Nakhijevan - Originally Armenian land, under the occupation of Transcaucasian Tatars (1923-Azerbaijan)
Flag of Nakhijevan
Administrative divisions of Nakhijevan
Nakhijevan-Hands off Nakhijevan
History of Nakhijevan
Nakhichevan is Noah's first stop, after global flood. A number of languages have their own interpretation of the word. “Nakhichevan” - Armenian. → “Nakh” - primary, “Ijevan”-landing; The Jewish historian Josephus (1st century) reports on the ethnic composition of the region, using the toponym “Apobaterion”, which is a grammatical literal translation of the Armenian “Nakhijevan”, and means “place of landing”: “ Seven days later, Noah released a dove for the same purpose... Having then made a sacrifice to the Lord God, he, together with his relatives, arranged a sacrificial feast. The Armenians call this place “the landing place,” and to this day the natives still show there the remains preserved from the ark.” The scientist and monk Mesrop Mashtots, from the end of the 4th century, carried out active preaching work in the Gavars of Goltn and Erndzhak near Nakhichevan, after which he faced the need translation of the Bible into Armenian language, for understanding local population.Ancient monuments material culture tribes that inhabited in ancient times the territory of modern
Brief chronicle
Nakhichevan dates back to the Neolithic era (9500 BC).
Hayastan
Ayasa
Arrata
Torgom(2570-2507)
Hayasa (2492 - 331 BC)
History of Nakhichevan (Nakhichevan) - The Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary notes that according to legend, the city of Nakhichevan was founded by Noah, and the founding date of the city according to Persian and Armenian sources is 1539 BC. e. - Noah's first stop after the flood. A number of languages have their own interpretation of the word. “Nakhichevan” - Armenian. → "Nah" Modern science also dates the founding of the city to 1500 BC. BC - primary, “Ijevan”-landing; The Jewish historian Josephus Flavius (1st century) reports on the ethnic composition of the region, using the toponym “Apobaterion”, which is a grammatical literal translation of the Armenian “Nakhijevan”, and means “place of landing”: “In seven days Noah released a dove for the same purpose... After making a sacrifice to the Lord God, he and his relatives arranged a sacrificial feast. The Armenians call this place “the landing place,” and to this day the natives still show there the remains preserved from the ark.” The scientist and monk Mesrop Mashtots, from the end of the 4th century, carried out active preaching work in the Gavars of Goltn and Erndzhak near Nakhichevan, after which he faced the need for translation Bibles in Armenian, for understanding by the local population. The most ancient monuments of the material culture of the tribes that inhabited the territory of modern times in ancient times
Armenian, Hittite, Assyro-Babylonian, Persian and Greek sources testify to the rule of seven major pan-Armenian royal dynasties in Armenia:
590 BC e. - as part of Ararat (in Assyrian Urartu)
In the 2nd century AD e. Nakhichevan was already known to Ptolemy under the name Ναξουὰνα.
Tigran II -140 BC e. - 55 BC e.
Capitals Artashat, from ca. 200 Vagharshapat, from 338 Dvin
Movses Khorenatsi (5th or 9th centuries AD), describing the actions of the legendary Armenian king Tigran I Ervandid (Tigran I the Ancient), talks about the Nakhijevan fortress (Armenian: Նախիջևան).
The medieval Turkish traveler of the 17th century, Evliya Celebi, attributed the founding of Nakhichevan (Nakhshevan or Nakshicihan) to the legendary king of Turan according to Iranian mythology, Afrasiyab. The 14th-century Iranian historian and geographer Hamdallah Qazvini, in his book “Nuzhat Al-qulub” (“Delight of Hearts”), considered the Sassanian Iranian commander, later Shahinshah of Iran, Bahram Chubin, who lived at the end of the 6th century, to be the founder of the city of Nakhichevan (Naqsh i-jahan). n. e.
As part of Great Armenia
From the beginning of the 2nd century BC. e. to 428 AD e. Part Great Armenia. Nakhchavan was located in the center of lands inhabited by Armenians, which stretched, as the Iranika encyclopedia notes, from the Kura to the upper reaches of the Euphrates and Tigran. As part of Armenia, the region belonged to the nahangs (provinces) of Vaspurakan and Syunik, and the lands along the Araks, that is, the gavars (districts) of Nakhchavan (later also Nakhijevan) and “abundant with wine” Goghtan (in ancient Armenian pronunciation Goltn, the region of Ordubad) were part of Vaspurakan, whereas more northern lands belonged to the Gavars of Chakhuk (now Shahbuz district) and Yernjak (Julfa district) of the nakhanga of Syunik. This region was ruled by the hereditary masters of the Armenian kings, who bore the title of “Mardpets”, and their clan was called “Mardpetakan”.. At the end of the 4th century. In Goltna and Yernjak the scientist and monk Mesrop Mashtots preached, and it was there that he came to the idea of the need to translate the Bible into Armenian for understanding by the local population. The monastery on the site where Mashtots preached (built in 456) remained until recently in the village, which was called Mesropavan in honor of Mashtots.
In the VI-IV centuries. BC e. the city is part of the Persian satrapy “Armenia”.
Dominion of the Persians and Arabs
Since 428, the region has been part of the Armenian marzpanate (governorship) of Persia.
