Explore Gabala

Today there are still people in the region of Gabala who are involved in producing different types of jugs, lamps, pitchers, vessels (dopu), lids, and so on, which are used in daily life and for domestic work.

Fifty-two-year-old Vagif Zeynalov, son of Agharahim the potter, who once lived in the Kushnet village of Gabala, continues the practice of this craft. He says that he become involved in pottery after his father passed away. When he was a child, he learned the skill of clay word from his father and he now continues this tradition. Vagif mentions that pottery is a unique craft because every item is different from the next. In outward appearance the items might look identical, but the details are actually different. Even though measuring instruments are used, the main work is done by hand. Therefore, each of the potter’s wares is a unique piece of art.

Pottery is a folk art and is always practiced in accordance with the needs of the people; there are few souvenirs among pottery items. It is interesting that modern technology has had little effect on pottery. Centuries on from its beginnings, clay is still prepared by stamping on mud with one’s feet, before the material is manually converted into the finished shape.

Vagif also reveals the secret indicators of high quality pottery products: A high-quality ceramic bowl should not break, even when stood upon. When pottery vessels are knocked against each other it should sound like glass touching. The colour of the pottery should be shot with gold. Craftsmen do not consider the glazing of pottery to be right. As painted wares cannot breathe the lose their identity. Glazed pottery cannot be used for cooking. In contrast, high quality pieces can be used for 40-50 years.

Old Popular Art in Gabala

Pottery is one of the oldest and most important crafts in Azerbaijan. People valued it highly in daily life, and early communities relied on it for practical and artistic purposes. During the early medieval period, Azerbaijani craftsmen commonly practiced pottery, and many of their works still survive today. Museums across Azerbaijan display these artifacts, preserving the cultural heritage of local artisans and giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Gabala, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest cities, plays a key role in studying the history of pottery in the region. Archaeologists have excavated the ruins of Gabala and uncovered a large number of valuable clay pots and wares. These findings show the skill, creativity, and technical knowledge of the craftsmen who lived there centuries ago. Most of the pottery originates locally, made with traditional techniques passed down through generations. Craftsmen decorated many pieces with multi-colored designs and intricate patterns, reflecting their artistic talent.

Pottery in Gabala served both practical and decorative purposes. Craftsmen made everyday items such as bowls, jars, and storage pots that were functional, yet also featured elaborate decorations that showcased their aesthetic sense. This dual role highlights pottery as both a craft and an art form in the region.

Today, artisans in Gabala and other parts of Azerbaijan continue this craft. They use techniques inspired by their ancestors and preserve traditional designs and decoration methods. Pottery continues to connect people with Azerbaijan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

From ancient clay wares to modern creations, Gabala’s pottery reflects centuries of creativity, skill, and artistic vision. Craftsmen have passed down both practical knowledge and artistic expression across generations. Gabala’s pottery remains a vital part of Azerbaijan’s cultural legacy, showing the enduring talent and imagination of its people.

Gabala International Airport

As part of the State Program for social and economic development of Azerbaijan’s regions (2004–2013), the government built several international airports to improve connectivity and support regional growth. These airports opened in key areas, including Nakhchivan, Ganja, Lankaran, Zagatala, Gabala, and Yevlakh. Among them, Gabala International Airport plays a particularly important role in promoting tourism in the northwestern part of the country.

Gabala International Airport officially opened in November 2011. Since its opening, the airport has contributed significantly to the region’s economic development. It has made travel easier for both tourists and business visitors and has connected Gabala and nearby areas to domestic and international destinations. This connectivity has helped attract more visitors, investments, and business opportunities, increasing the region’s visibility and appeal.

The airport covers an area of 360 hectares and is equipped with modern air-navigation systems and surface machinery. These facilities allow staff to operate the airport safely and efficiently. Gabala International Airport meets all standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring safe and smooth handling of both passengers and cargo. Its infrastructure supports regional commerce and tourism, making it an important part of the local economy.

Gabala International Airport can handle up to 200 passengers per hour. This capacity allows the airport to manage a steady flow of travelers without delays. It also provides room for future growth as tourism, business activities, and regional development expand.

The airport has strengthened Gabala’s position as a tourism hub in northwestern Azerbaijan. Visitors can easily reach the region’s mountains, lakes, cultural sites, and historical landmarks. This accessibility benefits local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other service providers, supporting the overall growth of the tourism industry.

