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

So, pottery is one of the ancient crafts in our country. In the early medieval period pottery was a common skill among Azerbaijani craftsmen. The pottery exhibits showcase in the museums of history and local studies in our regions and cities. As well as this offer was evidence of this. In recent years, archaeological excavations of the ruins of one of the ancient cities of Azerbaijan – Gabala have discovered valuable artefacts, including a large quantity of pottery.

Old popular art in Gabala

From the various clay wares and pots that in Gabala, archaeologists. As result of it they conclusion that pottery was the most development of crafts there. The pottery discovered during the excavations shows indications of being produced locally. So, it is the oldest Albanian pottery can be different by its multi-coloured and composite decoration system. It is interesting that the production of pottery remains an expression of artistic talent today.

Gabala International Airport

In the framework of the State Program for social and economic development of the Azerbaijan regions in 2004-2013, international airports put into operation in the regions. Those regions are Nakhchivan, Gandja, Lankaran, Zagatala, Gabala and Yevlakh. The Gabala International airport put into operation in November of 2011. So, this region plays a special role in the development of the touristic potential of the north-western part of the country. Occupying 360 hectars of area, the air harbour of the Gabala region is with modern air-navigation equipment and surface machinery. As well as corresponds to all the standards of the International Civil Aviation Association. So, the acceptance rate of the airport is 200 passengers per hour.

Gabala Shooting Club

Gabala shooting club is situated in Bum. It comprises a registration department, meeting and consultation rooms. As well as special gallery for watching the shooting which takes place in a building constructed in a special architecture style. There is also a medical dispensary.

The equipment for round and trench stand shooting came from France, the sports equipment from England, the shooting gallery from Sweden, and the electronic scoreboard from Italy. One of the unique features of the club is the presence of a sports and hunting equipment shop. In the shop customers can find the latest technical equipment, sports, weapons, sportswear and other sporting goods.

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

The currently existing skiing tracks with three big and small system for generating artificial snow. There are more than two hundred special mechanisms to ensure equal distribution and compaction of snow on the skiing tracks.  A five-storied building is under construction in the lower part of the skiing resort.

Winter Tourism Program in Azerbaijan

With its two lower floors for a hotel, and other spaces to serve as offices. As of VIP hall, children’s playground, and a room for renting skis and other winter facilities. It is planning to create several restaurants and entertainment centers.  There is a place for winter season at the highest point of the ski resort 2000 meters above the sea level. It is planned to construct a Golf Academy, a golf club and a Golf Resort as a sports and recreation centre located not far from the ski resort.

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

Do you like modern architecture? Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku – one of the most interesting buildings of recent years. You can take a walk along the new seaside boulevard to the Crystal Hall building. Where the Eurovision 2012 contest was held, and go on a sea trip a spacious boat.

Explore Baku

In Baku you can also buy original souvenirs and jewelry, and if you prefer the usual shopping. Then at your disposal are huge shopping centers and verious branded boutiques.

A rich national cuisine will surprise you with the variety of choice and taste of new dishes. As well as traditional tea parties on the boulevard overlooking the bay will decorate your evenings.

Whether you like active rest or prefer a pleasant leisurely vacation – in Baku for every guest there is entertainment to you taste!