S H A M A K H Y
Shamakhy is one of the most ancient cities in Azerbaijan
and has been the capital of the Shirvan region since the 6th
century. Its first claim to fame was being mentioned by Greek
astronomer and geographer Claudius Ptolemy in the second century
AD.
Situated on the ancient Silk Road at the junction of caravan
routes that linked Asia and Europe, Shemakhy was an important
political, cultural and trading center. Its bustling bazaars
traded in silk, carpets, gold cloth, wool, and arms.
In the tradition of all great cities, it has also had its
share of tragedies. Shamakhy was destroyed many times: by
Arab, Persian, Mongol and Turkish armies as well as by earthquakes.
Consequently, Shemakhy has an overall modern appearance.
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Shemakhy is the Yeddi Giumbez, or seven cupolas, which is the
burial ground of the Shirvan Khans. The half-ruined cupolas
and crooked tomb stones bear witness to formidable earthquakes.
Just north of the cemetery is the ruin of the Gulistan Fortress,
which dates back to the 10th to 12th centuries.
A few kilometres from Shamakhy, there are a number of picturesque
highland villages. Chuxuryurd is one such village, and it
offers magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains.
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LENKARAN
Located in the south-eastern part of Azerbaijan on the Caspian
coast, Lenkaran is famous for its subtropic climate. This
allows farmers to grow various citrus fruits, tea, rice and
a range of vegetables. Lenkaran is also widely known for its
national parks. The Gizilaghaj Park for example, is home to
more than 250 kinds of plants, 30 rare species of fish and
more than 220 species of birds. The Gircan National Park is
famous for its very old trees, such as the Demiraghan or Iron
Tree and the Shamshit or Box Tree. Amongst Lenkaran's other
treasures are the ruins of a quadrangular fortress that was
built in the eighteenth century, as well as old mosques and
bath houses. The city itself is 300 years old and before then
the area was nothing but swamps. The houses and the landscaping
combine to create a surreal and picturesque sight.
Lenkaran is famous as the home of long life where one can
find inhabitants as old as 120 years. In their company, You
can enjoy fabulous seafood prepared in local fashion. Lavangui,
for example, is a delicious dish of fish stuffed with nuts
and raisins.
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