Overall, Gabala International Airport represents a strategic investment in Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and regional development. By connecting northwestern Azerbaijan with the rest of the world, the airport actively promotes tourism, encourages economic growth, and improves access to this scenic and culturally rich region. Its presence has transformed Gabala into a modern, accessible, and attractive destination for travelers, boosting both local and national development.

Gabala Shooting Club

Gabala Shooting Club is located in Bum, a beautiful area known for nature and outdoor sports. The club welcomes both professional shooters and beginners, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Its modern design combines comfort with functionality, making it a pleasant place to visit.

The club has a registration department where guests can check in and get instructions. It also has meeting and consultation rooms for training, coaching, and discussions about shooting sports. A special gallery allows spectators to watch shooting events safely. The gallery is part of a building with unique architectural style, which makes it both practical and attractive. The club also has a medical dispensary to provide immediate help in case of emergencies.

The club uses high-quality equipment from several countries. Round and trench shooting equipment comes from France, sports equipment from England, the shooting gallery from Sweden, and the electronic scoreboard from Italy. This ensures visitors enjoy a professional-level shooting experience.

One of the club’s unique features is its sports and hunting equipment shop. Visitors can buy technical equipment, firearms, sportswear, and other sporting goods. This makes the club not only a place to practice shooting but also a destination for hunting and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gabala Shooting Club is suitable for athletes, beginners, and tourists. It offers training, competitive shooting, and recreational shooting in a safe and well-equipped environment. With modern facilities, professional equipment, and a focus on safety, it is one of Azerbaijan’s leading shooting clubs.

Whether you visit for sport, fun, or to buy equipment, Gabala Shooting Club offers a memorable experience. It combines outdoor adventure, professional training, and modern amenities, showing why shooting sports are becoming increasingly popular in the region.

Gabala Shooting Complex

Club visitors enter the shooting zone by using an electronic access card. Special rules apply for the use of sports weapons.

After weapons are unloaded they are returned.

In order to ensure safety and protection from fire, observation cameras and fire protection points are part of the club’s layout.

There is a small flag square. There is also a special place for shooting on an Olympic stand.

The layout and equipping of the club was with the aim of promoting Olympic sports.

There is also a separate gallery, from which the audience can watch competitions, and an electronic screen that records the results.

In addition, there is a 10m shooting gallery that covers 1200 square metres and a 25m gallery that covers 3,000 square metres in Gabala Shooting Complex.

There is also a 300 square metre weapons warehouse, 5 round and trench stands that cover 4.5 ha and 8 sporting stands covering 4,000 square metres.

Gabala Shooting Club

Gabala Shooting Club operates in the rapidly growing city of Gabala since 2012. Summary The Gabala Shooting Club’s world-class leisure and health structure is also a complex. As well as can provide professional athletes with a high level of preparation for important competitions. The club with all the technical equipment used in the Olympics and has all the necessary facilities. Especailly for international competitions as well as training sessions. Products and Services – Create conditions for high-level professional athletes to prepare for important competitions; – Providing visitors with a healthy lifestyle while enjoying leisure time. SUPPLIED IN THE CLUB – 5 playgrounds for 3 types of bench shooting – 8 playgrounds for Sporting – 3 shooting helmets (open and closed) for shooting – Flag Square – Shooting School – Recreation – Sports Rooms greenery for visitors – Strikeball / Paintball / Airsoft – Night Shooting – 2 Administrative Buildings – Medical Station – Playground – Restaurant and Lounge – Photo Studio – Sports Hunting Shop – Parking

The cure tour in Gabala, Azerbaijan

The development of a chain of recreation centers commences in Azerbaijan in the XX century.

This process became possible owing to the favorable climatic conditions, the various mineral waters, curative muds and oil resources.

Thus, the classification of natural recreational resorts was  and the relevant infrastructure was available.

There are over thirty sites in the area of the Greater Caucasus where there are mineral waters sources with small concentration of minerals.

They contain various thermal and cold forms of sulfur and organic substances.

Currently, the Yengija and Gamarvan sources of thermal water function as resorts.

Due to their curative features, they hold the first place not only in Azerbaijan, but also throughout the region.

