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| Azerbaijan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see baku street baku street naxcivanski Located on the very crossroads of Eastern and Western civilizations, Azerbaijan was exposed to the influence of both of them. As a part of the greatest empires in the history of human kind, Azerbaijan was the site of the most decisive events and had seen many mighty conquerors, including Haroun al-Raschid, Chingis Khan, Pompey, and Alexander the Great. Azerbaijan has been hosting travellers since silk worms started to spin. Azerbaijan was once a major stopover on the Great Silk Route, and there are many captivating sights to see in this ancient country - Bronze Age petroglyphs, medieval minarets and mosques, the famous carpets, unique nature. One of many republics which emerged from the former Soviet Union, Azerbaijan is probably one of the less known. When you visit the capital Baku, it becomes clear soon that this country has always been a crossroads for travellers from Europe and the East. Landmarks confirming this can be seen throughout the city. The Greeks, Persians, and so many other ancient peoples have visited and left their marks in this country. Azerbaijan is a unique reserve of the world nature. - 9 climatic zones out of 11 existing on the Earth: from subtropics up to high mountainous Alpine meadows - relic woods and seacoast - mountains, falls and rivers, lakes, hot springs and mineral sources and the only deposit of curative oil in the world. - blue light of glaciers of the Caucasus and almost 3000 sundials per year. There are 15 natural-historical reserves, 20 hunting ground and places for hunting in Azerbaijan. 7 rest zones are at the coast of the Caspian Sea. By the number of the reserves per each sq.km of Azerbaijan wins the first place in the world. Azerbaijan is a country of wonderful mountain lakes. The Lakes Ghoy-gol, Nohur, Maral-gol, unique and wonderful for their beauty are hidden in the mountains of the Less and the Great Caucasus. They have been the favourite recreation places for a long time. 6000 miracles of the world: architectural-historical paradise. Memory of millennia. Fortresses of patriots. Places of the lords. Mausoleums-tombs and towers-riddles. Temples of fire, sacred falls and eternal trees of desires. 6000 monuments of art, wisdom, spirituality. More than 6000 historical archeological object, and 65 monuments of world value, as well, have been kept up to now in Azerbaijan. ___________History Edit This photo Several ancient tribes inhabited the land of Azerbaijan, and some areas became known after these tribes: Caspian, Mannai, Media and Caucasian Albania. Some of the states that emerged in the area from the 3rd millennium BC were powerful and quite advanced, specially the Mannai and the Medes. The Medes invaded the kingdom of the Mannai in the Xth century BC. The Medes, an ancient Indo-European people, ancestors of the modern Kurds, eventually built their empire, Media, stretching as far west as Cappadocia. By the 8th century BC Media was raided and settled - but not defeated - by the Scynthians, coming from the banks of the Black sea. In 550 BC the king of the Medes, Astyages, was defeated and imprisoned by his grandson Cyrus II the Great, and the region was first integrated into the Persian empire. This mighty state reached from the Caspian to the Indian ocean. Only the Greeks resisted the power of Persia, and defeated first Darius I at Marathon and then his son Xerxes I at Salamina and Plateias. By the 4th century BC they reached Azerbaijan, under Alexander the Great, who defeated Darius III at Isso, Granic and Erbil, and later reached the heart of the Persian empire, destroying Persepolis itself. The king of minor Media, Atropat, seized this moment to proclaim his country's independence. The lands north of the Araz river were called Atropatene, after him. (while most popular story regarding the origin of the name Azerbaijan traces it to the Persian word for fire 'azer', another version derives the name from Atropatene). After Alexander's death his empire fragmented and Azerbaijan was integrated in the area controlled by one of his generals: Seleucus. He ruled over the Persian empire and founded the Seleucid dynasty. Seleucid power was eclipsed by the Partas and these fought against Europeans again. This time the invaders were not the Greeks, but the Romans, who called the region Albania. They had a presence in the area for about 300 hundred years. Marc Antony was defeated by the Partas in Ganzaca. Nevertheless the Roman empire made important advances under the Spanish born emperor Trajan. Christianity also arrived early, with the mission of St. Eliseus reaching Caucasian Albania in the Ist century AD. In spite of some successes, by 115 AD Rome withdrew after Trajan's armies were affected by the plague. (In Gobustan you can still find inscriptions left by the Romans and the Greeks). A revolt against the Partas succeeded in 226 taking to power a new dynasty, the Sassanids. By the 3rd century the Apostolic Autocephalous church was fully established and religious and cultural live was thriving. North of Araz river (Caucasian Albania or Aluania), Christianity was widely accepted in the Vth century after St. Grigor the Illuminator converted and baptized its king, Urnayr. The first Sassanid king, Ardashir I, had to face a new war with Rome from 229 to 232. He revived Zoroastrianism as the official religion and during his reign the collection of texts known as the Zend Avesta was assembled. Ardashir I was succeeded by Shapur I who again had to face war with Rome. His death resulted in three decades (271-301) of dynastic struggles. In 387 Caucasian Albania, following the partition of Armenia between Byzantine empire and Sassanid Persia was merged with the new Persian acquisition to form the Ran province. By 409, during the reign of Yezdigird the Wicked, Christians were permitted to publicly worship and to build churches. Later he changed his mind and from 416 till 420 the Sassanid Christians were persecuted. During the reign of Varahran V the war with Rome re-awakens and in 424 the Council of Dad-Ishu declares the Eastern Church independent of Constantinople. By 483 an edict of toleration was granted to Christians. In 491 the Armenian Church repudiated the Council of Chalcedon and Nestorian Christianity became the dominant Christian branch in the Sassanid Empire. In the reign of Anshurwan the Just (531-579) a "Treaty of Endless Peace" with Rome is signed, but ironically war started again. The next Sassanid king, Khusru Parviz, had to face not only war with Rome (603-610 and 627) but also a defeat by the arab army, at Dhu-Qar. Yezdigird III, the last Sassanid king, saw the arab Muslims invade Iraq culminating in 642 with the destruction of the Persian army at Nehawand. During the first four decades of the 7th century Azerbaijan resisted fiercely to the arab invaders, under the last Albanian king - Javanshir. Under the early Caliphate Barda became the main seat of power, and the area became the province of "ar-Ran", later Arran. By 642 the Muslim arabs finally completed their conquest of the Sassanids. In spite of this invasion, the arabs never exerted direct rule, but used local chieftains instead, however they managed to Islamize the area. ___________-Getting There Edit This Long gone are the days when you had to go trough Moscow to reach Baku! At present an increasing number of western European airlines connect Baku with Europe and the world. In addition, several airlines connect Baku to destinations all over the CIS, making Baku an embryonic regional hub. Several charter companies operate from and to Baku. Scheduled and