Quba, Azerbaijan: A Cultural Gem In The Caucasus

Quba, also known as Guba, is a city in northeastern Azerbaijan. It is situated on the northeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, on the right bank of the Kudial River. Quba is the administrative centre of the Quba District, which is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. The city has a rich history, having been the capital of a khanate in the 18th century and later occupied by Russian troops in the 19th century. Today, Quba is known for its fruit-growing industry, particularly apples, and its highly regarded carpet-making tradition. It is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's multicultural history and natural beauty.

Quba's location and landscape

Quba, also known as Guba, is a city in northeastern Azerbaijan. It is the administrative centre of the Quba District, which is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan and belongs to the Guba-Khachmaz Economic Region. The city is situated on the northeastern slopes of Shahdag Mountain in the Greater Caucasus range, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Quba lies on the right bank of the Kudyal River, also known as the Kudial River.

The Quba District is bordered by the districts of Qusar, Qabala, Ismayilli, Shamakhi, Shabran, and Khachmaz. The capital and largest city of the district is Quba, with a population of approximately 47,200 as of 2023. The district as a whole had a population of around 173,400 in 2020. The ethnic composition of the district includes Azerbaijanis, Tats, Lezgians, Khinalugs, and others.

Quba has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century when a castle called "Bade-Firuz Qubat" was built by the ruler Anushiravan. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the Quba Khanate, founded by Hussain Ali, a tribal Turkic Muslim ruler. During this period, Quba flourished as a centre of carpet weaving and fruit growing, particularly apples. The city also holds historical significance for its Jewish community, with the nearby settlement of Qırmızı Qəsəbə, or Red Town, being the largest Mountain Jewish community in Azerbaijan and one of the largest in the former Soviet Union.

The landscape of Quba is characterised by its mountainous surroundings and fertile lands. The city is a popular summer destination for locals due to its cooler alpine climate and proximity to remote mountain villages. The region is known for its fruitful gardens, with apple orchards covering a significant area. Quba is also home to several historical buildings, including mosques, a bathhouse, and a museum dedicated to local history.

Quba's history

Quba, also known as Guba, is a city in northeastern Azerbaijan. It is the administrative centre of the Quba District, one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. The city is situated on the northeastern slopes of Shahdag Mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, on the right bank of the Kudyal River.

Quba was mentioned in ancient Arabic and Albanian sources, as well as in the works of various European geographers. In the 11th century, a castle was built by the ruler Anushiravan, called "Bade-Firuz Qubat". In the 12th century, Arabic sources referred to Quba as "Cuba", and in the 13th century, it was mentioned as "Kubba" in the Dictionary of Geographical Names by the Arabian scientist Hamabi.

In the mid-18th century, Quba became the capital of the Quba Khanate when Hussain Ali, the tribal Turkic Muslim ruler, moved his residence from Khudat and built a fortress around the city. He attempted to create a state separate from other Caucasian khanates. The position of the Quba Khanate was strengthened during the reign of Hussain Ali's son, Fatali Khan (1758-1789). However, after Fatali Khan's death, the khanate was occupied and absorbed by the Russian Empire in the early 19th century.

Quba has a rich history and is known for its carpet-weaving industry and fruit production, particularly apples. The city is home to several historic buildings, including the Juma Mosque, the Ardabil Mosque, and old hamams (baths). The region surrounding Quba is fertile and known for its fruitful gardens, with apple orchards covering thousands of hectares.

Today, Quba has a population of over 47,000 people and has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, largely driven by tourism and the construction industry. The city is also known for its multicultural cuisine, with signature dishes such as Quba tıxması, spicy kebabs, sac, Quba baklava, and tandir kebab.

Quba's population

Quba, also known as Guba, is a city and the administrative centre of the Quba District in Azerbaijan. The city is located on the northeastern slopes of Shahdag Mountain, at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level. Quba has a rich history and has been mentioned in various ancient sources, including works of European geographers and Arabic and Albanian texts.

As of 2023, the population of the city of Quba is 47,200, an increase from 38,150 in 2010. The majority of the population is Azerbaijani, with Tats and Lezgians constituting other minorities. The city is also home to a significant community of Mountain Jews in the suburb of Qırmızı Qəsəbə, formerly known as Krasnaya Sloboda or Red Town. This community is one of the largest Jewish populations in the former Soviet Union.

The Quba District as a whole had a population of 173,400 in 2020, according to the Statistical Committee of the Republic. The largest ethnic groups in the district are Azerbaijanis (79.22%), Tats (9.10%), and Lezgians (5.87%). The district also includes smaller communities such as the Khinalugs (1.43%), who live in the village of Khinalug.

