About Ismayilli
The region of Ismayilli is one of the important regions of Azerbaijan in terms of history and the nature. It is located in the north of the country, the Ismayilli region was a part of Caucasian Albania since the 4th century B.C. Ismayilli has preserved ruins of a medieval fortress, the construction of which is associated with the name of Javanshir – the ruler of Caucasian Albania. The Ismayilli region is quite famous for the diversity of its nature. The region is enriched with mountains, forests, waterfalls and springs that are quite many here. Ismayilli is also associated with a village like Lahij – a city of artisans and an open – air museum. There are number of tourist attractions in Ismayilli such as Basgal and the village of Ivanovka, which houses the Russian Molokan community densely living here for centuries.
Basqal
It is located 56 km from the administrative center of Ismayilli. The village of Basqal has been one of the centers of handicrafts and sericulture in the middle Ages. This art of dyers, weavers and sericulture in the practitioners has been passed on from one generation to another generation in Basqal. The most popular silk product was kelaghayi – the national headscarf for women. Until the 1960’s women had worn kaleghayis in every Basqal house that can also be seen these days, though not too much. Women used to appreciate mostly kelaghayi that had six or seven colors and these are still produced in Basqal. The village has the so – called Basqal Silk Center, where craftsmen not only make headscarves, but also other silk products. There is also a small museum that has preserved the old heritage of this village. There are many holiday makers who can also witness live workshops where artisans are at work.
Ivanovka
The village of Ivanovka is one of the top tourist attractions of Isamyilli region. The village of Ivanovka is famous for its densely populated Russian Molokans, who have been exiled here in the first half of the 19th century by the Tsarist authorities. The original name of Ivanovka was used to be Nefteran but later on the village was named after colonel Ivanov as honour, who had led the campaign to resettle the Molokans to Azerbaijan. After the collapse of the USSR, when all the collective farms fell into decay, the one in Ivanovka kept functioning. It now bears the name of the legendary chairman Nikitin, who has been the manager of the farm for many years and is still active today. The Organic products of this collective farm have won universal recognition. Many visitors including tourists across the world eagerly buy products here. The village has no suitable accommodation but one can live in local houses on paid guest basis.
Javanshir Fortress
It is located 7 km from the administrative center of Ismayilli and 4 km from the village of Talistan on the right bank of the Agchay River. This fortress is, by right, a source of pride and one of the most popular tourist attractions of the region of Ismayilli. The fortress is associated with the name of the famous Albanian military commander and outstanding ruler Javanshir Mehranid (642-681). The fortress was built during his reign and consists of the outer and inner parts (ichgala). The width of the southern wall of the main part is 2 meters thick and 10 meters high. Occupying an area of 2 hectares, Ichgala was built on the very top of a mountain. The Fortress was used as defense shield but at the same time for the criminals to keep as punishment including execution or even throwing out from the top of cliff. It is not easy to reach the fortress. Having reached to the village by road transport, you can only take a horse or walk to reach the top of Fortress.
Lahij Village
The village of Lahij is the most popular tourist attraction of the region of Ismayilli. The village is an old settlement of the 7th century and located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above the sea level, the alpine town of Lahij is famous for its town planning and unique architecture. It is a medieval city with cobbled streets and squares, as well as a well-developed sewage and water supply system, which is still functioning today. It is one of the most interesting craft centers of Azerbaijan that plays important role in the economy of the country. Since ancient times, the town has been famous for its copperware and weapons made in the Caucasus and beyond, decorated with engraved ornaments. These objects are easily sold out even today within the country and overseas as well. The shops are located in the central bazaar of the village where the local craftsmen – copperware makers, tanners, potters, blacksmiths, hatters, woodcarvers, etc. – continue the business of their ancestors. It is believed that the legendary Monomakh Hat, which the Russian Tsars wore for centuries, was made in Lahij.
Maiden Tower
It is located on the top of a steep mountain in the territory of the State Ismayilli Reserve. Maiden Tower is 10 km from the administrative center that is another famous and significant historical monument of the region. It is situated near the village of Khanagah and 3 km from the road. Until now, only a few towers, walls and a part of the terrace are preserved from the fortress of Javanshir, which is located a few kilometers from this place in the neighboring village. According to the archaeologists the conjecture dates of the construction of the Tower varies from the 7th to 11-12th centuries. It is little difficult to reach the Tower but once you are there you will forget all difficulties after viewing the superb and incredible view from the top of the Maiden Tower.