Exploring Quba, Azerbaijan: A Travel Guide

Quba, Azerbaijan, is a small city located in the Quba-Khachmaz district, 165-168km north of Baku. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the capital, its good climate, and its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, and is known for its red brick buildings and apple orchards.

Quba has a rich history, having been founded in the 15th century, and is famous for its carpet-making industry. The city is also known for its religious diversity, with several mosques and synagogues.

- Juma Mosque: This unique octagonal mosque features a huge 16-metre dome and spacious interior.

- Nizami Ganjavi Park: The biggest and oldest park in Quba, featuring statues, monuments, and a chess school.

- Arch Bridge: The longest bridge in Azerbaijan at 275 metres, built in the mid-1800s.

- Krasnaya Sloboda: A village home to Mountain Jews, featuring nine neighbourhoods, each with its own synagogue, and unique architecture.

- Gigilchay Fortress: A massive 50-kilometre defensive wall with the Chirag-Kala Tower at its main point, offering amazing views.

- Khinalug: A remote mountain village with a unique culture, traditions, and language, located over 2000 metres above sea level.

- Afrudja Waterfall: The tallest waterfall in Azerbaijan, with a drop of 50 metres.

The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex

The memorial complex serves as a reminder of the tragic events of the 20th century when Armenian armed groups carried out massacres and destroyed several villages in Azerbaijan. The discovery of a mass grave in Guba in 2007 provided evidence of the genocide against the Muslim population of the city, committed under the Bolshevik name. The forensic analysis of the site revealed that the remains belonged to individuals of different age groups, including children, women, and elderly men.

The complex features a monument consisting of three parts: two structures resembling sharp-ended knives form the entry and exit, while the main hall houses a memorial stone at its centre. The brutal cruelty of the genocide is reflected in the design, with sharp angles expressing the severity of the suffering endured. The monument emerges from the ground, symbolising the truth that cannot be hidden. The materials used in its construction include gross-concrete and regular colour granite in the gallery-tomb.

The museum within the complex provides a wealth of information and exhibits about the genocide. It includes sections on the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), with interesting photographs. A special map on a touch screen monitor presents information in multiple languages about the genocide committed by Armenians in various regions of the country during the last century. Visitors can also find information about the population and protectors of the affected areas, as well as documents and photos related to the Muslim massacres and the Azerbaijani delegation at the Paris Peace Conference. The museum offers professional guides who can speak four foreign languages: English, Azerbaijani, Russian, and Arabic.

Juma Mosque

Quba, Azerbaijan, is a charming city nestled at the foot of the Caucasus mountains, boasting years of history and cultural diversity. Among its many attractions, one standout destination is the Juma Mosque, a religious and architectural landmark with a unique story to tell.

The Juma Mosque, also known as the Friday Mosque, is one of the main mosques in the Quba region. Its construction dates back to the 19th century, specifically the year 1802, when it was built by Gazi Ismayil Efendi. The mosque's architecture is distinctive, differing from the typical style found in other parts of Azerbaijan. Its cylindrical structure forms a regular octagon, with a large dome spanning a diameter of 16 meters. This design is characteristic of mosques in the Quba province, and its inception in Juma Mosque marked the beginning of similar constructions across Azerbaijan.

Upon entering the Juma Mosque, one is struck by its spacious interior, which contrasts with its modest exterior. The hall is crowned by the impressive dome, allowing ample space for worshippers. The mosque's windows open up in all eight directions, filling the space with natural light and a sense of openness.

The Juma Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the region's architectural heritage. Its shape and design, reminiscent of an octagon, set it apart from the typical Azerbaijani mosque. This distinct style is reserved for mosques solely in the Quba province.

Quba is easily accessible from Baku, the nearest international airport, making it a convenient destination for travellers. The city is well-connected by public transport and offers scenic routes for those opting to drive.

In addition to its architectural marvels, Quba also boasts natural wonders like waterfalls and lakes, as well as a rich carpet-weaving tradition. The city's historical monuments, museums, and diverse religious sites, including the Juma Mosque, make it a captivating destination that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Nizami Ganjavi Park

The park is filled with dense trees, statues, and monuments. It also has a unique main staircase featuring sculptures of sportswomen that leads down to the banks of the Gudialchay River. Here, you will find the arch bridge built in the mid-1800s—the longest bridge in Azerbaijan.

