in 1161-1162. Noted for its elongated octagonal shape, its walls are decorated with stone-carved patterns. Above the entrance to Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum is an inscription with a quote from the Koran.

The third must-see mausoleum in Nakhchivan is Momine Khatun Mausoleum, dedicated to the influential mother of Jahan Shah, one of the region’s most prominent rulers in the 12th century. Momine Khatun is credited with altering the course of Azerbaijan’s history through her wise and balanced political advice.

All three mausoleums are situated in close proximity to one another near the old fortress in southern Nakhchivan.

In addition to mausoleums, Nakhchivan is known for its mineral waters and salt caves. Duzdag Health Resort is famous for its unique underground salt cave which is located at a depth of 300 meters. Although the treatment facilities are particularly beneficial for people who have respiratory problems, it is believed that spending the night in the natural salt mines can improve a person’s overall state of health and have a curative effect on a variety of serious ailments.

Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan has its own airport which accepts both domestic and international flights. Most flights in and out of the region will transfer through Baku, from which it is a one-hour flight to Nakhchivan.

Nabran’ village is situated on the shore of the Caspian Sea not far from Khudat city in Azerbaijan. Nabran’ earned fame owing to its resort zone located around the village. The resort zone is surrounded with the most beautiful relict forests which considered one of the main sights of this locality.

The village was founded by Russian colonists in 1900. The village’s name presumably originated from the Russian word “nabirat’” (recruit). The Russian Emperor ordered to recruit people to this village to fish sturgeons for imperial cuisine. This is how the name of that settlement originated. Fishery was the main kind of activity of its residents up to the 70-s of the XX centuries.

The township itself is located in the midst of a beautiful wood with elm trees and beeches, as well as very old oaks growing there. The woods are inhabited with various animals and birds: raccoons, boars, deers, hares, jay birds, owls and other interesting representatives of fauna. One of the main advantages of this resort is not only its natural and geographic conditions but also the fact that Nabran’ is rich with reserves of hydrosulphuric underground sources which are an efficient means to treat many diseases. These sources form a belt of wetlands which separates the village from a beach.

Today, it is a large resort zone occupied by hotels, boarding houses and private cottages. Tourists from all over the world come there since it is one of the places where they can vary their rest. Nabran’ has all the conditions for holiday-makers of any age to have excellent pastime. There are also entertainment centers for children, numerous disco-bars for the youth as well as cozy and quiet boarding houses for elder generation. In addition, not far from the village there is Aqua Park and sports complex, while the vicinity to the Caspian Sea and moderate climate, which holds almost the whole year, make this resort zone be one of the most visited places in Azerbaijan.

Mingechaur is located on the Kura River . It is well-known first of all for its water basin which local residents call the “Mingechaur Sea”. It provides nearby areas of the republic with water. Located on the coast of the water basin is the tourist center with a magnificent view on the sandy beach.

But it is not only the "sea" that attracts tourists. Mingechaur is the place where archeologists found an entire complex of monuments dated from 2,000 BC to 17 th century AD including remains of settlements, burial mounds, burial grounds, amphora burials, and even Christian temples. The city has a theatre and a local history museum with the collection reflecting the rich history of the area.

The city of Mingechevir is located on both banks of the Kura river. This territory was populated already in 3,000 BC. Thus, the total age of the city is more than 4,500 years of glorious history. And they are not simple words. Numerous archeological materials found on the territory of Mingechevir testify to this.

During excavations archaeologists found Greek, Roman, Arshakid coins which is the evidence of intensive trade in the region. Mingechevir chronicles describe it as the center of craft workshops, shops, baths etc. In the 18th century the population of the city completely moved to the left bank of the Kura. Today Mingechevir is a large industrial centre, the fourth largest city of Azerbaijan after Baku, Sumgait and Ganja

The main part of Mingechevir archeological complex is located on the left bank of the Kura where previously stood the ancient settlement of Sudagylan. The ruins of urban settlements, two-tier potter's furnaces(1st - 8th centuries), houses from raw bricks, metal, stone and bone tools, household objects, faience items, Sasanid and the Arabian coins of the early Middle Ages were found there.

Clay, glass and silver ware, various rings, iron tools, gold rings, coins, Sasanid seals were found in the tombs.

The archeologists also found there architectural remains of cult structures. In the center of the site they discovered the ruins of an ancient cult structure.

The main part of temple was occupied by a big hall for prayers with the fragments of wall plaster painted with plant paints.

The temple entrance was located in the southwest wall. Opposite the entrance is a big stone capital with the images of two peacocks. From the southeast the temple is adjoined with three small rooms. The walls of the temple are made from raw bricks. The average thickness of the wall is 1.5 meters . The structure was covered with wood-based tiles. The temple contained a small square burial structure from burnt bricks.

