History of Nakhchivan

Nakhchivan region, an autonomous republic within Azerbaijan, has a rich and diverse history spanning centuries. Archaeological monuments dating back to the Paleolithic period have been discovered in the Nakhchivan region, indicating human presence in the region tens of thousands of years ago. Bronze Age artifacts have been discovered in the Nakhchivan region, indicating a developed urban culture more than 5,000 years ago.

The Gamigaya Petroglyphs, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, are rare examples of art and are an important source of information about the lives of people living in the region during the Bronze Age. In the 6th century BC, the Achaemenid Empire of Nakhchivan left its mark on the architecture and culture of the region. 

In the 3rd century AD, Nakhchivan became part of the Sassanid Empire, known for its developed culture and Zoroastrianism.

In the 7th century, the conquest of Nakhchivan by the Arabs led to the spread of Islam in the region. Nakhchivan was located along the Silk Road, one of the most important trade routes between Europe and Asia. Travelers and merchants stopped here to rest and replenish their supplies.

In the Middle Ages, Nakhchivan was part of various Azerbaijani states, such as the Shirvan, Sheki, and Karabakh khanates. In the 16th century, Nakhchivan became part of the Safavid Empire, founded by the Persian Safavid dynasty.

After the Russo-Persian War of 1828, Nakhchivan was annexed to the Russian Empire. World War I and Revolution: During World War I and the Revolution, Nakhchivan was the scene of fierce fighting between various political forces.

In 1920, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed within the Azerbaijan SSR. During the Great Patriotic War, many Nakhchivanians fought at the front against the fascist invaders. Today, Nakhchivan is an Autonomous Republic within an independent state.