non-scheduled cargo flights are also available. The flag carrier is Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL, for short. AZAL is a state owned conglomerate, that inherited the Aeroflot structure. The company controls most the aviation field in Azerbaijan, besides being an airline it also is in areas such as: airports, basic maintenance, traffic control systems, catering, refuelling, security, and even the National Civil Aviation Academy! AZAL also owns Azalhelicopter, which operates flights mostly for the oil industry. At present the fleet includes Boeing 727s, Tupolev 154s and 134s and Yakovlev 40s. The fleet is being expanded with more recent Boeing aircraft. AZAL flights serve destination in Great Britain, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation and the Ukraine. The company expects to add new destinations as its fleet grows. They have offices in: Allepo, Ankara, Baku, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Kiev, Moscow, Nizhni Novgorod, Samara, St. Petersburg, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Trabzon, Urumchi and Yekaterinburg. The post Soviet slight de-regulation allowed for the creation of several smaller companies, the other Azeri airlines are: Baku Airways, Forair, Imair and Turan Air. Azerbaijan does not have its own technical centre for aircraft maintenance, so the local airlines have to send their aircraft abroad for routine interventions. Visit the AzerWeb.com site for a permanently up to date compilation of airline schedules to and from Baku. ___________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Azerbaijan is more developed industrially than either Armenia or Georgia the other Transcaucasian states. The economy's most prominent products are oil, cotton and gas. Production from the Caspian oil and gas field has been in decline for several years but the negotiation of more than a dozen production-sharing arrangements (PSAs) with foreign firms which have thus far committed $30 billion to oil field development should generate the funds needed to spur future industrial development. Oil production under the first of these PSAs with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company began in November 1997. Azerbaijan shares all the formidable problems of the ex-Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Baku has only recently begun making progress on economic reform and old economic ties and structures are slowly being replaced. A major short-term obstacle to economic progress including stepped up foreign investment is the continuing conflict with Armenia over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is occupied by the Armenian military forces. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining in importance while trade is building up with the nations of Europe Turkey Iran and the UAE. A serious long-term challenge is the maintenance of the competitiveness non thoe nfiao kdio amei exports in world markets. GDP: purchasing power parity—$11.9 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 11.8% (2001 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$1 460 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 30% industry: 23% services: 47% (1996 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 3.7% (1997 est.) Labor force: total: 2.789 million by occupation: agriculture and forestry 32% industry and construction 26% other 42% (1990) Unemployment rate: 10% (1996 est.) Budget: revenues: $565 million expenditures: $682 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1996 est.) Industries: petroleum and natural gas petroleum products oilfield equipment; steel iron ore cement; chemicals and petrochemicals; textiles Industrial production growth rate: 0.3% (1997 est.) Electricity—capacity: 5.239 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 16.051 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 2 200 kWh (1996 est.) Agriculture—products: cotton grain rice grapes fruit vegetables tea tobacco; cattle pigs sheep goats Exports: total value: $789 million (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: oil and gas chemicals oilfield equipment textiles cotton partners: CIS European countries Turkey Imports: total value: $1.3 billion (c.i.f. 1996 est.) commodities: machinery and parts consumer durables foodstuffs textiles partners: CIS European countries Turkey Debt—external: $100 million (of which $75 million to Russia) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $14 million (1993) note: commitments 1992-95 $1 000 million ($185 million in disbursements); wheat from Turkey Currency: 1 manat = 100 gopik Exchange rates: manats per US$1—3 936.00 (September 1997) 4 301.26 (1996) 4 413.54 (1995) 1 570.23 (1994) 99.98 (1993) Fiscal year: calendar year ___________Airlines Edit This Long gone are the days when you had to go trough Moscow to reach Baku! At present an increasing number of western European airlines connect Baku with Europe and the world. In addition, several airlines connect Baku to destinations all over the CIS, making Baku an embryonic regional hub. Several charter companies operate from and to Baku. Scheduled and non-scheduled cargo flights are also available. The flag carrier is Azerbaijan Airlines, AZAL, for short. AZAL is a state owned conglomerate, that inherited the Aeroflot structure. The company controls most the aviation field in Azerbaijan, besides being an airline it also is in areas such as: airports, basic maintenance, traffic control systems, catering, refuelling, security, and even the National Civil Aviation Academy! AZAL also owns Azalhelicopter, which operates flights mostly for the oil industry. At present the fleet includes Boeing 727s, Tupolrev 154s and 134s and Yakovlev 40s. The fleet is being expanded with more recent Boeing aircraft. AZAL flights serve destination in Great Britain, Turkey, Israel, Syria, Iran, China, the United Arab Emirates, Russian Federation and the Ukraine. The company expects to add new destinations as its fleet grows. They have offices in: Allepo, Ankara, Baku, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Kiev, Moscow, Nizhni Novgorod, Samara, St. Petersburg, Tehran, Tel Aviv, Trabzon, Urumchi and Yekaterinburg. The post Soviet slight de-regulation allowed for the creation of several smaller companies, the other Azeri airlines are: Baku Airways, Forair, Imair and Turan Air. Azerbaijan does not have its own technical centre for aircraft maintenance, so the local airlines have to send their aircraft abroad for routine interventions. Visit the AzerWeb.com site for a permanently up to date compilation of airline schedules to and from Baku. Uniquely, Azerbaijan Airlines does run charter flights directly from Baku to Ercan (in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus). This is the only non-Turkish/TRNC airline to do so. __________Language Edit This Azeri is spoken not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Iran. In Azerbaijan is the first language of about 6 million people and in Iran is spoken by about 40 million, mainly in the northwest part of the country, (also known as Azerbaijan, usually mentioned as "Southern Azerbaijan") is also spoken in Shiraz, Isfahan, Lorestan, Torkmansahra, Gotgan, parts of Kurdistan and some other cities. Smaller numbers of Azeri speakers are also to be found in Dagestan, Georgia, Iraq, Turkey and Syria. Azeri is a Turkic language, belonging to the southern branch of the Altaic language family (therefore non Indo-European). The Azeri language is part of the Oghuz, or Western Turkic, group of Turkic languages, together with Anatolian Turkish (spoken in Turkey) and Turkmen (spoken in Turkmenistan). The Oghuz tribes of Central Asia spoke this precursor language