In the V-VII centuries. the capital of Persian (so-called Marzpan) Armenia, later part of the province of Armenia of the Arab Caliphate.
590 BC e. - as part of Media, from the 6th century BC. e. - as part of the Achaemenid state, within the borders of the satrapy “Armenia”, as part of Greater Armenia. From the beginning of the 2nd century BC. e. to 428 AD e. part of Greater Armenia. Nakhchavan was located in the center of lands inhabited by Armenians, which stretched, as the Iranika encyclopedia notes, from the Kura to the upper reaches of the Euphrates and Tigran. As part of Armenia, the region belonged to the nahangs (provinces) of Vaspurakan and Syunik, and the lands along the Araks, that is, the gavars (districts) of Nakhchavan (later also Nakhijevan) and “abundant with wine” Gokhtan (in ancient Armenian pronunciation Goltn, Ordubad region) were part of Vaspurakan , while the more northern lands belonged to the Gavars of Chakhuk (now Shakhbuz district) and Yernjak (Julfa region) of the Syunik nakhang. This region was ruled by hereditary chamberlains of the Armenian kings, who bore the title of “Mardpets”, and their clan was called “Mardpetakan”.. At the end of the 4th century. In Goltna and Yernjak, the scientist and monk Mesrop Mashtots preached, and it was there that he came to the idea of the need to translate the Bible into Armenian for understanding by the local population. The monastery on the site where Mashtots preached (built in 456) remained until recently in the village, which was named Mesropavan in honor of Mashtots.
In 623 it temporarily went to Byzantium, in
conquered by the Arabs in the middle of the 7th century.
In 705, the Arabs burned alive in the churches of Nakhichevan and the neighboring village of Kharm representatives of the Armenian nobility, whom they allegedly invited to conclude a treaty (800 people)
In the 8th century, the population of this area was associated with the Babek movement, although big role didn't play in it.
In 705, the Arabs burned alive in the churches of Nakhichevan and the neighboring village of Kharm representatives of the Armenian nobility, whom they allegedly invited to conclude a treaty (800 people).
Ani kingdom of the Bagratids
At the end of the 9th century, Nakhichevan was conquered from the Arabs by the second king of the Ani kingdom - Smbat I Bagratuni, who in 891/92 gave it as conditional ownership to the prince of Syunik. In 902 the prince of Syunik took possession. In 902
Dominion of the Persians and Arabs
Since 428, the region has been part of the Armenian marzpanate (governorship) of Persia. In 623 it temporarily went to Byzantium and was conquered by the Arabs in the middle of the 7th century. In 705, the Arabs burned alive in the churches of Nakhichevan and the neighboring village of Kharm representatives of the Armenian nobility, whom they allegedly invited to conclude a treaty (800 people). In the 8th century, the population of this area was associated with Babek’s movement, although they did not play a big role in it.
Ani kingdom of the Bagratids
At the end of the 9th century, Nakhichevan was conquered from the Arabs by the second king of the Ani kingdom, Smbat I Bagratuni, who in 891/92 gave it as conditional ownership to the prince of Syunik. In 902, Smbat handed it over to the ruler of Vaspurakan, Ashot Artsruni, and after the latter’s death in 904, again to the ruler of Syunik, Smbat. After this, Nakhichevan remained part of Syunik, which over time acquired virtual independence from Ani. In the Nakhichevan region, the Orbelyan and Proshyan families ruled, which, as can be seen from the chronicle of Stepanos Orbelyan (13th century), retained their importance even after the Turkic conquest. According to the testimony of the papal ambassador Rubruk, on the eve Mongol invasion in Nakhchivan there were 800 Armenian churches.
Smbat handed it over to the ruler of Vaspurakan, Ashot Artsruni, and after the latter’s death in 904, again to the ruler of Syunik, Smbat. After this, Nakhichevan remained part of Syunik, which over time acquired virtual independence from Ani. The region of Nakhichevan was dominated by the Orbelyan and Proshyan families, which, as can be seen from the chronicle of Stepanos Orbelyan (13th century), retained their importance even after the Turkic conquest. According to the testimony of the papal ambassador Rubruk, on the eve of the Mongol invasion there were 800 Armenian churches in Nakhichevan.
In 902, Smbat handed it over to the ruler of Vaspurakan, Ashot Artsruni, and after the latter’s death in 904, again to the ruler of Syunik, Smbat. In the second half of the 9th century and especially during the reign of Gagik I, Nakhichevan, like the rest of the southern regions of Armenia, was not attacked.
After this, Nakhchavan, or Nakhijevan, as it also began to be called, remained part of Syunik, which over time acquired virtual independence from Ani.
Seljuks, Mongols, Timur
Seljuks, Mongols, Timur In 1064 Nakhichevan was conquered by the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan; in the 12th century here was the center of the state.