Gamarvan (the Source called Chomcha) is the source of mineral water, located 5 km from the valley of the Bum river, at an attitude of 1388 meters above the sea level.

The natural temperature is +39,2 C.

This water is rich in sulfuric and iron-content substance.

In 1965-1966 and 1973-1977, a special laboratory in Saint-Petersburg carried out an analysis of the chemical characteristics of the mineral waters from the wells at Gamarvan and Yengija.

As a result of this research, it was established that the waters contained siliceous substances (30-40 mg/l) and sulfur (3-12 mg/l), with total mineral content of 1, 52-1, 79 gr/l.

The daily output of the well at Gamarvan is 50 thousand liters.

Due to both its physical and chemical characteristics, the curative importance of Gamarvan is equal to that of the famous mineral water of Kuldur on the Lberian Peninsula (Western Europe).

Gabala as a tourism destination in Azerbaijan

The development of tourism in Gabala turns that region into an international centre.

As well as conducting political, economic and cultural events.

Thus, for instance, Gabala has repeatedly hosted music festivals and, certainly not without reason.

The Council on Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS states and the Interstate Humanitarian Commonwealth Cooperation Foundation ratified a resolution at the joint assembly in Ashkhabad.

According to which Gabala was declared the Cultural capital of CIS for the year of 2013.

The beautiful and incredible nature and ancient history of the Gabala city contributed to the decision of declare it a Cultural capital of CIS.

In order to facilitate holding of the largest-scale and presentable international forums, a modern congress-centre named after Heydar Aliyev put into operation in Gabala.

Beautiful nature and wonderful tourism infrastructure attract thousands of tourists to Gabala every year. Gabala is one of the most picturesque, rich, tourist paradise areas in the country.
It would be more appropriate to call Gabala a region with rich ecotourism resources.

Gabala as a tourism destination in Azerbaijan

Because of eco-tourism resources – natural monuments (geological, hydrological, flora and so on)
fauna), exotic landscapes, forest areas, National parks and mountain ecosystems all concentrated in this area, which is visible on the map. Still in Gabala there are many tourism resources remain.

We are not mistake to say that all types of tourism sector – cultural, business, health, environmental, recreation and entertainment, mountain, winter and skiing, beach, sports, tourism, rural greenery, hunting, history, and religious tourism are all concentrated in Gabala.
As an example of the development of cultural tourism in Gabala, we can point to the various festivals held in Gabala. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation realizes international music festival in Gabala every year since 2009. The international competition of young pianists, mugam, classical, chamber, jazz and vocal music has been organized as part of the Gabala International Music Festival since 2010. Famous musicians, famouse symphonic and philharmonic orchestras perform at the festivals (1). It is no coincidence that the piano factory under the famous Beltman Dutch label operates in Gabala.

Winter Tourism Program in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is actively developing its winter tourism to attract visitors from across the country and abroad. The country now offers modern skiing facilities with several well-maintained skiing tracks. These tracks are equipped with advanced systems to produce artificial snow, ensuring excellent skiing conditions even when natural snowfall is low. Over two hundred machines help distribute and compact the snow evenly along the tracks. This makes skiing safe, smooth, and enjoyable for beginners, families, and professional skiers alike.

A five-story building is currently under construction at the lower part of the ski resort. The building will meet the needs of both visitors and staff. Its two lower floors will serve as a comfortable hotel, providing accommodation for guests. Other areas will include offices, a VIP hall for special events, a children’s playground, and a rental space for skis and other winter equipment. Several restaurants and entertainment centers will also be available, offering visitors a wide range of dining and leisure options.

At the highest point of the ski resort, 2,000 meters above sea level, special zones are being prepared for skiing and other winter activities. The high altitude allows for longer ski seasons and excellent snow quality, making it an ideal location for both recreation and competitive sports.

The winter tourism program also plans to expand the area with a sports and recreation complex near the resort. This complex will feature a Golf Academy, a golf club, and a Golf Resort. These facilities will provide visitors with recreational activities during both winter and summer seasons. They will also offer training opportunities for athletes and sports enthusiasts.

Overall, Azerbaijan’s winter tourism program creates a modern, safe, and attractive destination. By combining skiing, entertainment, hotel services, and future golf facilities, the country provides a diverse experience for tourists. Visitors can enjoy adventure, sports, relaxation, and outdoor activities while exploring the scenic mountains. This program highlights Azerbaijan’s growing role as a top winter tourism destination in the region, attracting both domestic and international travelers.