between the seventh and eleventh centuries. The three descendent languages share common linguistic features. Dialectical differences between Azeri and Anatolian Turkish have been attributed to Mongolian and Turkic influences. Despite these differences, Anatolian Turkish speakers and Azeris can often understand one another if they speak carefully. Spoken Azeri includes several dialects. Since the nineteenth century, Russian loanwords (particularly technical terms) and grammatical and lexical structures have entered the Azeri language in Russian-controlled Azerbaijan, as have Persian words in Iranian Azerbaijan. The resulting variants remain mutually intelligible, however. Despite these influences the Azeri language maintains several archaic characteristics that are absent from modern Turkish or Turkmen. In the immediate pre-Soviet period, literature in Azerbaijan was written in Arabic in several literary forms that by 1900 were giving way to a more vernacular Azeri Turkish form. In 1924 Soviet officials pressured the Azeri government into approving the gradual introduction of a modified Roman alphabet. Scholars have speculated that this decision was aimed at isolating the Muslim peoples from their Islamic culture, thus reducing the threat of nationalist movements. In the late 1930s, however, Soviet authorities reversed their policy and dictated use of the Cyrillic alphabet, which became official in 1940. _______People Edit This photo Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan: 7,798,497 (July 2002 est.) The Azeri constitute 90% of the population of the Republic of Azerbaijan and belong to the Caspian type of southern Europoid race. They are distinguished with sturdy build with a prevailing dark pigmentation, medium height and partially round shaped head, narrow face, rather narrow nose and in majority of cases big brown eyes. The Azeri are of mixed ethnic origin, the oldest element deriving from the indigenous population of eastern Transcaucasia and possibly from the Medians of northern Persia. This population was Persianized during the period of the Sasanian dynasty of Iran (3rd-7th century AD), but, after the region's conquest by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century, the inhabitants were Turkicized, and further Turkicization of the population occorred in the ensuing centuries. Azerbaijan is the most populous country in the Caucasus. Although it contains people of many different nationalities, the republic has become more ethnically homogeneous in recent years. The proportion of Azeris, who have traditionally comprised about four-fifths of the population, has increased since the start of the conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh in 1988. Large numbers of Azeri refugees have flowed over the border from Armenia, and large numbers of Russians , Armenians , and other nationalities have left Azerbaijan. Today, about 13 percent of the population are refugees and IDPs. The Armenian community, which comprised 6 percent of the population in 1989, is now confined almost exclusively to the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. Other nationalities include Lezgin , Talysh , Avar , Meskhetian Turks , Tatar , Tat , Tsakhur , Georgian and Kurd . Most ethnic groups have resided in the area of present-day Azerbaijan for centuries, although Slavs arrived in large numbers with the industrialization boom of the last century. Average population density of Azerbaijan is 86 pers/km 2 . The Absheron Peninsula is more densely populated (800 pers/km 2 ). The country is still largely rural, with only 52 percent of the population residing in urban areas, and 47 percent in rural areas. Eighty percent of the population is concentrated on valleys and low lands that are more convenient for farming industry and where large industrial centres lie and irrigating agriculture is developed. This belt covers Kur-Araz, Samur-Devechi and Lankaran lowlands, and also Ganja-Gazakh and PriAraz valleys and Absheron Peninsula. Population: 7 855 576 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 32% (male 1 300 236; female 1 247 027) 15-64 years: 61% (male 2 336 568; female 2 468 679) 65 years and over: 7% (male 195 322; female 307 744) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 0.7% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 22.2 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 9.41 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: -5.75 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.94 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.63 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 81.64 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 63.3 years male: 59.01 years female: 67.81 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.72 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Azerbaijani(s) adjective: Azerbaijani Ethnic groups: Azeri 90% Dagestani Peoples 3.2% Russian 2.5% Armenian 2.3% other 2% (1995 est.) note: almost all Armenians live in the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh region Religions: Muslim 93.4% Russian Orthodox 2.5% Armenian Orthodox 2.3% other 1.8% (1995 est.) note: religious affiliation is still nominal in Azerbaijan; actual practicing adherents are much lower Languages: Azeri 89% Russian 3% Armenian 2% other 6% (1995 est.) Literacy: definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97% male: 99% female: 96% (1989 est.) ::::::::: Agdam Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see tigranakert tigranakert HOVSEPIAN Hamlet Once a thriving city of 150.000 souls with its own airfield, capital of Agdam rayon, today Agdam is the consummated portrait of the devastation brought about by the Nagorno Karabakh war, it was lost to Armenian forces in July 1993. Although Agdam was not affected directly by bombardments or the place of combats, the city was systematically destroyed and looted by the Armenian forces. The mosque was the only building spared, although covered in graffiti. As in a nightmare you'll find street after street of empty and gutted buildings, where the birds and the weeds started to take over. No people, no cars, no sounds - a ghostly atmosphere. Following the collapse of the Azeri defences all the population was forced to move eastwards anticipating the advance of the Armenian forces, who eventually took about 80% of the Agdam rayon. Many of Agdam's former residents have found normal life elsewhere in Azerbaijan, but many other still dwell in refugee camps spread throughout the country. Although Agdam is just 20 kilometres northeast of Xankandi , it is outside the territory of the Nagorno Karabakh region. Nevertheless the area remains occupied by Armenian forces, who consider it a temporary buffer zone against an eventual Azeri attack. Since the Armenians admit that sooner or later this territory will return to Azeri sovereignty no effort has been made to resettle Agdam . Armenians from the neighbouring areas use Agdam as a source of construction materials, and the handful on non-military residents are professional scavengers, making a living from the materials taken from the abandoned buildings. The city is easily accessible from Xankandi, but being so close to the cease-fire line any visit may be limited by the Armenian military forces - large military camps exist just outside the town and armoured vehicles are to be seen everywhere. :::::::Agstafa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Aghstafa city Aghstafa city azerbaijan.az Small provincial town located near the Georgian and Armenian borders, Agstafa was founded in 1914 as Elisavetinka, mainly as a railway junction. In Agstafa the railway coming from Baku splits in two: one going north to