Zakaryan Dynasty (Yerkarabazuk, Mkhargrdzeli) (1196 - 1261)
In 1064 Nakhichevan was conquered by the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan; in the 12th century here was the center of the Ildegizid state. In the XIII-XIV centuries. Nakhchivan was subject to invasions Mongol conquerors and Timur. Robruk, who visited Nakhichevan after the Mongol invasion, writes that the city “was formerly the capital of a certain great kingdom and the greatest and most beautiful city; but the Tatars turned it almost into a desert. Previously there were eight hundred Armenian churches in it, but now there are only two small ones, and the rest were destroyed by the Saracens.” Armenian population Turks. Already in the Seljuk era, a centuries-long process of pushing aside the Armenian population by the newcomer Turkic began in the region, especially intensifying after the invasions of Timur. In 1603, all Nakhichevan Armenians, as well as Muslims, were taken by Shah Abbas I to Persia. At the same time, XVI-XVII centuries, Transcaucasia was not only spontaneously, but also deliberately settled by Turkmen nomadic tribes, whom local rulers considered as their support
The Nakhichevan region was dominated by the Orbelyan and Proshyan families, which, as can be seen from the chronicle of Stepanos Orbelyan (XIII century), retained their importance even after the Turkic conquest. They were ruined by the Mongols (XIII century), Tamerlane ( end XIV century).
Ildegizidov.
In the XIII-XIV centuries. Nakhichevan was subject to invasions by the Mongol conquerors and Timur. Robruk, who visited Nakhichevan after the Mongol invasion, writes that the city “was formerly the capital of a certain great kingdom and the greatest and most beautiful city; but the Tatars turned it almost into a desert. Previously there were eight hundred Armenian churches in it, but now there are only two small ones, and the rest were destroyed by the Saracens.”
The papal ambassador Rubruk, who visited Nakhichevan shortly after its defeat by the Mongols, found on the site of this once “greatest and most beautiful city""almost a desert": "Before there were eight hundred Armenian churches in it, but now there are only two small ones, and the rest were destroyed by the Saracens."
In the 17th century it became part of the Safavid state.
Pushing aside the Armenian population by the Turks Already in the Seljuk era, a centuries-long process of pushing aside the Armenian population by the newcomer Turks began in the region, especially intensified after the invasions of Timur. In 1603, all Nakhichevan Armenians, as well as Muslims, were taken by Shah Abbas I to Persia.
In November 1603, Shah Abbas I with his 120 thousand army captured Nakhichevan, which practically did not resist, from the Turks, this is evidenced by Georg Tektander, who visited the Austrian embassy, noting that “All the cities and villages, then, wherever we went, submitted to the Persians voluntarily, without any opposition, like n. the towns of Marand in Media, Nakhichevan, Julfa in Armenia and many others, which I myself witnessed." After occupying the city, the Shah evicted its entire population deep into Persia, according to the Armenian author Arakel Davrizhetsi, "turning the prosperous [desert] into an uninhabited and fertile Armenia."The Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi, who visited the Nakhichevan region in 1648, described the region as blooming land. Celebi wrote about Nakhichevan that “the city is decorated with 10,000 large houses covered with clay; there are 70 cathedral mosques and places of worship, 40 neighborhood mosques, 20 houses for visitors, 7 beautiful baths, about 1000 shops.”
At the same time, in the 16th-17th centuries, Turkmen nomadic tribes settled not only spontaneously, but also deliberately, in Transcaucasia, whom local rulers considered as their support.
The era of the Persian-Turkish wars
In the 15th century Nakhichevan was part of the Kara-Koyunlu and Ak-Koyunlu states in the 16th century. disputed by Turkey and the Safavid power. In the fall of 1603, Shah Abbas I during the war with Ottoman Empire occupied the Nakhchivan region. The Turkish garrison of the city of Nakhichevan capitulated to the Safavid troops and left Nakhichevan along with the Sunni residents, while the “warriors of the city” (local Muslims), according to Arakel Davrizhetsi, hastened to declare their adherence to Shiism: they “quickly took off their Ottoman clothes, they cut their long beards, put on Qizilbash clothes and began to look like the Qizilbash of old.” However, in the summer of 1604, Ottoman troops launched a counter-offensive that caught Shah Abbas by surprise. Not hoping to hold on to the region, Shah Abbas decided to implement a “scorched earth” tactic and withdrew the entire population of Nakhichevan and Erivan (both Armenian and Muslim) deep into Persia, according to Arakel, “turning prosperous and fertile Armenia into an uninhabited.” In total, according to Armenian authors, 400 thousand Armenians were driven away to Persia from Nakhichevan and Yerevan. In particular, it lost its population Big City, populated predominantly by Armenians and former center Armenian trade (primarily silk) in the region - Jugha (Julfa), the inhabitants of which, when occupied by the Persians, solemnly came out to meet Shah Abbas, led by priests. Its population of about 20,000 people was resettled to Isfahan, where they formed an Armenian suburb that still exists today - New Julfa. At the same time, many Armenian artisans and the poor died during the resettlement, and rich merchants turned into clerks of the Shah. Modern researcher E. Rodionova identifies several reasons for the eviction of Armenians to Persia (referred to as the “Great Surgun”):
a) military-strategic: weaken the enemy, leave “scorched earth”;
b) political: strengthening central government, weakening of the separatist regions);
c) economic (the intention to establish an Armenian colony in the center of their power and move the center of the caravan
their Julfa routes to Iran) and the desire to use the labor of skilled Armenian artisans in construction work in Isfahan. Among those resettled was the Turkic tribe of Kengerli, which was allowed to return to Nakhichevan under the descendant of Shah Abbas I, Shah Abbas II. During the conquest of the Nakhichevan region, Shah Abbas I massacred the Sunni population. According to the Iranian-British historian Aptin Khanbagi, during the Turkish-Persian wars, the Armenians were luckier than the Muslims, since the Turks killed Shiites, and the Persians killed Sunnis. As part of Persia. Nakhichevan Khanate. The Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi, who visited the Nakhichevan region in 1648, described it as a flourishing land and called Nakhichevan “the pride among the cities of the Iranian land.” According to him, in the comfortable city of Karabaglar, which formed a separate sultanate in the Nakhichevan land, he was treated to 26 varieties of pears. Describing the city of Nakhichevan, Celebi noted that “the city is decorated with 10,000 large houses covered with clay; there are 70 cathedral mosques and places of worship, 40 neighborhood mosques, 20 houses for visitors, 7 beautiful baths, about 1000 shops.” In the middle of the 18th century. after death
The era of the Persian-Turkish wars.