Winter in Azerbaijan

The complex in Gabala region provides daily service to approximately three thousand people. The total length of the ten skiing tracks will be 18 km and, when put into operation, the skiing complex will consist of 8 stations.

The first and the last stations at the height of 950 & 1920 m above the sea level respectively.

So far, two of the four cable ways with all the necessary listing mechanisms by the Italian “Leitner Group” company. Nearing completion is the building of a spacious reservoir and three pumps of supplying water to the heights point of descent, as well as the building of power lines and appropriate infrastructure. The building of two more cable way stations is planned to be completed.

The arrival of winter means the beginning of winter tourism in the countries of tourism as well. Much work has been done recently on winter tourism in Azerbaijan. But what is the level of tourist flow to Azerbaijan as a result of the work being done?
“There is great mobility in terms of both the arrival of foreign guests and the local population flocking to the region. We are currently looking forward to the opening of the winter season. But at other times there is a certain mobility.

The main reason for this is to hold unique festivals in each region.

The festival is in Lankaran, Gakh, Goychay and other regions, which is one of the factors affecting the overall business profitability. On the other hand, there are special gardens for growing fruits in every district, which is a source of great interest for tourists. This year, winter is said to be severe, and it has already snowed in the regions and in the mountains. Winter tourism is expected to be mobile. In general, progress has been made in the last 1-2 years. Not only the state but also private tourism companies have strengthened their activities in this direction.

That is, everyone who is already in this area is taking the necessary steps to earn a living. Local tourism companies try to attract tourists before the season, by taking the necessary actions, advertising. Although this is not a high level, at least work is being done. And all of this, in the end, increases the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan and the amount of currency they enter. On December 16, there will be a seasonal opening of the Shahdag tourism complex. It is also expected to open in Gabala. I think it will be successful. It is already snowing in these areas and there are all the necessary conditions. ”

Winter in Azerbaijan

The expert notes that along with the Arabs, there is an increase in the number of visitors from other countries to Azerbaijan. At the same time, the press repeatedly informs that in tourism zones, apartments with hotels will be under construction, with smaller hotels and more affordable housing for tourists. We can say that we are already working in this direction. Therefore, I would say that Azerbaijan has every opportunity to welcome foreign guests. It is also a good idea to have a tourist information center in each zone.

Work is underway. In a place where income plays a role, everyone is interested in maximizing business and earning more. Therefore, tourism companies are not less interested in the development of this sector than the state. A number of tourism companies have recently been established. This leads to increased competitiveness. Increased competitiveness is the key to better business, and as a result, the number of tourists coming to the country is growing, both business and government. We see this chain development today. ”

Explore Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a lively city full of modern buildings, rich history, and fun activities. Visitors can explore futuristic architecture or stroll through historic streets. A must-see landmark is the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. Its flowing curves and unique style make it one of Baku’s most famous buildings. The center hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and art displays, letting visitors experience Azerbaijani culture up close.

After visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center, take a walk along Baku’s new seaside boulevard. It is perfect for a relaxing stroll, with stunning views of the Caspian Sea and the city skyline. Along the boulevard, you can see the Crystal Hall, which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. Visitors can also enjoy a boat trip on the Caspian Sea when explore Baku. The boats are spacious and offer relaxing views of the coastline, making the trip enjoyable for families, friends, and solo travelers.

Baku is also a great place for shopping. You can find unique souvenirs, traditional crafts, and handmade jewelry. For modern shopping, the city has large malls and branded boutiques with fashion, electronics, and more. Baku has something for everyone, from bargain hunters to luxury buyers.

Food lovers will enjoy Azerbaijan’s delicious traditional cuisine. Local restaurants serve tasty dishes that reflect the country’s culture. Visitors can also enjoy tea along the boulevard while watching peaceful views of the bay.

Whether you want an active holiday with sightseeing, boat trips, and cultural experiences, or a calm, relaxing stay, Baku offers it all. With its mix of modern architecture, history, shopping, and food, the city is full of surprises. Every visit brings new experiences and memories, making Baku one of the most exciting destinations in the Caucasus.