Tblisi via Rustavi and another going east to Yerevan via Qazax and Dilizhan.? The collapse of the Soviet Union and the conflict with Armenia made Agstafa's role less important, as the rail and road connections to Armenia have been closed. The Armenian border is naturally also closed but you can cross to Georgia at Krasny Most.? Krasny Most is Russian for 'Red Bridge', after the existing and still operating 12th century masonry bridge. The old bridge has been replaced in 1998 as the main crossing by the TRACECA bridge. The European Union TRACECA programme aiming at improving transportation links in the Caucausus has been improving connections in the area, but only after a permanent solution is found for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict can links to Armenia be re-established. These days Agstafa is a rather quiet town. In the centre you'll find the pleasant Vurgun park, with a decent variety of restaurants and tea places and a cinema. You can take an overnight train to Baku, the bus to Baku or the mini bus to Qazax. There is a small but rather comfortable hotel near the station, on 20th January street. In another reminiscent of Stalinist borders, just west of Agstafa Azerbaijan has two very small exclaves within Armenian territory which are now under Armenian control (Yukhari Askipara and Barkhudali), the same happening with a bit of Azerbaijan proper, the territory around Askipara. As 'compensation' in August 1992 the Azeri army took the tiny Armenian exclave of Artsvashen, situated inside Azerbaijan, south-west of Shamkir . (380 km north west of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::::Aqsu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see White cupola Garagoyunlu village White cupola Garagoyunlu village azerbaijan.az On the road leading north-east from Kurdamir to the Shemakha road lies the quiet provincial town of Aqsu. Among the main sights, there is the usual History Museum, a recently built Mosque, a memorial to the 20th January massacre and unusually a nice tax office building! The bus station is on the southern end of the town, not far from the mosque. In the centre you'll find Aqsu Hotel , whith basic but clean facilities. Aqsu is an agricultural area, with a preserves factory, a grapes' processing plant and a cocoon drying plant. Maybe more interesting thant the town is the surrounding landscape. North of the town you should enjoy the magnificent views of the Aqsu pass . To the east of Aqsu you'll find the ruins of the 18th century ' new-Shemakha ' (near the village of Bazavand). South-west of Aqsu is Qaraqoyonlu where you can visit the 19th century Ag Gumbaz tomb. (150 km west of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com :::::::: Astara Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Astara is a small picturesque Caspian port town, on the Iranian border, capital of Azerbaijan's southernmost Rayon. If you are coming north form Lenkoran a giant samovar by the road welcomes you to the rayon. The town is located near the Tavalesh mountains and surrounded by a sea of rice fields. Plenty of enjoyable sandy beaches are to be found around Astara, and the water is cleaner than on the Apsheron peninsula. Astara is an important transit point for all kinds of goods, as the numerous lorries at the border well illustrate. The pipeline coming from Abadan also enters Azerbaijan in Astara. he area is home to a large Talysh population. The Talysh are an Indo-European people, mostly Shia Muslim, which spreads to both sides of the border along the western shore of the Caspian. During the18th century Astara was the capital of the Talysh khanate, until the local ruler Garakhan moved it to Lenkoran . Here you can cross the border into Iran , well you cross the river Astara to the iranian half of the town, also called Astara (the Baku to Tehran bus stops in Astara). Expect long delays at the border, however entering Iran is now a lot easier than a few years ago. The Iranian government is quite eager for the Euros brought in by the tourists, although they still prefer 'package tours' to independent travelers. (240 km south of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::Balakan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Balakan view. Balakan view. azerbaijan.az Balakan is a border town located in the northern part of a finger of Azeri territory protruding between Georgia and Dagestan. Balakan is the capital of Azerbaijan's northernmost 'rayon'. North of Balakan is the border village of Postbina, where you can cross into Georgia . Local buses run from Balakan to Kabali in Georgia. The town's main attraction is its mosque, with a 40m tall 17th century minaret from which you can enjoy the best view in town. The large World War II monument is now in ruins and the eternal flame has been extinguished for quite a while. Balakan is the only area in the caucasus where persimmons are grown. The town has a decrepit hotel, with shabby en suite facilities, located near the mosque and the bath house. There are direct buses to Baku and Zaqatala and services to Tbilisi. The train station is about 5 km from the town. Outside the town there is a small castle on the Mazim river, just on Georgian border, which may complicate access. :::::::::: Cebrayil Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Jebrail is a small town situated at an altitude of 600m, in the southern foothills of the Nagorno Karabakh mountain range. A stream, which flows through the Jebrail, dries out in summertime. Until 1950 Jebrail was merely a village but its population increased a lot in the following years. It is the capital of the rayon of the same name with a territory of 1050 sq. km., separated from the Iranian province of Eastern Azerbaijan by the river Araz. In the pre-Soviet period the present area of the district was part of the Jabrail uyezd, formed in 1875, which was even larger. After the fall of Fizuli to Armenian forces, Jebrail and almost the entire rayon were lost to Armenian forces in August 26, 1993 and has been under Armenian military control ever since (see map). The railway built along the Araz, that once connected Baku to Nakhchivan now lies abandoned, on the other hand the road parallel to both the river and the railway is still important, carrying the traffic to Armenia and Iran. he population of Jebrail had to move eastwards, and today is spread all over Azerbaijan, to this day some still dwell in refugee camps. Jebrail borders the Nagorno Karabakh territory but is not claimed by the Armenians, as such it is currently occupied as part of their 'buffer zone' and left derelict and abandoned. The town has been cannibalized for all kinds of materials by both Armenians and Iranians. In pre-war times the area earned their living from cash-crops, in particular cotton - dubbed by the locals the "white gold" of Azerbaijan. The most picturesque scenery in the vicinity is a huge poplar (tulip tree), which is believed to be one thousand years old. Outside Jebrail, in the village of Khalfli , an ancient watch tower still stands, allowing a great panorama over the region. The ruins of two remarkable 12th century bridges can be seen in the village of Khudafarin . (340 km south-west of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com :::::::::::Ganca Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Église ARMENIENNE de GANZA. le village dispose d'une église et d'une chapelle datant du XI Sc. Celle ci fut bâtie par le Grand père de Vahan Derian, curé du Village au XIX Église ARMENIENNE de GANZA. le village dispose d'une église et d'une chapelle datant du XI Sc. Celle ci fut bâtie par le Grand père de Vahan Derian, curé du Village au XIX HOVSEPIAN Hamlet Ganca is the second