Sasanid coins found in the temple relate the date of construction to 5th - 6th centuries.

After Mongol occupation in 14th - 17th centuries the population moved to the right bank of the Kura .

The lowermost layer of this archeological reserve is the ancient sepulchral field. There were found the well-known amphora burials of Mingechevir (more than 300).

In these tombs the deceased lie with their heads toward the entrance. Their knees and heads are bent in the symbol of a womb. All crypts are red: since the most ancient times red color has symbolized blood, and blood means life. In such burials they found a lot of utensils: pots and jugs. The utensils used for a funeral ceremony was a cult of that period of history and speaks about ancient people belief in resurrection. The tombs also contained rectangular two-tier furnaces, iron tools, jewelry, coins of antique period. All these testify about the way of life of the tribes which inhabited this territory.

More than 200 burial places and mounds were explored on the cemetery of that period. In the burial mounds they found people together with animals: bulls, horses and also valuable utensils. Apparently those were the tombs of chiefs.

The average and top layer of excavation is related to the Bronze and Iron ages. There were found stone tools, bronze weapon, wells, potter and metal-melting furnaces, faience objects, bones of animals and fishes and many other things.

ankaran is a subtropical paradise and resort. It is located in the southeast of Azerbaijan practically on the border with Iran. In the east the city is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. The nature of Lankaran harmoniously combines high mountain tops, fertile lowlands and pebbly sea coasts.

Territorially and historically Lankaran was a part of different states. In ancient times it was known as Talish area which was included in Smaller Midia or Atropatena. Lankaran was also under the rule of Seljuks, Khulaguids and Timurids.

In the 16th century it was within the structure of Iranian dynasty of Sefevids. In the 18th-19th centuries it became a capital of independent Talish khanate. In the 19th century it was a part of Russia.

The city's major landmark is Lankaran Fortress (18th century) and Kichik-Bazar mosque (19th). 100 km from Lankaran lies one of the most medieval beautiful cities - Khanege where you can see the fortifications (12th -14the centuries), a mosque and the tomb of Pir Hussein, a minaret and other ancient structures.

Right in the city centre there is the House of Mirakhmad khan - one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of Lankaran. The palace was constructed in 1913. The elements of national architecture were skillfully used during the house construction in spite of the fact that it was built by French architects. This three-storey palace is considered he first multi-storey building in the city. Northern and western facades of the cit were made of bricks and white stones the eastern and southern ones - from red bricks. The entrance top is decorated with the figures of mythical animals. The columns support the balcony of the second floor.

The city of Ganja is located at the foot of the Minor Caucasian Ridge, on the Gjandzhachaj river. It was founded approximately in the 6th AD. In the first half of the 7th century Ganja was destroyed by Persians and in the second half by Arabs. In the mid-10 th century Ganja became the capital of Shadadit - one of a smaller khanates on the territory of Azerbaijan.

In the mid-11th century Ganja was conquered by Seljuks. In 1139 there was a big earthquake which destroyed the city; in this connection it was transferred to another place. In the result of the earthquake a number of picturesque lakes was formed: Lake Gek - Gel, Lake Maral-Gel, Lake Dzheran-Gel, Lake Ordek-Gel, Lake Zaligehlyu, Lake Aggel, Lake Garagel and Lake Samlygel among them.

After disintegration of Seljuk state Ganja became the second capital of Atabek state (12th-13th centuries). In the 18th century Ganja became the center of Ganja Khanate.

In 1804 Ganja Khanate was occupied by Russian armies, and Ganja was renamed Elizabethpol. During Soviet time Ganja was renamed into Kirovabad and was the second biggest industrial and cultural city in Azerbaijan after Baku. The original name was given back to city after independence was won by the republic in 1991.

During centuries-old history the city became the owner of numerous historical and architectural monuments with strongly pronounced Azerbaijan national color. Among the survived landmarks are Gei-Imam cult complex (14th – 17th centuries), Djuma mosque (17th century) and a variety of picturesque old houses, well-known stone sculptures of horses and other pets abundant in the neighboring mountains.

The city takes pride in the fact that the greatest Azerbaijani poet Nizami Gyanjevi was born there. His mausoleum is the major tourist attraction.

The historical part of the city also called “Old Ganja” is known for its ruins of fortifications, towers, bridges (12th - early 13th centuries), a caravanserai (17th century) – place where merchant caravans could stay an have a rest, the building of former Khan office (17th century), mausoleums (14th – 17th centuries), mosques (17th centuries).