Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Nakhchivan, an integral part of Azerbaijan, gained the status of autonomy in 1924. According to the constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted on November 12, 1995 and the constitution of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic adopted on December 29, 1998 Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is an autonomous state within the Republic of Azerbaijan. The autonomous state has a parliament consisting of 45 members and a goverment. According of the constitution, the Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is the highest official of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The territory of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is 5,5 thousand square kilometers, population is 461 thousand people (01.01.2021). Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is composed of the capital city-Nakhchivan and 7 administrative regions. There are 6 towns, 9 settlements and 204 villages.

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic shares borders with the Republic of Turkey (15 km), the Islamic Republic of Iran (204 km) and Armenia (246).

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is located in the south-east of the Transcaucasian highlands. The average altitude is 1450 meters above sea level. 9 climate zones out of 11 exist in the territory of the autonomous republic.

Most of the territory of the autonomous republic surrounded by Zangazur and Daralayaz mountains of Lesser Caucasus. Gapijig Mountain (3904 m) is the highest peak. Arazboyu plains cover one third of the territory of the autonomous republic. There are more than 200 mineral springs and about 400 large and small rivers in the region.

Nakhchivan Autonomus Republic is home to rare fauna and flora species of the Republic of Azerbaijan and they have been specially preserved. Natural territories specially protected on the account of Zangazur National Park named after Hasan Aliyev, Shahbuz State Nature Reserve, Arazboyu, Ordubad and Arpachay State Nature Sanctuaries consist of approximately 28 percent of the territory of the Autonomous Republic.

Due to the favorable geographical location of Nakhchivan and its rich natural resources, people have settled here since the ancient period and created a unique culture. This area was one of the main centers of many cultures emerged in the Middle East such as Eneolite, Kur-Araz and Painted Pottery. Gazma, Kilit, Armammad caves, settlements such as Kultapa I, Hunters’ hill, Khalaj, Gamigaya monuments, Oghlangala and Chalkhangala fortress-towns and defense fortifications in the territory of Nakhchivan confirm that people have lived here since ancient times. 

The territory of the autonomous republic is rich in historical monuments. Yusif Kuseyir oglu, Momina khatin, Gulustan and Garabaghlar tombs built in the XII century are the historical and architectural monuments having world-wide importance. Historical monuments such as Alinjagala and Nakhchivangala are the symbols of heroism. Having 5 millennium of urban civilization culture, the city of Nakhchivan was declared as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2018.

Ancient history and monuments, rich culture, modern development and safe living conditions significantly contributed to the development of tourism sector in Nakhchivan.

Among the ancient monuments of Nakhchivan, a special place is occupied by the religious and cultural memorial complex of Ashabi-Kahf. Special mention to Ashabi-Kahf in “Al-Kahf” (“The Cave”), the 18th surah of Quran is another evidence of the recognition and popularity of this ancient sanctuary before the spread of Islam.

The tomb of prophet Noah was erected in the southern part of the city of Nakhchivan. During the World Flood happened approximately 7,500 years ago, the ark of Noah and his followers first landed on the mountain in Nakhchivan and people settled here. It is not by chance that the word "Nakhchivan" means "the place where Noah's supporters landed". In addition, shrines and imamzadehs, located in the territory of the autonomous republic are also among the places tourists visit frequently.

Medical tourism is also widespread in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Duzdag Physiotherapy Center has been operating since 1979. The center located at an altitude of 1173 meters above sea level consists of 250 beds. The underground department of the center is located at the distance of 12.2 km from the city of Nakhchivan. Patients suffering from bronchial asthma, allergic-infectious peredastomy, chronic bronchitis and polynoids are cured in Duzdag Physiotherapy Center. Thermal water of the Daridag arsenic water treatment facility, located at the distance of 15 kilometers from the north-east of Julfa region, has unique therapeutic significance for skin diseases. There are extensive opportunities and conditions for providing medical care in all abovementioned facilities.

“Shorsu” therapeutic volcanic mud has superior treatment importance for the diseases such as rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, vertebral osteochondrosis, deformative osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, myositis, bursitis, radiculitis, neuritis, neuralgia, infertility, trophic ulcer and etc. This mud treatment is offered in pharmacy networks in the form of appliqué, stype and general mud baths.

The territory of the autonomous republic is also rich in mineral springs. Mineral waters such as “Badamli”, “Sirab” and “Daridag” of Nakhchivan are helpful for curing gastrointestinal and other diseases. These mineral waters help to treat inflammation of the digestive tract, chronic gastritis, enteritis, colitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, liver, gallbladder, kidney, heart, diabetes diseases, metabolism disorders and obesity.

Nakhchivan’s rich cuisine is on everyone’s lips. Nakhchivan’s cuisine is famous for its bozbash, piti cooked in an earthenware pots, bozartma, chighirtma, dolma, kebab, khash, noodles, umaj and etc. This cuisine offers tourists different kinds of dough meals such as noodles soup, umaj soup, halva made with wheat and rice flour, kahshil and guymag. Several kinds of kebabs such as lyulya, steak, tava, saj and etc. are also served at restaurants in Nakhchivan. Different species of fish live in the lake and mountain rivers of Nakhchivan and fish dishes-kebabs, fried fish and fish “basturma” are also common in Nakhchivan cuisine. Nakhchivan cuisine is rich in various kinds of syrups, juices, pickles and salads. Usually, after meals, tea is served with various sweets and jams. Ordubad sweet fried eggs and pakhlava, shakarbura, kata, bukma and etc. are widespread among sweets of Nakhchivan. 

Due to environmentally clean air of Nakhchivan, abudance of solar rays and other factors, fruits and vegetables grow in this land differ in their taste and quality.

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, with its wonderful nature, splendid spring waters, ancient and unique historical monuments, modern city infrastructure, banking and hotel services is pleased to host tourists from all over the world.

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