Kelbajar

The region of Kalbajar-Lachin is located in the south-eastern outgrowth of the Lesser Caucasus, sharing a border with the Republic of Armenia in the west and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the south. The region comprises the administrative districts of Kalbajar, Lachyn, Zangilan and Gubadly. Completely occupied by Armenia at the moment, the region is known as one of the earliest hotbeds of human inhabitation. The cave of Zar in Kalbajar District dates back to the Paleolithic Period, whereas rock-carvings discovered nearby are of the Bronze Age. Remnants of defense forts and watch towers and keeps erected amidst impenetrable rocks and steeps may be found to this day. The area of Kalbajar-Lachyn was a part of Caucasian Albania during the period from the 4th century B.C. to the 7th century A.D.; subsequently overtaken by the Arabic Caliphate in the 8th-9th centuries, and becoming an integral part of various Azerbaijani feudal states in the 9th-11th centuries, the Seljuk Empire and the Eldaniz (the Atabeys) State of Azerbaijan in the 13th-14th centuries, the states of Garagoyunlu and Akgoyunlu in the 15th century, the Azerbaijani Safavi State in 1501-1736 and Garabagh Khanate in 1748-1822. A majority of the region’s landmarks date back to the pre-Christian period of Azerbaijan’s Albanian State. The Albanian Temple of Ganjasar (1216-1238), located in Vangli village of the District of Kalbajar, and the Temple of Khudavand (the 13th-17th centuries) at the bank of the Terter river are among the most remarkable architectural landmarks. Other historic and architectural landmarks include the Albanian Church of Hassan-Jamal in Cherekdar village, the Lok Tower in Ganlykend, the Towers of Ulukhan, Galaboynu, Jomard, Keshikchi and several mosques in the village of Garajanly, the bridge of Taghlydash over the Terter river, the Museum of Local History in Kalbajar, the cave temple of the 5th century, the mausoleum of the 13th century, the Tower of Kafir (the 16th century), the Hamzasultan Palace of the 17th century, the bridge of the 18th century in the District of Lachyn, the bridges of Lalazar and Hajibadal, the cave temple in Gavur valley and the towers and mausoleums of the 5th century in the District of Lachyn. It should be noted with a great regret that the majority of these historic sites were destroyed by the Armenian invaders. The region was known by its rich wildlife. Thick forests in Zangilan and the largest natural forests of Oriental plane-trees in the Basitchay State Natural Reserve are just a few to mention. Another bitter truth is that the relict forests of the reserve became subject to barbaric deforestation as a result of the ongoing Armenian occupation. Another feature of the region was plethora of mineral and thermal waters. Mineral waters in Istisu village of Kalbajar exceeded a number of worldwide famous brands by their therapeutical properties, whereas the springs of Lachyn District were comparable to the famous Nazran mineral waters.