In the 15th century Nakhichevan was part of the Kara-Koyunlu and Ak-Koyunlu states in the 16th century. disputed by Turkey and the Safavid power.
Safavids.
In the fall of 1603, Shah Abbas I occupied the Nakhichevan region during the war with the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish garrison of the city of Nakhichevan capitulated to the Safavid troops and left Nakhichevan along with the Sunni inhabitants, while the “warriors of the city” (from local Muslims), according to Arakel Davrizhetsi, hastened to declare their adherence to Shiism: they “quickly took off their Ottoman clothes and cut their long beards their own, dressed in Qizilbash clothes and became like the Qizilbash of old.” However, in the summer of 1604, Ottoman troops launched a counter-offensive, which took Shah Abbas by surprise. Not hoping to hold on to the region, Shah Abbas decided to implement a “scorched earth” tactic and withdrew the entire population of Nakhichevan and Erivan (Karmenian and Muslim) deep into Persia, according to Arakel, “turning prosperous and fertile Armenia into an uninhabited [desert]. In total, according to Armenian authors, 400 thousand Armenians were driven from Nakhichevan and Yerevan to Persia. In particular, a large city inhabited predominantly by Armenians and formerly the center of Armenian trade (primarily silk) in the region, Jugha (Julfa), lost its population, the inhabitants of which, when occupied by the Persians, solemnly came out to greet Shah Abbas led by his fellow priests. Its population of about 20,000 people was resettled to Isfahan, where they formed an Armenian suburb that still exists today - New Julfa. At the same time, many Armenian artisans and the poor died during the resettlement, and rich merchants turned into clerks of the Shah. Modern researcher E. Rodionova identifies several reasons for the eviction of Armenians to Persia (referred to as the “Great Surgun”): a) military-strategic: weaken the enemy, leave a “scorched earth”; b) political: strengthening the central government, weakening the separatist regions); c) economic (the intention to establish an Armenian colony in the center of their power and transfer the center of the caravan routes of their Julfa to Iran) and the desire to use the labor of skilled Armenian artisans for construction work in Isfahan. Among those resettled was the Turkic tribe of Kengerli, which was allowed to return to Nakhichevan under the descendant of Shah Abbas I, the Shah Abbas II. During the conquest of the Nakhichevan region, Shah Abbas I carried out a massacre of the Sunni population. According to the Iranian-British historian Aptin Khanbagi, during the Turkish-Persian wars, the Armenians were luckier than the Muslims, since the Turks killed Shiites and the Persians killed Sunnis.
Nadir Shah Heydar Quli Khan from the Kengerli clan created the Nakhichevan Khanate.
As part of Persia. Nakhchivan Khanate.
The Turkish traveler Evliya Celebi, who visited the Nakhichevan region in 1648, described it as a flourishing region and called Nakhichevan “the pride among the cities of the Iranian land.” According to him, in the comfortable city of Karabaglar, which formed a separate sultanate in the Nakhichevan land, he was treated to 26 varieties of pears. Describing the city of Nakhichevan, Celebi noted that “the city is decorated with 10,000 large houses covered with clay; there are 70 cathedral mosques and places of worship, 40 neighborhood mosques, 20 houses for visitors, 7 beautiful baths, about 1000 shops.” In the middle of the 18th century. After the death of Nadir Shah, Heydar Quli Khan from the Kengerli clan created the Nakhichevan Khanate.
At the end of the XVIII - early XIX centuries the capital of the independent Nakhichevan Khanate. On June 26, 1827, it was occupied by the Russian troops of General Paskevich without a fight.
According to Article III of the Turkmanchay Peace Treaty, signed on February 10, 1828.
Together with the entire Khanate, it was ceded by the Shah “to full ownership” Russian Empire. At the same time it became part of the Armenian region.
