Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as tourism destination

The geographical position, unique climate, fauna and flora, and the ancient cultural monuments of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic create the auspicious conditions for development of tourism. Natural and historical monuments of the memory of centuries - Momina Khatun, Garabaghlar, Yusif ibn Kuseyir, Gulustan tombs, the 800-year Eastern plane tree preserved for centuries, farrier and mulberry trees, and the first historic settlement of the ancient people - Gamigaya, Kilit cave, the Alinja castle, as a symbol of grandeur and invincibility of these territories, the grandiose Ilandagh, Babek castle with unexampled natural monuments, Goy-gol, Ashabi-Kahf, and other hundreds of works of arts make the unique tourism potential for Nakhchivan. Also, more than 250 mineral water resources entail great opportunities for the development of tourism. Nevertheless, as a strategic region of former Soviet Union, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering on Turkey and Iran, was not allowed to develop its tourism. Just because of this reason, this important sector is newly being developed. As the economic and political obstacles of the initial period of independence are overcome, the tourism potential and its development have turned out to be urgent issue. In recent years, many have done to improve the infrastructure facilities. To this end, resort parks laid out with national and modern architectural methods, spring-monument complexes were opened for public, the modern hotels were constructed, new monuments were erected, and ancient architectural monuments were restored. Furthermore, unique Duzdagh and Badamli physiotherapy hospitals and Daridagh arsenic water dispensary were modernly reestablished. Simultaneously, all facilities for diagnosis, treatment and rest were established in Duzdagh Sanatorium Complex which was given into the usage of people after opening in June, 2008.

Nakhchivan Tourism Information Center has been established by the decree of the Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated May 05, 2006. In 2006, an international conference entitled "Tourism, Development and Perspectives" was held in Nakhchivan. It was a successful pace for the development of tourism sector in the autonomous republic and contributed to the workout of new projects. International conference on "Religious and Health Tourism: Organization of Spiritual and Physical Rest" held in May, 2008 with participation of the representatives from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference was of special importance to propagate tourism potential and facilities of the autonomous republic. In Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the historical monuments, reflecting the religious and national features, motley scenes of nature, fresh climate, mineral water resources, and relevant sanatorium dispensaries pave the way for not only ecotourism, but also ethnic and religious tourism. Autonomous Republic has also great importance for development of tourism with its religious santuaries, sacred places, imamzadas, and especially Ashabi-Kahf, about which is talked in Al-Kahf surah of sacred Koran. Now, "Ashabi-Kahf" Religious-Cultural Complex has good conditions for visitors. Tomb of Prophet Noah's grave is one of the places most visited by tourists.

By considering interest of tourists, Nakhchivan-Ashabi-Kahf, Nakhchivan-Alinjagala, Nakhchivan-Ordubad, Nakhchivan-Gamigaya, Nakhchivan-Garabaghlar, Nakhchivan-Batabat-Aghbulag, and Nakhchivan-Gulustan routes operate in the Autonomous Republic. 

Today, there are convenient roads even to the most remote villages of Autonomous Republic, and buses and taxis operate to all villages and regions of Nakhchivan. Also it is possible to go by railway to some villages of AR. Currently, passenger buses go to Baku by passing through the territory of Iran Islam Republic and to Batumi by passing through the territory of Turkey. Moreover, there are air routes to Baku, Ganja, Moscow, and Istanbul from Nakhchivan International Airport. Modern tourism objects are established in AR. In 2013, giving the Agbulag Recreation Center to the usage of people was a great step on the way of developing tourism in NAR.

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