By Peter Tase
The history of Nakhchivan in the Middle Ages has important aspects that are reflected on the numismatic innovations and archeological treasures that have been discovered over the years. Naringala Fortress, Arazin Settlement of the Middle Ages and the Nakhchivani rulers’ house of coin minting, represent some of the rarest cultural monuments that have played an important role in the local economy of Azerbaijan and in the strengthening of Silk Way trade routes.
Naringala of Nakhchivan is a Middle Ages fortification of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Azerbaijan); it is surrounded by thick defense walls, different administrative and economic quarters where the main rulers and feudal statesmen would shelter their administrations’ wealth and belongings.
It is situated in the north of Nakhchivan City and was operational until late XVII century, used as a defense fortification. It has been impossible to restore the fortress walls as it was built in the period before the war of Safavi-Ottomans, an important time that brought a great deal of destruction and damage. At the present its remnants are in the south-east direction of Nakhchivan city and is named “Kohnagala” (old fortress) by the local people.
By Peter Tase
Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan’s westernmost province, welcomes everyone – including a novelist with no guidebook; it is heralded as a museum without walls.
This region of Azerbaijan stretches on over 5,500 square kilometers and borders Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Despite of the economic blockade imposed by Armenia government against Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (for over two decades), the birthplace of Architect Ajami ibn Abubakr Nakhchivani – and home of Prophet Noah – has dedicated most of its territory solely to illuminating research into: ancient civilizations, global archeology, human history, Azerbaijani historiography and sociology and is testimony of ancient life and inventions that have enabled men to live in harmony with nature. Some of these culturally peculiar monuments are: Alibay Kehriz, Alinja Mint, Arafsa site and its Sacred Place.
By Peter Tase
Tourism Sector in the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan is a fundamental component of the Azerbaijani Cultural Diplomacy and National Heritage. One of the main priorities of the current government of Nakhchivan, led by Chairman Vasif Talibov, under the guidance of the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, has been the strengthening of Tourism Industry in this region of Azerbaijan. It must be noted that Nakhchivan is the perfect place for visitors who admire and appreciate natural monuments, picturesque landscape, Duzdag salt mines and natural geological phenomena’s – suitable to conduct compelling scenes for Hollywood movies - reflected upon the massive rocks that are observed on the sidelines of the paved highway that connects the Nakhchivan City with the Region of Ordubad. Moreover, European visitors will find magnificent samples of Islamic Art and Architecture, Nakhchivan is the cradle of the most progressive CaucasianArchitectureSchool and home of the world’s most prominent architects whose works have influenced the urban development of many European capitals.
According to Prof. Biancamaria Scarcia Amoretti, from La Sapienza University in Rome, “Nakhchivan is the most important destination for all of those scholars and visitors who are interested in Islamic Art and Islamic Civilization, with important architectural treasures and unparalleled monuments that are preserved to this day.”
The participants of international scientific symposium titled “ Central Aras Basin against history and culture background” held in Nakhchivan city on 17-18 November who came from the capital Baku city and the Republic of Turkey got acquainted with places of interest and sightseeing of Ordubad region on November 19.
The visitors, firstly, came to Kotam village of Ordubad region. Turkish and Azeri historians explained the name of Kotam village located on the bank of the Aras river as a dwelling area situated between mountains according to ancient Turkish toponyms. While giving information about Kotam village, it was reported that this dwelling was one of the housing areas where the first village center was established. Kotam is divided into two parts: ancient Kotam, new Kotam. The area which is called “Ancient Kotam” (here is also called old Kotam) was situated considerably far from the Aras river. The inhabitants had gone down and made lodgings relatively in larger areas since 1956. Staff consisting of Azeri and Turkish historians got acquainted with Ordubad city. It was reported that this city locating 850 meters above the sea level always drew the travelers’ attention with its abundant watered springs, fertile and fruitful orchards and kind people.
By the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic the events related to the memorable and historical days were held, the activities of the museums were kept in the attention, in the Museum of History-Ethnography of Ordubad Region the training seminar was held for the museum staff in July. During the month the collectives of ministries, committees and head offices that those are more than 40, got acquainted with the museums, totally 130973 visitors visited the museums that 2868 of them were foreigners.