city of Azerbaijan. It is an old city with quite a few sights from medieval times. The city used to have, along with local Azeri population, German population, but now they have left. It's also The Motherland of great Azeri writer Nizami Ganjavi. ________History Edit This Ganja is the second largest city of Azerbaijan the population. The city is located in the area rich with agricultural potentialities in the south of the river Ganja and Kur. There are different opinions about formation of Ganja as a city. Some scientists refer the city to the period of B.C. and the majority to the beginning of the middle ages. Speaking about the history of the city we should first of all mention about the fact that the city was a social-economic and cultural centre. Alike other cities of our country (Gabala, Nakhchivan, Sheki, Shamakhi) Ganja was a habitation earlier with beautiful geographical sight and later formed into a city. In the first part of the 7th century Ganja was ruined by the Iranians and in the second half of the same century by the Arabians. To the late 17th century Ganja was a battle field in the war between the Arabians and the Khazars. Azerbaijan continuously suffered attacks that fond its reflection in Ganja city that was also attacked and ruined. Ganja was the second after Barda-the centre of Aran khanate, to play an important role in the international commerce and was one of the places of frequent caravan transition and rest. The monetary units of that time were Arabian dinars and dirhams. Barda lost its status of the capital in the 10th century and Ganja started to play important role in the social-economic and cultural life of the country. Trade and art turned into important factors in the life of the city. There was favourable condition for the development of art. Round Ganja functioned iron, copper, aluminium and other fields that supplied local craftsman with local raw material. Ganja strengthened its military forces that were another peculiarity of capital city. Defence of the city was strengthened by tower walls and moats round it. In the 9th-10th centuries when Arabian caliphate was gradually weakening, such feudal states as Shirvanshahs, Sheddadis, Salaris and Ravvadis appeared in the territory of Azerbaijan. In the middle of the 10th century Ganja city was ruled by Salaris and later by Sheddadis. During reign of I Fezlul (895-1030) Ganja witnesses its period of strength. A tower, palaces, bridges and caravanserais built and money cut in Ganja in the period of ruling of the Shaddadis. The city surrounded by a new and more stable tower. In 1063 Ibrahim -a blacksmith, built the famous gates of Ganja. Ganja was turning a large centre and its territory was widening, appeared new commercial and industrial zones. Silk and silken products drew the attention of local and foreign purchasers. Ganja might be considered as religious centre; Albanian catholicos shifted the centre from Barda to Ganja. Gatran Tebrizi gave the following description of those times: ?Today Ganja is like a Paradise.? In the middle of the 11th century Azerbaijan was attacked by the Seljugs. After invading Tebriz, I Togrul (1038-1068) moved his army on Ganja in 1054. The ruler of Ganja I Shavir agreed to be the vassal of Togrul. Shavir presented expensive gifts to I Togrul and dedicated him a khutba (homily of an imam in the mosque). Continuous attacks of the Seljugs in the middle of the 11th century urged the ruler of Shadddis III Fazlul to capitulate, but in an appropriate situation he came to the power for the second time. Malik shah(1072-1092)-the ruler of the Seljugs sent the commander of his army Bugay to Ganja in 1086. In spite of strong resistance of local people the Seljugs occupied the city. The ruler of Ganja III Fazlul took hostage and the put the point to the 100 year long ruling of the Shaddadis dynasty. Melik shah appointed his son Giyas ed-din the ruler of Ganja. After election the sultan Giyas ed-din Mahammad Tapar (1105-1117) remained the Seljug ruler of Ganja. In the first half of the 12th century Ganja several times suffered Georgian attacks. In response to this action the army of the Seljugs attacked Georgia and plundered it. Until the 11th century when Ganja lost to Seljuk Turks - it was the centre of Christianity of the Caucasus Albania. In earthquake of 1139 the original city established in the 5th century destroyed and rebuilt in the 12th century little in the east of the former location. The city turned into one of the important trade centres for it located on the main caravan roads. The city was again destroyed in 1231 in the result of Mongolian invasion. In the 15th century Ganja subordinated to the Garagoyunlu state. The city was again occupied in the 16th century by the Sefevis. From 1606 until 1804, when attached to the Russian Empire, Ganja was the centre of the khanate in the subordination of Iranian empire. In 1826 Russian army defeated Iranian powers and kept them down. Many Armenian, Russian and German refugees inhabited this place and initiated development of industry and trade in Ganja. For a very short period of time Ganja was the capital of independent Azerbaijan established in 1918. Historical events also influenced the change of the name of the city. The toponym Ganja does not relate with the medicine. It is derived from the name of the tribes Genjek. During 1804-1918 the city called (Yelizavetpol)-the name of wife of Tsar I Alexander. The city regained its former name Ganja till 1935 and then changed into Kirovabad. Since 1989 till today the city is called Ganja. In June of 1993 Ganja turned into a square of military flurry that resulted in deposition of the government of the President Abulfaz Elchibey. The road from Baku to Ganja is one of the picturesque roads of Azerbaijan. Ganja is famous for the mountain Kepez and 7 lakes round it, and particularly for Goy-Gol. The place is ideal for canoe, swimming, walking, voyages and family picnics. The city is the motherland of great poets such as Mesheti khanum Ganjavi and Nizami; in one word-Ganja is the centre of the literature of the country. University named after Hasan Aliyev, Academy of Sciences, Medical School and Ganja State University (former Pedagogical Institute) prove that scholastic tradition does still exist. 24 000 students take education in 4 state and 2 private high schools in Ganja. :::::::::::Gobustan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Gobustan Gobustan naxcivanski Numerous caves and rock outcroppings surround this village, whose name can be translated as "ravine land". The spurs of the Great Caucasus Range descend to the Caspian along the Djeirankechmez river. Settled since the 8th millennium BC, the area contains thousands of rock engravings spread over 100 square km depicting hunting scenes, people, ships, constellations, animals, etc. The oldest petroglyphs date from the 12th century BC. Later, the European invaders also left their marks: inscriptions left by Alexander the Great's cohorts in the 4th century BC and 2,000-year-old graffiti written by Trajan's Roman legionnaires! Should you want to get the perfect photos as seen on the postcards, the trick is simple: fill the carvings with toothpaste. The petroglyphs of Gobustan were discovered accidentally by quarry workers only in the 1930s. In addition to the rock carvings, traces of Mesolithic period occupation are to be seen, with numerous burial mounds and graves, the most interesting at Firuz, where eleven skeletons were found. Don't miss the Gaval-Dashy, a resonant stone that rings like a gong when struck. The local museum adjacent to the site houses the ornaments, flints, shells, ceramics, beads and primitive tools that were found inside the caves - often