As part of Russia
At the beginning of the 19th century, the region became the scene of the Russian-Persian wars. According to the Treaty of Gulistan, Russia abandoned attempts to capture Nakhichevan, recognizing the Khanate “in complete power” of Persia, however, during the new Russian-Persian war, Nakhichevan was occupied by the troops of General Paskevich, who were met by the population with complete submission, and according to Article III of the Turkmanchay Treaty signed in 1828 , The Nakhichevan and Erivan khanates were transferred by the Shah “to the absolute ownership” of Russia. Kelbali Khan of Nakhichevan was blinded at one time by Agha-Mohammed Khan Qajar, which caused natural hatred towards the Qajar dynasty in the family; V
As a result, his son, the ruler of the Khanate Ehsan Khan Kengerli, together with his brother Shikh-Ali Bek, voluntarily went over to the side of Russia, rendering important help in the war with Persia, for which he was awarded the rank of major general in the Russian service and marching ataman of the Kengerli army.; he was appointed naib (police captain, head of the civil unit) of the Nakhichevan district, while his brother was appointed of the Ordubad district. According to the rescript of Nicholas I of March 20, 1828, immediately after the conclusion of the Turkmanchay Treaty, the Armenian region was formed from the Nakhichevan and Erivan khanates annexed to Russia, from which in 1849, with the annexation
The Erivan province was formed in the Alexandropol district. By the time the Nakhichevan Khanate annexed to Russia, this province had a predominantly Turkic population. According to the terms of the Turkmanchay Peace, Russian government a massive
resettlement of Armenians from Persia to the Armenian region. This caused discontent among the Muslim population, who were deprived of their lands, which were given to settlers. To reduce tension in the region, Russian ambassador in Persia A. S. Griboedov recommended to the commander-in-chief Russian army in the Caucasus, Count Paskevich to give the order to move part of the Armenians who moved from Persia to Nakhichevan to Daralagez. According to data from 1896, Armenians lived in the Nakhichevan district of the Erivan province - 56.95%, “Aderbeijan Tatars” (that is, Azerbaijanis) - 42.21%, . There was 1 in the county Orthodox Church, 66 Armenian-Gregorian churches, 58 mosques. Pogrom of Armenians in Nakhichevan 1905-1906 Vandalism of Azerbaijanis 1905-1906
Since 1849, the center of the Nakhichevan district of the Erivan province.
At the time of the annexation of the Nakhichevan Khanate to Russia, this province had a predominantly Turkic population. According to the terms of the Turkmanchay Peace, the Russian government organized a massive resettlement of Armenians from Persia to the Armenian region. This caused discontent among the Muslim population, who were deprived of their lands, which were given to settlers. To reduce tensions in the region, the Russian Ambassador to Persia A. S. Griboedov recommended that the commander-in-chief of the Russian army in the Caucasus, Count Paskevich, issue an order to move part of the Armenians who moved from Persia to Nakhichevan to Daralagez. According to data from 1896, Armenians lived in the Nakhichevan district of the Erivan province - 56.95 %, “Aderbeijan Tatars” (that is, Azerbaijanis) -42.21%,. In the district there was 1 Orthodox church, 66 Armenian-Gregorian churches, 58 mosques.
Nakhchivan from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Nakhichevan.
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Nakhichevan is the ancient capital of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, which, by the will of historical destinies, found itself cut off from the territory of “greater” Azerbaijan. Due to this circumstance, as well as due to the rather strict rules for visiting the NAR, the city does not very often receive guests from abroad. Meanwhile, there is something to see in it. Firstly, it was here that the first president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, was born. In addition, many monuments from the Middle Ages have been preserved in Nakhichevan, including mausoleums of local rulers, mosques, palaces and powerful fortresses. And, of course, any local resident will definitely tell you that it was in the vicinity of Nakhichevan that for the first time after the long weeks of the Flood he set foot on solid ground legendary Noah.
How to get to Nakhchivan
Perhaps the most convenient option to get to Nakhichevan is a direct UTair flight from Moscow. Planes fly three times a week - on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from Vnukovo, travel time is 3 hours. Nakhichevan Airport is located on the outskirts of the city (just 6 km), it is connected to the central part by bus route No. 6. You can also use an inexpensive taxi, the trip will last about 10 minutes.
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Transport
Public transport in Nakhchivan is buses and minibuses. But their services are not necessary - the main attractions are within walking distance from the city center. If necessary, you can call a taxi - it is inexpensive, especially if you order a car by phone. Parking is free everywhere. It is convenient to get around the city by bicycle; bikes can be rented at some hotels.
Nakhichevan Hotels
There are few hotels in Nakhichevan. Rare for these places, tourists and business travelers from Baku mainly stay in the main hotel of the city, Tebriz 5*. A room there will cost 130 AZN per night with breakfast. Budget three-star hotels cost around 100 AZN per night. Apartments can be rented for 60-70 AZN. There are no hostels in the city. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Cafes and restaurants
Almost all establishments in Nakhichevan specialize in Azerbaijani cuisine. First of all, these are dishes from the grill: shish kebab, “Lula-kebab”. Salads made from fresh vegetables are very popular, and all the ingredients are cut very finely: “Azerbaijan” (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, radishes sprinkled with sour cream), “Khazar” (boiled potatoes with cucumbers, tarragon and sturgeon), “kyukyu” from smoked kutum ( Caspian carp). In general, local restaurants have a lot of fish dishes on their menus. The region is rich in water resources, and fish, especially sturgeon, is often used instead of meat in dolma and even pilaf! Fermented milk products are also popular: “firni” (jelly made from milk and rice flour), “dovga” (fermented milk soup), “ovdukh” (okroshka made with kefir).
A hearty dinner in a restaurant will cost 13-26 AZN per person. There are several establishments with European cuisine (with pizza and the ubiquitous Caesar salad), you can eat there for about the same amount.