The park has a chess school that was built in 2011, as well as restaurants and an old museum nearby. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Gigilchay fortress

Quba, Azerbaijan is a charming city nestled at the foot of the majestic Caucasus Mountains. With a rich history and culturally diverse population, it offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

One of the must-see places in Quba is the Gigilchay Fortress, an ancient structure that bears witness to the region's long and fascinating history. Here is a detailed guide to help you plan your visit:

History and Architecture

The Gigilchay Fortress is believed to date back to the 19th century, making it one of the oldest structures in the region. It stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and defensive strategies of ancient civilizations. The fortress is constructed from sturdy materials, with walls that have withstood the test of time. Its design follows the traditional style of the period, featuring strategic placements to maximize defence and security.

Location and Surroundings

Inside the Fortress

As you step inside the fortress, you'll be transported back in time. The interior boasts spacious halls and chambers, each with its own unique purpose and design. Imagine the clatter of armour and the echo of voices from centuries ago as you explore the corridors and imagine the lives of those who once inhabited this place.

Nearby Attractions

After exploring the fortress, there are plenty of other attractions nearby to continue your historical journey. Here are some suggestions:

• Juma Mosque: This mosque, located in Quba, boasts a unique octagonal shape and a huge circular dome. Its architecture is unlike any other mosque in Azerbaijan, making it a must-see for those interested in religious sites or architecture.
• Nizami Park: This peaceful park, lined with elegant sculptures, offers a tranquil escape. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region while still being close to the city's main attractions.
• Old River Arch Bridge: Just a short walk from Nizami Park, you'll find this quaint pedestrian bridge. It's the perfect spot to watch the sunset and enjoy the soothing sound of the river flowing below.
• Red Village: Crossing the old river bridge, you'll enter a unique world in the Red Village. This area is known for its Jewish community and their distinct culture, architecture, and language. It's a fascinating glimpse into a different way of life.

Practical Information

To make the most of your visit to Gigilchay Fortress and Quba, here are some practical tips:

• Best time to visit: The summer months of June and July are ideal for exploring the region's natural beauty. However, if you're a ski enthusiast, winter is the perfect season to visit the nearby Shahdag skiing resort.
• Accessibility: Quba is easily accessible by public transport or cab from Baku. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself, but be prepared for some challenging mountain roads.
• Where to stay: There are several homestays and hotels in and around Quba to accommodate visitors.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, a visit to Gigilchay Fortress and Quba is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Khinalug village

The village is known for its unique culture, traditions, and language, which has been preserved due to its historical isolation. The villagers refer to the place as Kyat and consider themselves direct descendants of the biblical Noah. The population of about 2,000 people is divided into four families, each with its own graveyard, carpet patterns, and clothing designs. The Khinalug people have their own language, which is an isolate within the Northeast Caucasian language family, although many also speak Azerbaijani.

The village consists of 360 stone houses, each about 200-300 years old, built one on top of the other. The houses are constructed mainly of stone and dung, with roofs made of straw and manure, which also serves as fuel during the cold winters. The interiors are decorated with colourful carpets, traditional tea sets, giant samovars, and crystal glassware.

Khinalug has a rich history and is surrounded by ancient caves, temples, and archaeological sites. The village has eight large graveyards, covering an area several times larger than the village itself, with tombstones bearing inscriptions in various alphabets. The village also has several holy places, including the Hydyr Nebi Tomb, Sheikh Shalbuza Mosque, Abu Muslim Mosque (12th century), and the Pirdzhomyard Mosque (1388).

In 2007, Khinalug was established as a state historical, architectural, and ethnographic reserve by presidential decree to preserve its unique appearance, language, and customs. It was later included in the Cultural Landscape of Khinalig People and "Köç Yolu" Transhumance Route UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

Khinalug offers stunning mountain views and pristine valleys for hiking and exploration. The construction of a new paved road in 2006 has made the village more accessible to tourists, allowing them to experience the local culture, hospitality, and natural beauty of this remote mountain village.

Frequently asked questions