objects of non Caspian origin, evidence of ancient links with Europe and the Indian sub-continent. At the museum you can also recruit the services of a guide. Based on the archeological finds and on content of the petroglyphs, recently it has be theorized that a connection exists between the ancient Azeris and the peoples of Scandinavia, which is not surprising at all, since some of the original habitants of the region, the Medes, were not a Turkic people, but an Indo-European people. Besides being famous for the petroglyphs the Gobustan are also has some amazing landscape, particularly an area filled with mud volcanoes , which provide a quasi-lunar horizon. You can find the most spectacular mud volcanoes about 7km south of Gobustan near the road to Alat . If you are travelling from Baku you can reach Gobustan on the bus to Alat. The main petroglyphs site is about 5km west of Gobustan itself, after the jail. Plan your journey carefuly as currently there is no hotel in Gobustan! (60 km southwest of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::::Goytepe Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Formerly known as Priship, this small town is located on the southern part of Celilabad / Jalilabad rayon, on the road leading south to Masalli , Astara and the Iranian border. G ö ytepe used to house a Soviet garrison but now both military and civilian Russians are gone. The main attraction are the numerous old Russian houses, built in wood in the northern style. There is also an Orthodox church, which lies semi-abandoned as there is no longer a Christian community. The town is crossed by a small river that continues to the marshes. You can relax in a nice chaikhana near the bridge, but beware of the mosquitoes. G ö ytepe has a small privately owned hotel, with friendly staff and decent accommodation and amenities (near the river). (190 km south-west of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::Krasnaya Sloboda Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Path from Quba to Krasnaya Sloboda. Path from Quba to Krasnaya Sloboda. With only 5.000 inhabitants, Krasnaya Sloboda is Quba 's smaller sister, located on the northern bank of the gorge of the Kudyal river, just facing it's sibling. You can enter Krasnaya Sloboda arriving from Baku and making a right turn before entering Quba or simply cross the foot bridge connecting the two towns, located between the war memorial on Krasnaya Sloboda's side and Nizami park on Quba's bank. This Jewish settlement of Quba has been inhabited by Jews since the 13th century. In 1742, a local ruler named Falikhan gave the Jews, who were being persecuted by Islamic fundamentalists, permission to settle on the left bank of the mountain river Kudiyal-Chay opposite his town. The community flourished and became known as Yevreskaya Sloboda — literally, "Jewish settlement". By 1917, when the Bolsheviks came to power, the community was renamed "Krasnaya sloboda" (Red settlement), and it had grown to 18,000 people. However, Stalin's reign of terror and forced assimilation left their mark on this mountain region. In 1937, five rabbis were assassinated, many others were sent into exile, Today, although emigration to Israel has taken its toll, the main particularity of Krasnaya Sloboda is still that it's populated mostly entirely by Mountain Jews (Jewish Tats ). Nevertheless, the architecture and ambience is very similar to Quba's, although some affluence can be noticed in building refurbishment, as hard currency sent from families in Israel makes life easier. Before the settlement of Soviet power in Azerbaijan, i.e. till 1920, there were 11 synagogues in Krasnaya Sloboda. During Soviet times only one subsisted as such. Anyway of the 11 synagogues seven have been preserved. All seven are built of brick, the larger ones decorated with onion domes.After 1996 the state returned to the community two more buildings of former synagogues, which were restored with the help of donators. In 2001 the Kusari synagogue a two-storied, six-cupola building was re-opened. The Gilah and Karui synagogues can also be visited. The first is an old wooden, barn-style buiding nicer inside than outside, the latter has an interesting façade with circular windows. For the nostalgic there is still a Lenin's statue near the Mayor's office and there are large jewish cemeteries. For a change of mood you can try Vurgun cinema . Not far from Krasnaya Sloboda you'll also find the village of Khanalygh , with an ethnic group of 1000 Tats who have preserved the original language, customs and traditions. (165 km northwest of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.azerb.com :::::::Mardakan Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Mardakan fortress Mardakan fortress naxcivanski Located on the Apsheron peninsula (Abseron Yasaqligi) north-east of Baku, Mardakan is a small town of flat roofs, named after the ancient tribe of the Mards. During the summer the town is popular with the inhabitants of Baku who own or rent dachas in the area, you can see also some old mansions some of which are now used as sanatoria. Mardakan's main attraction is its castles . There are two of them, one with a round tower, and a larger one with a square tower. The larger castle dates from the 14 th century and is immediately visible as you approach Mardakan, although it is not built on a hill. This tower is about 25 m exhibition dedicated to the castles in the Apsheron peninsula. The smaller castle was built in the 13 th century and its design is similar to that of the Ramana castle (between Baku and the airport): a round central tower surrounded by a wall. An inscription names Abdulmajid Ibn Masud as the architect. (there is a fourth castle at Nardaran ). Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com :::::::::Masally Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Masalli is a reasonably prosperous agricultural town which also has some light industry, capital of the Rayon of the same name. The town's centre is built near the river, with some modest buildings and a nice Palace of Culture. The Palace of Culture wih a statue of the poet Nizami illustrates well the Azeri architecture of the Soviet period. There are no important sights, except maybe the tea tower. The modest soccer field is home to F.C. Vilash. When you leave Masalli towards the west there are dense woods and also a small lake, a favourite spot for picnics. West of Masalli you find a spa area ( Masalli Istisu ), providing hot mineral baths for a variety of illnesses or simply for your pleasure. The place is rather scenic with a small hot waterfall and a miniature suspension bridge. Another waterfall can be found at Shalala on the road to Yardimli . Being located on the main road leading south to Lenkoran and Iran, Masali is always busy and commerce is abundant. In the town there is a very basic hotel, but outside Masalli, on the road going west to Yardimli , there is a good hotel , the Dashtvend. Further down the road, near Masalli Istisu there are also turbazas with some decent huts. (200 km south of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com :::::::::Mingechevir Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Mingecevir's view Mingecevir's view mogikan Mingechaur is an ancient town and since the 1940s a significant centre of light industry, including the production of cotton and woollen textiles, knitwear, household items, souvenirs, and assorted consumer goods. The population today is almost 100.000 and the archaeological findings in the area revealed human occupation dating as far back as 5000 years ago, a prosperous town from the Albanian period and rich strata for other periods, revealing a intense trading and