Sights of Nakhchivan
The pride of Nakhichevan is its numerous mausoleums. True, methods for reconstructing tombs with almost thousand years of history raise questions. The most legendary of the tombs, the Mausoleum of Noah, is located at Old fortress(or Kökhnya-Galy) in the southern part of the city.
It is said that the site of the tower, built in 2006, was once a sanctuary, and the tomb was built from the remains of its lower floor. In the center of the mausoleum there is a massive stone column, under which the relics of Noah supposedly rest.
The exact date of its foundation defensive structure archaeologists have not yet found out. But during excavations in the late 1950s. discovered elements of stone sledgehammers and earthenware up to 5,000 years old. The width of the surviving walls is 1 m, and in the part adjacent to the city it reaches 4 m.
Not far from the fortress there are two more mausoleums. The tomb of Yusif ibn Kuseyr, or “Atababa”, was built in the 12th century by the famous Nakhichevan architect Ajemi ibn Abubekr Nakhchivan. An unusual building in the form of an 8-sided cylinder is decorated geometric patterns made of brick and covered with a pyramidal dome. Momina Khatun Mausoleum is also the work of Adjemi Nakhchivani. Once the height of the 12th century mausoleum reached 34 m. Today it is slightly lower - only 25 m. Each of the faces is covered with carved details - Arabic script, stylized as a geometric ornament.
Another noteworthy attraction is the Khan's Palace (Heydar Aliyev Avenue, 21). Since its construction (late 18th century), it has been the residence of Nakhichevan khans. In 1998, a two-story building was opened State Museum carpet It exhibits 283 products, grouped by different schools carpet weaving of Azerbaijan.
Weather in Nakhchivan
The climate of Nakhichevan is sharply continental with sultry summers and frosty winters. That's why best time There will be an off-season to visit these places: autumn and spring.
According to the constitution, the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is considered an independent state within Azerbaijan, from the main territory of which it is separated by occupied territory and
Ancient history of the region
People have been living in the territory of Transcaucasia since ancient times, which means that Nakhichevan has rich history. The first mention of this region appears in Ptolemy's story about the city of Naxuan, known today as Nakhichevan and the capital of the autonomous republic.
For many generations, the life of the region has been inextricably linked with the biblical story of Noah and his ark.
The German philological tradition traces the name of the city to the ancient Armenian prefix “nakh” and the word “idjevan”, which translates as “landing place”. For many centuries local residents showed travelers the remains of Noah's Ark. And although the existence of the ark does not find material evidence, the antiquity of the city is considered proven. According to archaeological data and philological sources, it can be assumed that the history of the city of Nakhichevan dates back about three and a half millennia.
The territory in which the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is located was under the rule of many states, among which were Urartu, the Empire of Alexander the Great and the Achaemenid Empire. Also in this area there were several Armenian states, such as the country of Tigran the Great and the kingdom of Ani. Even the Mongols reached these places and left behind incredible destruction, documented by Europeans, among whom was the papal ambassador Rubruk, a Franciscan monk who, at the insistence of King Louis lX, visited the Mongol Empire.
Azerbaijan: Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
When Nakhichevan and the surrounding lands came under the control of the Russian Empire, active migration of Armenian families began to the region, who, as it seemed to them, were returning to their historical homeland after their forced relocation to central part Persia on the initiative of Shah Abbas l, who conquered the country in the 15th century.
For the first time, the growing tension became known from the words of Griboedov, who visited Nakhichevan on his way to Persia. Since then, the Nakhichevan Autonomous Region, which today consists of Azerbaijanis, has experienced many difficult years of conflicts on religious and ethnic grounds.
Current state of affairs
The Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, whose national composition had changed over several centuries, came to the end of the twentieth century with disappointing results. Ethnic diversity has always been distinctive feature these regions, but as a result of numerous conflicts that shook the region with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the composition of the population changed beyond recognition and representatives of almost all nationalities living in the republic left it. By 2009, more than 99% of the population were Azerbaijanis and 0.3% Kurds, who traditionally lived in Transcaucasia.
The Azerbaijani authorities are trying in every possible way to erase the memory of the Armenian presence in this republic, not even stopping at the physical destruction of architectural monuments of Armenian culture. One of the most bright examples The destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Julfa is considered, which was destroyed despite protests from the world community and UNESCO.
Administrative division and self-government
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is part of Azerbaijan as a self-governing territory, the status of which is determined by the constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
From an administrative point of view, the autonomous republic consists of seven districts and one city - the capital Nakhchivan. In addition to historical reasons, the autonomy of the republic also finds its basis in geographical isolation.
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
The Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic became the scene of struggle between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1992, when the Azerbaijani military was fired upon. The situation was then so acute that Turkey had to open artillery fire on the Armenian troops to prevent the capture of Nakhichevan by the Armenian army, at the same time Iran began near the border with the Nakhichevan Republic to warn Armenia against the undesirability of a new offensive.
From great war The region was held together by Russian peacekeepers and Heydar Aliyev’s desire to strengthen his political power through concluding peace with Armenia.
Economic problems and development prospects
Due to numerous ethnic conflicts, the Transcaucasian region is an almost impassable territory divided by closed borders. This state of affairs cannot but affect economic life countries Nakhchivan Republic is going through a protracted economic crisis, caused by the energy and economic blockade by Armenia, which, in turn, is blocked by Turkey and Azerbaijan.
