There is a rare village in the heart of high mountains and steep rocks in Guba region. This village with ancient history and unique traditions is Khinalig village surrounded by mountains. Khinalig village is located 65 kilometers from Guba city, at an altitude of 2500 meters above sea level. In this village, where there are about 400 houses and 3000 people live, the summer is cool and the winter is very harsh. In winter, the air temperature drops to minus 30 degrees. Historians believe that the village of Khinalig was built before Christ. Information about this village can be found in the works of Strabo and Pliny. According to legends, the inhabitants of this village are descendants of Prophet Noah. In ancient times, Ketsh village was located in steep mountains. In ancient times, Ketsh village was located in steep mountains. Later, during an earthquake, all the houses in the village were destroyed, and most of the population died. The survivors crossed the river and climbed a small hill, where they founded the village of Khinalig. As you climb up from the deep gorge of Gudyalchay and approach the village, a unique view opens before your eyes. The roof of a house is the yard of another house above it.
Since the mountains are steep, the houses are built very close to each other. In Khinalig, which has preserved its architecture until now, all the houses are ancient and there are almost no new buildings. Juma Mosque is located at the highest point of the village. Another ancient monument is the chapel called Burj Piri dating back to the 4th century BC. In addition, there is a cave with a spring in the rock. Water was drawn from the spring in the cave to the courtyards and the central square of the village through an earthen pipe. There are remains of an ancient cemetery on the hard rocks around Khinal. The 5-level stone graves in this cemetery confirm that its history goes back to ancient times. Before, it was very difficult to go to Khinalik due to the bad road leading to the village. Now this problem has been solved and an asphalt road has been built from Guba to Khinalik. The construction of this road increased the flow of tourists to the region by ensuring the comfort of the population. If you want to spend the night when you arrive in the village, be aware that there is no hotel in Khinalig. Also know that the village community can host you as many times as you want. In recent years, the interest of tourists in the village has increased too much. The special way of life of Khinalig population attracts attention. They get to know the everyday life of the population, are interested in folklore and ethnographic features. The local population respects their ancient customs and traditions and has preserved them to this day. Weddings and other ceremonies are still held here as in ancient times. Throwing a red shawl on the groom’s head, carrying the bride on a horse, and other such unique traditions still remain in Khinalig. Local artisans are engaged in weaving, spinning yarn, knitting embroidered clothes and socks. Another occupation of the villagers is collecting and drying medicinal plants and herbs. It is used both in medicine and in cooking. Khinalig residents have their own language that is used only in this village. This language is called Khinalig language after the name of the village. In short, even though the road to Khinalyg passes through hard passes, the pleasant scenery you will see, the unique beauty of the remote mountain village will leave you with only pleasant impressions.
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