manufacturing activity. There is some interesting architecture in the centre and the town was generously dotted with parks. The area near the Kura river is particularly pleasant, with nice restaurants and tea houses. There is some entertainment with a drama theatre and the Kosmos cinema. Some of the modern monuments are quite original, don't miss the war memorial. Have a look also at the huge new mosque. The modest football field is home to F.C.Kur Nur. There is a grim hotel in the city centre (the Kur), but if you are looking for a decent place try the hotel Kainat, in the western side of the town, across the river. The Mingechaur Reservoir, with an area of 605 square kilometers that makes it the largest body of water in Azerbaijan, was formed by damming the Kura river. Operated by Azerenergy, the Mingechaur hydroelectric power station was built in 1953, providing Mingechaur not only with energy, flood control and irrigation but also with a large and pleasant artificial lake nearby which has a small beach . Production capacity is 360MWt. The waters of the Kura river also submerged several important archaeological sites, although some of the findings can now be seen in Baku. The Kura River rises in Georgia and flows southeast towards the Caspian Sea. The lower 500km are navigable and prone to flooding. There is a network of canals linking the Kura to the Araz River (275 km west of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::::Qax Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Qax tower Qax tower naxcivanski Qax is a pleasant an tranquil provincial town, northwest of Sheki , at the base of an appendix of Azeri territory that penetrates into Georgia and Dagestan. There is a culture centre, but social life runs around the chaikana, an interesting building with a metallic dome, located near the Baku bus stop, on a park with a monument to Mammad Mammadov. The main bus station is in the south of the town, near the attractive Georgian style church. There are services to Russia and Georgia. In the northern part of the town there is a small and poorly maintained hotel, without en-suite bathrooms. Qax train station is isolated and quite far from the town, so you may consider using Sheki's station instead. Near Kakhi you'll find the tomb of Haji Murat, a fighter against Russian occupation, famous for Tolstoy's story 'Haji Murat'. The nearby village of Ilisu was once the capital of an independent sultanate. There is only one street but two castle towers, a mosque and a bridge dating from the 18 th century remain. (400 km northwest of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::::Quba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A view of Guba city. A view of Guba city. With 22.000 inhabitants, Quba is a pleasant town located on the north-eastern slopes of the Shahdag range (part of the Greater Caucasus) at a height of 600m above sea level, on the right bank of the Kudyal river, in front of the jewish town of Krasnaya Sloboda . Quba is dominated by the 16th-century Tengialty fortress, but most people go to Quba to see the hundreds of apple orchards. In the spring, the area is fragrant with the scent of apple blossoms. The town has its own university and is also a centre of carpet making - tour a plant or do some shopping (Azeris will tell you that Quba's rugs are the best in the region). Quba originated in the village of Kudyal, and only became important in the early 18th century as it succeeded Khudat as the capital of a small but ambitious Khanate. One of its rulers, Fatali Khan, tried to create a unified Azeri state in the 18th century by annexing the neighbouring Khanates. However the khanate was occupied by the Russian army in 1806 and formarly ceded to Russia by Persia in 1813. History Edit This The history of Guba dating back to the Middle Ages is reflected in the ancient Albanian and Arabian sources, the creations of different geographers of Europe. Thus, the first Mosque built by the Prophet Mohamed around Mecca was named Guba. The tower built by the ruler of Azerbaijan Anushirevan in the 11th century was called Bade-Firuzgat, while in the Arabian sources dating back to the 12th century Guba was fixed as Kuba. The geographical dictionary of Arabian scientist Hemevi included the Kubba city among the other cities of Azerbaijan in the 13th century, while in the sources of the 16th century it was named Gubba. Guba city was established in the 14th century. The Guba khanate was created in the mid 18th century with the center locating first in Khudat and later in Guba. The position of Guba khanate strengthened in times of the ruling of the son of Guseynali khan Fatali khan. The Guba khanate was annexed to Russia and turned into a province in 1806. The newly established Guba province was included into the Derbent governor in 1840 and Baku governor later in 1860. Guba was transformed into one of the administrative regions of Azerbaijan in 1930 Russian influence meant the end of the Azeri state 'project'. Quba is quite well preserved and still bears a lot of architectural marks left by the Russians. Besides numerous interesting façades, the town is famous for such architectural landmarks of the 19-th century, as the octogonal Juma-Mosque (Friday mosque), the Mosque of Sakine-Khanum, the Ardabil-Mosque (formerly a church!!), and the baths with their two domes. Near the Juma-Mosque, imerse yourself into the local past at the Historical Museum , formerly the residence of the thinker Abbasgulu Bakhihanov (there is a bust), if you are not an history buff, try the place anyway, as it has an excellent view over the river. Also worth a visit is the old cemetery comprising several interesting tombs. For some livelier entertainment try the Nizami Cinema. If you want to cross to Krasnaya Sloboda there is a bridge near Nizami park, with a grand style stairway. The bus station is in the extreme south-east side of the town, near the bazar, by the Baku road. You can stay at the Shahdag hotel, near Nizami park, it has recently received limited renovation but is still quite basic. As an alternative try going south to the nearby agricultural town of Nugadi , where you can rent cabins near the reservoir, or go west to the beautiful forest area of near Qachrash where several hut camps are available. Outside the town there are excellent sports faxilities, the "Quba Olympic Complex", which also offers good quality accomodation. An ancient Zoroastrian (often incorrectly called fire-worshippers') temple dated by the 9-th century A.D. is preserved in the village of Xinaliq , outside Quba. Here you'll find a unique ethnic group of 1000 Tats who have preserved the original language, customs and traditions is one of the most interesting components of vivid and colourful image of Quba district. In the outskirts of Quba there's a good game preserve, famous for goat hunting! (in Soviet times you could even get a license to shoot bears... nowadays, who knows...); the16th century octogonal mausoleum in the village of Agbil , the magnificent Tengin canyon, a magnificent waterfall at Afurja and the Pirbanovsha cave with exquisite natural sculptures and a mountain spring at Balbulag (other springs at Gyzbanovshy). The town is the centre of an agricultural zone and has a couple of large preserve factories. The rayon is known for its apples, especially a sweet red variety called 'Jir Haji'. Along with Sumgait , Quba is can be seen as part of a long day trip from Baku . (165 km northwest of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com :::::::::Qusar Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Qusar nature Qusar nature naxcivanski Located under the backdrop of sacred mount Shahdag (4243m), on the right bank of the