Landscape exoticism of the autonomous republic opens wide opportunities for the development of tourism

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Published on Wednesday, 18 October 2017 16:40

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One of the most remarkable aspects in tourism is the natural richness of the territories. In particular, the presence of various natural monuments in such areas creates necessary conditions for the development of landscape tourism. What is landscape tourism? What kind of recourses does this type of tourism incorporate?

First of all, let’s note that the word “landscape” is an international term, which means “outward appearance of ground” in German translation. Its definition in scientific literature is that the landscape is a natural geographical complex that combines all the major components with a complex interconnection and forms an uniform unique system according to the level of development. This term was first used in geographical literature by German A.Gommeyer in the early XIX century. In the works of  L.S Berkin, Q.F.Morozov, V.H Sukauchov, A.Grigoryev and others this term was appeared as the synonym for the natural complexes of area in the Russian geography.

Landscape tourism is also a tourist destination, which, in turn, includes interesting natural monuments and landscapes. The basis of this tourism is to present the nature and historical monuments to tourists in the background of interesting reliefs and landscapes. At present, countries like the United States, Mexico, France, Italy, the Arab and Balkan countries are known around the world as nature monuments and landscaped exotic countries. The presence of numerous and well-known natural monuments in the tourism regions of these countries increases the number of people who go to holiday in these regions every year. For example, the Grand Canyon and the Niagara Falls in the United States,  the banks of Luara River in France, the natural caves in Serbia and Croatia, extinct volcanic cones in Italy, the deep valleys in China and others have  interesting landscapes. Of course, there are many regions with interesting natural areas in different countries around the world. Including the South Caucasus region. And Azerbaijan draws attention according to its unique nature in the region. Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has its own place among the landscape exotic regions of our country.

The autonomous region, which is one of the oldest regions of our country, is also distinguished for its interesting relief and nature views. Naturally, in the autonomous republic there are many territories with an interesting landscape. But some of them are more remarkable in terms of tourism attractiveness. It should be noted that most of the territory of the autonomous republic covers the Zangazur and Daralayaz ranges of the Lesser Caucasus, extending to the valley of the Araz River and forming medium and low mountainous relief on the relief. Zangazur Range is one of the highest ranges in the Lesser Caucasus. Mount Gapijik, the highest peak of this range of 3906 meters, is also the highest peak of the Small Caucasus in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This mountain, which is covered with snow and white clouds, resembles a giant ship floating in the blue sky. It is called Gamigaya among the people because of its similarity. Gamigaya, considered to be one of the sacred pantheons of the ancient world, is amazed by its magnificent, fantastic appearance. There are rock paintings dating back to the IV-I millenniums BC. Gamigaya is a perfect place  both for history and for those who love nature tourism.

Hachadagh located in the Julfa region is also remarkable with its magnificent appearance at first glance. The height of the volcanic origin mountain located on the left bank of Alinjachay reaches 2415 meters. According to the legend, during the world storm Noah’s Ark so strongly touched upon the peak of the Hachadagh that the mountain got forked. Researchers say the mountain’s name was driven from this legend. To the top of the peak, walls of cyclop structures were found in seven locations. At the top of the mountain there is a thick clay layer between the two crosses. The ruins of pottery of the middle ages were found inside the clay. Scientists have come to the conclusion that Hachadagh was used as an ancient observation station. They were informed about the approaching danger through the burnt hole here to Alinjagala, and from there to Chalkhangala and Shapurgala. Hachadagh is a great destination for lovers of extreme tourism, giving an unique beauty to the area with its magnificent view.

One of the distinctive landscapes of the autonomous republic, with its exotic landscapes is Goygol in Ordubad district. The lake located several kilometers from the Nurgut village of the district, approximately 3000-3500 meters above sea level, is filled by snow and rain water in all seasons of the year. This lake is also called the “four seasons” lake among the local population. Because there is snow on one side of the lake and on the other side opens summer flowers. Although the lake is not so large, it looks like a beautiful nature monument.

Batabat summer pasture in Shahbuz region is one of the ideal areas for the development of landscape tourism. Located 65 kilometers from the city of Nakhchivan, at an altitude of 2445 meters above sea level, this area is famous for its flower meadows, natural lake, simple and pure mountain air, forests, fresh water like Zorbulag and Sudlubulag. At the same time, the climate of the Batabat pasture is very suitable for the treatment of nervous, cardiovascular and other diseases. Labor instruments and material-cultural samples discovered during archaeological excavations on the territory of Batabat pasture located in the neighborhood of Gamigaya show that the area is one of the oldest inhabited places of primitive people. As a result of researches conducted in the Batabat pasture, monuments, settlements, fortresses, temples, rock paintings, rhinoceros sculptures and others dating back to Mousterian, Bronze Age, Early Iron Age were discovered. The famous “Floating Island” is located in the second of the three lakes used for the irrigation system. The floating island was formed of sphagnum moss and grass covering on it. Depending on the direction of the wind, the island changes its place. In the lake, there are also  gold and silver fish types. Since the island prevents the lake from being completely discharged, the fish can survive in the winter. A large number of invertebrates, which are multiplied by fertile conditions at the bottom of the torf, provide plenty of fish. In general, in all regions of the autonomous republic there are interesting places with interesting landscape. For example, Ashabi-Kahf Cave, “Alinjagala” Historical Monument, Gulustan Tomb on the bank of the Araz River, Duzdag Caves with semi-desert landscape, and tens of historical and natural monuments, which have not been listed here, provide ideal opportunities for the development of landscape tourism. We have mentioned some of them in this article.

The general result is that while Nakhchivan is small in the area, the uniqueness of the geographical relief, the uniqueness of natural monuments and the extensive contact with the surrounding landscape are interesting for tourism in the region. At present, 27 per cent of the autonomous republic’s territory belongs to specially protected natural territories, which increases the landscape exoticism of the autonomous republic.

Sabuhi HASANOV

“Sharg gapisi” (the gate of the East) Newspaper

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