Tovuz city is one of the oldest settlements in the world in Azerbaijan. Tovuz is located in the western part of Azerbaijan. The name of the city, according to ancient Turkic written sources, came from the merger of the names of two related Turkic tribes – the Oghuz and Toguz. Therefore, it has become fixed as a toponym. As one of the ancient regions of Azerbaijan, Tovuz has a rich history and many interesting sights. Tovuz has a peculiar character. Mountainous areas are the main landscape of the region. Most of the region’s territory is occupied by dense forests covered with various types of trees and shrubs. Oak, beech, walnut, hornbeam, iron trees and various wild fruit shrubs are the main parts of the flora of Tovuz. One of the relict trees, the Eldar pine, is protected in the Karayazy State Reserve of the Jeyranchol district of the Tovuz district. Alpine and sub-alpine meadows are a common scene across the region. Acting as winter and summer pastures, they contribute to the development of animal husbandry in the area. Many species of animals live in the forests and mountains of Tovuz, such as gazelles, roe deer, wolves, foxes, hares, francolins, partridges, etc. In order to keep hunting traditions in the region, the government officially allows hunting mainly hares and swimming birds. The rivers Kura, Akhindzha, Tovuz, and Zayam flow here. There are 586 springs in Tovuz, including four with mine water characteristics. There is a sour water spring in the village of Katakh. Because of the sour taste, the water is called Turshsu. It contains various chemical minerals that are used for medicinal purposes.
There are 36 water sources in Asrik alone. Findigli and Maral water sources are among the most famous. There is a restaurant near each water source. The air at all resorts is stunningly clean, the views are mesmerizing. Tovuz is known as one of the main and ancient Albanian settlements. An Albanian temple dating back to the 5th century and a number of similar monuments served as a shelter for dervishes leading an ascetic lifestyle. The village of Abdal in this region got its name from an ancient tribe. The Abdals are a Turkic-speaking tribe, widespread in Transcaucasia in the I-IV centuries. It is impossible to imagine Tovuz without saz music. Saz is the national musical instrument of Azerbaijan. It is very popular in Tovuz. Weddings, parties, local or state-level ceremonies held in Tovuz will not be complete if there is no saz music. It is quite normal to meet ashigs (performers of saz music) in Tovuz restaurants.
The economy of Tovuz is partly based on agriculture, tourism and some other industries. Winemaking is one of the most popular branches of the Tovuz industry. The history of wine production in Tovuz seems to have begun before the 7th century, and according to archaeological finds, including wine storage vessels and tartaric acid residues, winemaking was widespread in the Tovuz and Ganja regions at the early stages of social development. During the time of German settlement, the wine industry developed in the city. In addition, Tovuz became famous for the production of cognac, which supplied the entire Russian market. Tovuz Baltia Ltd is the main producer and exporter of wine products in Tovuz.
Tovuz cuisine is represented by a variety of delicious dishes. Hingal is the most famous dish of Tovuz cuisine. “Tovuz həngəli” is something that can not refuse. Most of the region’s cuisine consists of dough dishes, greens and potato dishes. Various types of pilaf and kebabs, fried vegetables and fresh salads are among the dishes that guests of Tovuz can try. Drinks such as dovga, atlama, and freshly squeezed juices are served with food.
The tourist perspective of the Tovuz district is highly appreciated. Natural attractions attract both locals and foreigners. There are also a number of hotels in Tovuz.
Ayan Palace is one of the famous holiday destinations of Tovuz.
The ancient settlements located in Tovuz, dating back to the 6th millennium BC, have been studied by archaeologists from Azerbaijan, Japan and France since 2008. As a result, extensive and detailed scientific articles about ancient Tovuz, Goytepe, Gadzhialamkhanly, Mentesh and Kikchitepe have been published in the world scientific literature. Scientific research has proven that the first settlements of the South Caucasus existed in Tovuz 8 thousand years ago. Archaeological research carried out over many years has revealed quite interesting information about the ancient homeland where our ancestors lived. Neolithic inhabitants who initially settled in the ancient settlement of Gadzhialamkhanli later built a nearby ancient settlement called Goytepe.
According to research data, it can be said that Goytepe is distinguished by its wealth as an early village-type settlement. Thus, Goytepe is an ancient settlement reflecting the most developed stage of the era. Here you can clearly trace the lifestyle, farming life and architectural culture of our ancestors.
There are four gorges in Tovuz, which are visited by tourists in the summer. There are Agdera, Ahinja Valley, Esrik der and Hinna. Tovuz Castle, Khachly Castle, Toprak Castle are historical monuments that are a must see.
Torpaq Castle
This castle belongs to the 1st millennium in Aşağı Müşküllü village of Tovuz.
Agdara
Esrik Valley
Esrik Valley is the most popular place for tourists. There are 36 springs here.
Ahinja Valley
Starting from the Mormor region of Gadabay, Ahinja receives its water from the thick snow covers of the Murghuzdag range.
Hinna Valey
It looks like the Alps. A legend is told among the residents. Once they wanted to marry a girl to a rich man, whom she did not love, it was henna night and she ran away with henna hands. She came to this valley and asked the hennaed God to say, “Turn me into a bird.” Then God created a bird called the henna partridge that flew from the river Henna. And according to this legend, you can see a lot of henna partridges in this stream.
Haci Bagir Mosque, the Yakanlı village mosque
Koroğlu tower, Tovuz
Shah Abbas mosque, Tovuz
Octagonal tomb in Gazgulu village
19th century residences of Nasib and Yusif Beys in Yukhari Oysuzlu village
Nasib bek and Yusif bek Sultanov remained in the memory of local residents as philanthropists. And the house, even after their death, continued to serve people. The building first housed an orphanage, then a school. Dozens of famous people were educated here.
XIX century tombs in Yukhari Öysuzlu village
Complex of 3 tombs in Tovuz, Yanigli village
SOURCES:
tovuz-ih.gov.az
medeniyyet.az
azernews.az