Goygol: Azerbaijan's Scenic Spot In The Foothills Of The Caucasus

Located in the west of Azerbaijan, Goygol is a city, municipality and the capital of the Goygol District. The city is situated in the foothills of the Murovdag of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, in the Kura River Basin. Goygol has a population of 37,200 and is known for its picturesque landscapes, hiking trails and Lake Goygol, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Lake Goygol

The lake was formed in 1139 when a massive earthquake sent rocks tumbling down from the peak of Mount Kapaz, blocking the Akhsu or Kurekchay river below. This dramatic event set the stage for the awe-inspiring scenery that Lake Goygol presents today. Mount Kapaz still stands proudly beyond the lake, adding to the beauty of the landscape. The surrounding area is also rich in flora and fauna, with over 400 types of trees, plants and medicinal herbs growing around the lake's perimeter.

The Goygol region offers a wealth of experiences beyond the lake itself. Visitors can explore the rich history of the area, including the former German settlement of Helenendorf, now known as Goygol city, and the nearby village of Qızılqaya. The region is also known for its local wines, which are still prepared using traditional German methods. For those seeking outdoor activities, the Goygol National Park offers several marked routes for hiking, leading to other picturesque spots such as Lake Maragol.

Goygol city

Goygol is a city, municipality and the capital of the Goygol District in northwestern Azerbaijan. The city is located in the western part of the country and is considered one of the most picturesque regions in Azerbaijan. It is situated in the foothills of the Murovdag mountain range, part of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and is known for its stunning natural scenery. The city has a population of approximately 37,200 people, while the larger Goygol District has a population of around 64,600.

The municipality of Goygol includes the city itself and the village of Qızılqaya. The city is located in the Kura River Basin, and the Gyandzha River (also known as Gandzha-chay) flows through it. Goygol has a humid subtropical climate, with July being the hottest month and January the coldest. The city experiences its wettest weather during the month of May.

Goygol has a rich history that dates back to at least the tenth century. The site was once home to a Tatar town known as Hanahlar under the Ganja Khanate. In 1795, it was conquered by the Qajar dynasty, and later abandoned during the Russian occupation of the area, which began in 1804. In 1819, the town of Helenendorf was founded on the site by German settlers from Württemberg, as ordered by Czar Alexander to help settle the region. The German settlers constructed houses in their traditional style and established a school, a kindergarten, and a music school. They also engaged in grape cultivation and wine production, with the Fohrer brothers dealing in wine and cognac production.

In 1930, the rayon (district) was established, with Helenendorf as its administrative centre. However, the expropriation of colonists' property and collectivisation began in 1926, with the show trial of three community leaders on charges of counter-revolutionary and nationalist activities. Over time, the town underwent several name changes, being known as Yelenino from 1931 to 1938, and then Khanlar from 1938 to 2008, in honour of the Azerbaijani labour organiser Khanlar Safaraliyev. Finally, in 2008, it was renamed Goygol after the nearby lake, and the rayon became the Goygol District.

Goygol is known for its natural beauty, particularly the famous Lake Goygol, which is considered the country's best-loved mountain lake. The lake is situated in the Goygol National Park, about 30 kilometres south of the city, and is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery. The park offers ecotourism trails leading to local beauty spots and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Goygol District

The city of Goygol was established in 1819 by German settlers from the Kingdom of Württemberg and was called Helenendorf. The settlers built houses in the German style and laid down streets, and a school, kindergarten, and music school were established. The Fohrer brothers, who were involved in wine and cognac production, constructed the main building of the current Agrarian Industry Plant as a winery.

The district was formerly known as Khanlar, but it was renamed "Göygöl" after Lake Göygöl, the famous blue lake, by the decision of the Parliament of Azerbaijan on April 25, 2008. The name change was made official by a Presidential Decree dated May 7, 2008.

Goygol National Park, established in 2008, is a popular attraction in the district. The park is known for its stunning lakes, including Lake Goygol, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. The park also offers ecotourism trails leading to local beauty spots and is rich in flora and fauna.

Goygol National Park

The park is home to Lake Goygol, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Azerbaijan. The lake is located 1,500 metres above sea level and is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery. It is surrounded by pristine forests and lies in the shadow of Mount Kapaz, which adds drama to the landscape. The lake is the source of inspiration for many Azerbaijani artists, musicians and writers. It was formed as a result of a massive earthquake in 1139, which caused rocks to tumble down from Mount Kapaz, blocking the Akhsu River and creating the lake.

The national park features a rich flora and fauna. There are over 420 plant species, including chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian oak, Caucasian ash, European ash, European hornbeam, Oriental hornbeam, Oriental beech, velvet maple, and Cappadocian maple. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, such as the bearded vulture, Egyptian vulture, and Eurasian eagle-owl. Other large mammals found in the park include lynx, brown bears, wild boars, wolves, golden jackals, and red foxes.

The city of Goygol, which gives the park its name, is located about 30 kilometres north of the park. The city has a population of approximately 37,200 people and is known for its wine industry and historical monuments.

History of Lake Goygol

Lake Goygol is Azerbaijan's best-loved mountain lake, set in the dramatic landscape of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the country's west. The lake is located 30km south of the small city of Goygol, which is itself 10km south of Azerbaijan's third-largest city, Ganja.

The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery, and it sits 1,500m above sea level. It is also known as the 'Blue Lake' due to the purity of its water, which shimmers from dark green to emerald. The lake is surrounded by pristine forests that turn golden in autumn.

Lake Goygol was formed in unusual circumstances, dating back to 30 September 1139. On this day, one of the largest earthquakes in Azerbaijan's history occurred in Ganja, killing over 230,000 people. The earthquake caused a huge piece of rock to break off from Mount Kapaz, blocking the Akhsu River and creating a dam that gradually became the picturesque lake. The earthquake also created seven more full-flowing lakes nearby.

The lake and its surroundings have inspired Azerbaijani artists, musicians and writers for centuries, including the legendary Nizami Ganjavi, who lived in nearby Ganja in the 12th century. Today, visitors can explore ecotourism trails leading to local beauty spots, including Lake Maragol, which is smaller but more secluded than Goygol.

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