Quba has a total of 155 educational institutions, including 135 high schools, 15 preschools, and 5 out-of-school child education training facilities. In January 2017, these schools hosted 24,620 students. The city has experienced strong economic growth in recent years, largely driven by tourism and the construction industry.

Quba's cuisine

Quba, Azerbaijan, is known for its multicultural history, which is reflected in its cuisine. The city's signature dishes include Quba tıxması, spicy kebab, sac, Quba baklava, and tandir kebab.

Quba's restaurants offer a range of delicious local and international dishes. Here are some highlights of Quba's culinary scene:

Resad Kafe Doner Kebab

A wonderful restaurant offering a wide range of delicious fast food prepared in the oriental style. You can find the famous Turkish doner kebab, doner shawarma rolls served with tomato sauce, salad, and pickles, as well as kebab dishes with crispy potatoes, fresh salads, and bread.

Bordo Restaurant

This restaurant specialises in traditional local dishes with an unforgettable taste. The menu includes various types of Azerbaijani pastries with different types of dough and fillings, such as spinach, herbs, and minced meat seasoned with oriental spices. They also offer a range of grill dishes such as fattah, Azeri kebabs, shish tawook, and grilled meat ribs.

Palma Restoran Quba

Palma Restoran Quba offers customers the opportunity to try authentic Azerbaijani dishes prepared by professional local chefs. The menu includes Fukhara, a dish of meat and vegetables cooked for a long time in a flavourful broth, and various grill dishes such as Azeri kebabs, grilled kofta, shish tawook, and fresh meat ribs. They also serve delicious seafood dishes such as fried sardines and grilled bream served with refreshing salads.

Buta Ailevi Restaurant

Buta Ailevi is a famous and popular restaurant in Quba, known for its delicious traditional food. They offer a variety of grilled dishes cooked over charcoal, including Azeri kebabs, hot kofta, shish tawook, and whole grilled chicken. They also serve a range of delicious fish dishes such as grilled bream and fried sardines, as well as local pastries stuffed with ingredients like cheese, meat, spinach, and thyme.

Yuksel Cafe

Yuksel Cafe provides a wonderful and distinctive atmosphere, allowing customers to enjoy delicious traditional Azerbaijani meals in a relaxing outdoor setting among lemon trees. They offer grilled dishes prepared on a charcoal grill, providing an unparalleled flavour. They also serve fresh seafood, such as grilled bream and sardines, as well as salads like Greek salad with cheese.

Serin Restoran Quba

This local restaurant offers a variety of wonderful Azerbaijani dishes prepared professionally in a traditional home-style. Their menu includes meat and vegetable sajia dishes, served with fresh bread, as well as various kebab options such as Azeri kebab, lamb chops, and shish tawook. They also offer traditional soups, such as homemade soup served in vegetable cups made from meat and beans, accompanied by hot bread and homemade pickles. The restaurant features a beautifully decorated outdoor yard with a comfortable and quiet atmosphere.

Quba's attractions

Quba, Azerbaijan is a charming city with plenty of attractions. Here is a list of places to visit and things to do in Quba:

The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex

The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex is a special monument and museum that commemorates a tragic event in the country's history. It is one of the top attractions in the city.

Khinaliq Village

Khinaliq Village is one of the most remote and highest villages in Quba, located in the middle of the Caucasian mountains. The village has a long history, dating back to the Albanian period, and is considered one of the oldest inhabited places in the world. It is recognised by UNESCO for its historical significance. The village is also known for its unique language, spoken nowhere else in the world.

Red Village

The Red Village, or Krasnaya Sloboda, is a unique settlement on the bank of the Kudilai River. It is the only community of Mountain Jews in the CIS. The village has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the 5th century when the Jews first came to Azerbaijan. It is known for its beautiful mansions adorned with the Star of David and menorah.

Juma Mosque

The Juma Mosque is one of the major mosques in Quba, with a history dating back to the 19th century. It has a unique faceted cylinder shape, resembling a regular octagon, and a spacious interior with a large dome.

Sakina Khatun Mosque

This mosque, located in Quba's Agbil settlement, is known for its three medieval mausoleums from the 16th century, including the Sheikh Maziyyad Mausoleum, which stands out for its square floor plan and octagonal design.

Sheikh Juneid Mausoleum

Located in the Khazra village of Quba, this mausoleum was constructed in honour of Sheikh Juneid, a descendant of the founder of the Safavid dynasty. It features a square shape with entrances on all four sides and a majestic interior with a 15-metre-high dome.

Natural Attractions

Quba is also known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, springs, and mountain streams. The Afrudja Waterfall is a popular attraction, as well as the Laza Waterfalls. The city is surrounded by apple, cherry, and peach orchards, and the Caucasus mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

Carpet Weaving

Quba is famous for being a centre of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. The local museum showcases some of these carpets, and visitors can learn about the history of this traditional art form.

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