The situation, however, is mitigated by the fact that Iran, which is rightfully considered one of the most powerful states region, takes a neutral position in numerous disputes. This allows him to provide economic and humanitarian assistance to both Armenia and the Nakhchivan Republic.
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic managed to maintain its autonomy thanks to active shuttle trade with neighboring Turkey.
The national question is once again becoming acute in many parts of the world. Is it possible to draw a parallel between the annexation of Crimea to Russia and Nakhichevan to the Azerbaijan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic in 1921? About this, the history and status of Nakhchivan, international conflicts and ways to resolve them in live video channel site was told by a candidate of historical sciences, a specialist in Transcaucasia, vice-rector for scientific work High school social and management consulting Oleg Kuznetsov.
Is Crimea repeating the fate of Nakhichevan?
— What is the current status of Nakhichevan?
— Now this is the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic within the Republic of Azerbaijan, that is, a self-governing territory within another sovereign state with a higher state legal status.
— Armenia lays claim to Nakhichevan?
— This territory is not controversial. The legal status, unlike many other autonomies, is regulated, including by the multilateral international Kars Treaty of 1921. It and all other acts of international law guarantee the inviolability of borders. The Russian Federation recognizes Nakhchivan as component Republic of Azerbaijan. The Republic of Armenia is trying to somehow appeal to some political statements made 90 years ago, but they have no legal force. Statements and international legal acts have different weight categories.
— Are there any Armenians left in Nakhichevan now?
- Practically.
— Nakhichevan is for Azerbaijan roughly what Kaliningrad is for Russia—an enclave separated from the main territory by another country.
- The only difference is that Kaliningrad region- one of the subjects in the composition Russian Federation, equal in rights with the bulk of other subjects in accordance with the 1993 Constitution. And the Nakhichevan Autonomy is, of course, also an enclave, but it has the special legal status of an autonomous republic within Azerbaijan. She has her own organs state power, its constitution.
- Now on everything post-Soviet space There is a discussion going on that the Bolsheviks carved out the borders of the Russian Empire at will, and whether it happened in in this case, as with Ukraine, for example, that Novorossiya went to Ukraine, and now we have this problem? In 1921, what was the situation? Why was this enclave formed?
— At the beginning of the 19th century there were two Russian-Persian wars. After the war of 1804-1813, northern Azerbaijan became part of Russia. The result of the war of 1826-28 was annexation to Russia, the Yerevan and Nakhichevan khanates entered, which, for the convenience of administration by Russia, were united into one Armenian region, which later became the Yerevan province.
— In the Russian Empire there was a division according to nationality?
— Mostly there were provinces, but when dividing into territories, they also took into account ethnic composition population. Territories where isolated ethnic groups population and did not mix with other nationalities, they were separated into administrative units. For example, there was the Batumi district in the Caucasus, on the territory of which modern Adjara is located, there was the Kars district, which was transferred to Turkey in 1918, there was the Zagatala district in the north present Azerbaijan, where predominantly Lezgins still live. Russia entered the First World War. Türkiye was the enemy. Then the revolution happened, and on the territory of the former Russian Empire many independent states. In January 18th, the First World War ended. The territory of Nakhichevan was under control at that time Turkish troops. In 1920, a war broke out between Armenia and Turkey, in which Armenia suffered complete and unconditional defeat. The remnants of the Armenian troops were driven into the mountains, where they faced death as a result of frost and lack of food. They agreed to conclude the Peace of Alexandropol.
In March 21, the Moscow Treaty was signed. Bolshevik Russia saved Armenia from yet another destruction. And six months later the Treaty of Kars was signed. Both agreements dealt with the protectorate of Azerbaijan over Nakhichevan. The Kars Treaty was signed by Armenia and Georgia. I just explained this question a week ago at a conference in Baku. And Azerbaijani historians wondered why they did not pay attention to this for 90 years.
Firstly, the status of a protectorate, which is spelled out in the Moscow Treaty, has a specific legal content. Russia exercised a protectorate at the end of the 18th century over the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which later became the Polish provinces of Russia. It exercised a protectorate at the end of the 18th century over the Georgian kingdom, which later became the Tiflis province. According to the treaties of 1805, Russia exercised protectorate over some khanates of northern Azerbaijan. That is, the protectorate was specifically envisaged at that time legal form. Subordination of one state to another.
First of all, in foreign policy issues while maintaining internal administrative autonomy, including financial, and maintaining their own dynasty. During the transition to a republican form of government, the dynasty was accordingly replaced by a set of its own governing bodies. The Turks have Ottoman Empire it was also very clear understanding protectorate. The Ottoman Empire exercised protectorate over Tunisia, Libya and some others Arab territories Maghreb, that is, northern Africa. Therefore, this term has always had a specific legal meaning for everyone.
At the time of the conclusion of the Moscow Treaty, the Turkish Republic did not exist. And therefore, the terminology of the feudal era, which was characteristic of the Ottoman Empire, was used. During the period between the Moscow and Kars treaties, the Turkish Republic. And in the new treaty, the term “protectorate” was replaced by the legally vague term “patronage.” And one more nuance. According to the Versailles-Washington system of international treaties following the First World War, many territories of the former Ottoman Empire were transferred to the protectorates of the victorious countries. They could divide and exchange these protectorates. For example, part of the former Transjordan was divided into the future Israel and Lebanon. The Turks took this into account.