river Qusar, the north-eastern town of the same name is the next best thing to a capital for the Lezgin minority, which extends north into Russia. The town develops in a east-west direction, along the river. If you arrive by bus you'll disembark at the bus station in the eastern extreme of town, near the always busy bazaar and the bridge leading to Quba . On the way to the centre you'll come accross the cinema . The main square gathers around it the Lezgin National Theatre , the hotel , the post office and is not far from the stadium and the Lezgin National Museum . In the western side of the town is located the recently built mosque, the wedding house and an odd monument with an airplane. Outside Qusar, in the village of Khazra , you'll find Sheik Juneyd's mausoleum. This is a small 16th century Safavid mosque, with a burial vault and 4 rooms around it, all covered with a dome. Sheik Juneyed was a 15th century warlord killed in 1456 in a battle near Khazra. Near the village of Laza you'll find the Gusarchai's waterfalls and the Suvar resort. This is the highest resort of Azerbaijan (1800 m) and has a most beautiful view on the Shahdag and Gizildagh mountains. Not far from Qusar, you can stay at the Long Forest resort. Built along the Guruchay River, with chalets scattered thoughout the forest, a sauna and steam-room complex, it is a perfect place to escape Baku. (175 km northwest of Baku) Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: azerb.com ::::::::Sumgait Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Entry of Sumgayit city. Entry of Sumgayit city. Located on the northern coast of the Apsheron peninsula, on the estuary of the river of the same name, and with a population of 275.000, Sumgait is the third largest city in Azerbaijan (after Baku and Ganja). Sumgait is the perfect example of a city resulting from the enormous industrial development effort unchained by Stalin. Until the 40s there was only village with 4000 souls. Re-founded in 1944 as an industrial centre to support Soviet engagement in World War II, it quickly became a major site for chemical and metallurgical industries, benefiting from the local availability of oil and gas. The city is a major steel producer, accounting for about 40 percent of the steel produced in the Caucasus region. An aluminium plant was built in the 50s, but Azerbaijan needs to import bauxite. Because of the large deposits of salts nearby and the availability of cheap hydroelectricity, Sumgait is a major producer of caustic soda. Factories based in Sumgait also produce synthetic rubber, fertilizers, detergents, and petrochemicals. Recently the city has become a free economic zone, in order to obtain much needed foreign investment. With such a vast industrial portfolio, Sumgait is a fine example of a grim, Soviet-style industrial city. It's worth seeing if only to grasp the staggering damage to the environment wreaked by the Soviet authorities. The impact on the health of the population was also dramatic and once Sumgait held records for infant mortality (a visit to the children's cemetery will illustrate this dramatically). The presence of oncologycal and psychiatric hospitals also say something about the place. On top of man's damage, nature also took its toll, and Sumgait was shaken by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in November 2000 causing some material damage and a handfull of fatalities. . Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: www.azerb.com _________History Edit This Located on the northern coast of the Apsheron peninsula, on the estuary of the river of the same name, and with a population of 275.000, Sumgait is the third largest city in Azerbaijan (after Baku and Ganja). Sumgait is the perfect example of a city resulting from the enormous industrial development effort unchained by Stalin. Until the 40s there was only village with 4000 souls. Re-founded in 1944 as an industrial centre to support Soviet engagement in World War II, it quickly became a major site for chemical and metallurgical industries, benefiting from the local availability of oil and gas. The city is a major steel producer, accounting for about 40 percent of the steel produced in the Caucasus region. An aluminium plant was built in the 50s, but Azerbaijan needs to import bauxite. Because of the large deposits of salts nearby and the availability of cheap hydroelectricity, Sumgait is a major producer of caustic soda. Factories based in Sumgait also produce synthetic rubber, fertilizers, detergents, and petrochemicals. Recently the city has become a free economic zone, in order to obtain much needed foreign investment. With such a vast industrial portfolio, Sumgait is a fine example of a grim, Soviet-style industrial city. It's worth seeing if only to grasp the staggering damage to the environment wreaked by the Soviet authorities. The impact on the health of the population was also dramatic and once Sumgait held records for infant mortality (a visit to the children's cemetery will illustrate this dramatically). The presence of oncologycal and psychiatric hospitals also say something about the place. On top of man's damage, nature also took its toll, and Sumgait was shaken by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in November 2000 causing some material damage and a handfull of fatalities. Most visitors go to Sumgait only because it's on the way to Quba from Baku (take the M-29 road). Anyway, if you are there the seaside areas can be quite pleasant. Walk on the beautiful seaside boulevard, rest on the beach, have a drink, but try stay out of the water... Industrial development brought also the need for a local education infrastructure, and today Sumgait is the place of the Oil and Chemistry College, the Chemistry and Automation college, the University of Organic Synthesis, a medical school and even has a musical college. If you are staying in the evening there a few nice cafés and some restaurants. If you enjoy the occasional play, try the Arablinski Drama Theatre (21 Azerbaijan street, tel. 59121). There is a stadium named after Huseinzade and a palace for winter sports, both located on Samed Vurgun street. However, even an industrial city can have behind it a romantic legend. Sumgaitians will tell you about the origin of the name of the Sumgait river and therefore the name of the town itself. In the legend, the hero by the name of Sum is chosen by his community to fight a monster that was blocking the river. Sum eventually accomplishes his mission, but when the river is released he is swept by the waters and never seen again. After that, his beloved, Jeyran, inconsolable by Sum's disappearance, would go to the river and cry "Sum Gayid!" (Sum, return!). So the river became known as Sumgait. Sumgait became notorious in the recent history of Azerbaijan, as on February 29, 1988, Sumgait was the scene of killings against ethnic Armenians that set off a series of killings involving Azeris and ethnic Armenians. The events surrounding the Sumgait attack and a massacre of Azeris by Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh village of Khojaly (four years later) remain hotly debated and help deepen the rift between the two countries. Just outside of Sumgait, to the east, you'll find Novkhana , with a salt lake nearby and the excellent beach at Adsyz cape. South of Novkhana lies Sarai , an old village with an interesting ancient mosque. In contrast with the environmental wasteland in Sumgait, to the east of the city, at the tip of the Apsheron peninsula you'll find a small nature reserve, known as Shakhov Bank. From Baku you can reach Sumgait by buses or mini-buses that depart from Baku's 20th January metro station. (40 km northwest of Baku) |