Since Nakhichevan is a territory with a predominantly Muslim population, they began to say that the protectorate belongs undividedly to Azerbaijan. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was formed in 24, and its constitution was adopted in 26. It received its own legislation defining legal status in accordance with Karsky international treaty. After the collapse of the USSR, Nakhichevan remained part of Azerbaijan, which fully corresponds to all legal standards. The terms of the Kars Treaty have not been canceled. And I believe that Nakhchivan was the first Junianite model of autonomy. Because two parts of the same ethnic group, living geographically separated from each other, united within the framework of existing state-legal models in single state through the autonomy of a smaller part within the larger part.
And along the same path, taking the Nakhichevan model, 90 years later the reunification of Crimea with the predominantly Russian ethnic population and Russia took place. Here are specific historical conditions others, but the Republic of Crimea has republican status, and in the Constitution of the Russian Federation the status of the republic is fundamentally different from the status of other subjects. That is, in fact, we can say that the Republic of Crimea is a Russian republic within the Russian Federation.
The same - The Republic of Azerbaijan Nakhichevan is part of the Azerbaijani country. That is, both there and there are dominant ethnic groups. In one case, Azerbaijanis, in another case, Russians unite, being territorially separated, without a common border, at least not on land.
— But what do opponents say about Nakhichevan?
- Again, it depends. Oddly enough, most of the opponents were found among Azerbaijani nationalists. They say that most - 20 percent of the territory of our country is occupied by Armenians, and therefore we categorically deny any form of separatism and autonomy, because the Armenians can use this model to tear our territories away from us. Of course, the position is quite stupid. No one claims, no one from the world community denies the territorial unity of Azerbaijan.
The city of Nakhichevan is the capital of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic within Azerbaijan. The city arose in the 6th century. BC, and in the 11th century. turned into the capital of the Seljuk state. Today Nakhichevan and its surroundings are rightfully proud not only of their ancient history, but also the richest underground resources mineral water.
Attractions
The main attractions of Nakhichevan are considered monuments of medieval architecture: the mausoleums of Yusuf ibn Kuseyir (XI century) and Momine Khatun (XII century), the Gyaur-Kala fortress (Shakhtakhty, 2nd millennium BC), as well as the unique Khudaferin bridges across the Araks .
Not far from Nakhichevan there is the Alinja-Kala mausoleum (XI-XIII centuries), popularly known as “Atababa”.
The main diamond in the crown of Nakhichevan monuments is the Gulistan Mausoleum. This is a stunningly beautiful building. The mausoleum is made of red sandstone in the form of a dodecahedron, where each face has its own unique oriental pattern. The harmony of architecture is intertwined with the harmony of nature - the mausoleum is located in picturesque place at the foot of the mountains, in the valley of the Araks River.
In the southeast of Nakhichevan, near the border with Iran, lies the city of Julfa. Not far from it, on the bare peak of a mountain rising in the middle of a wide plain, is the ancient fortress of Alinja-Kala (XI-XIII centuries), located on the right bank of the Alinja River.
West of Julfa, right on the banks of the Araks, a caravanserai was found - one of the largest caravanserais in Azerbaijan. The remains of this caravanserai were discovered in 1974. Subsequently, entire structures were excavated.
Near the Kavaran Sarai, the remains of a bridge built by the Nakhichevan ruler Hakim Zia ad-Din at the beginning of the 14th century were discovered.
The university is located in Nakhichevan, science Center Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, there are theaters, literary and history museums, Art Gallery.
Healing waters
The resort attractiveness of the city of Nakhichevan is also determined by the presence of several mineral springs, which provide almost all varieties of carbonic-carbonate, carbonic-chloride, and hydrogen sulfate-sulfate waters. In terms of the variety of mineral springs, the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is literally a geochemical museum.
Five groups of springs - Darrydag, Sirab, Nagadzhir, Badamli and Gyzylvang are extremely valuable hydromineral resources for balneological drinking resorts.
Darrydag sources are the highest yielding arsenic sources mineral springs. The valuable medicinal qualities of this water are due to the fact that, along with a sufficient amount of arsenic, it contains boric acid, lithium, a large number of carbon dioxide, iodine, bromine, iron and other components.
Sirab springs are an analogue of Borjomi. Sirabian waters have great importance as a hydromineral base.
Nagadzhir springs are of the same type as Essentuki No. 17
Badamly springs belong to the category of Narzan type waters. They have a complex hydrocarbonate composition, contain a large amount of carbon dioxide, have a favorable temperature and high flow rate.
Gyzylvan bitter-salt and mineral water, generally rarely found in nature, is a laxative water (sulfate-chloride-calcium-sodium-magnesium).
Nakhchivan is considered a traditional tourism center. A trip there is included in the programs of most travel agencies in Azerbaijan.
How to get there
Citizens of Russia and some CIS countries do not require a visa to stay in Azerbaijan for up to 90 days. At the border it is enough to present your passport.
You can only get to Nakhichevan from Russia by plane (flights from Moscow three times a week). From the rest of Azerbaijan - by plane or by land transport through Iran (visa required).
The Azerbaijan-Armenia border is closed along its entire length.