History of Gakh

Gakh region of Azerbaijan has a long history. According to archaeological excavations, this area was inhabited during the Eneolithic, Bronze, and Early Iron Age. According to historians, the territory of Gakh was part of the Iskite kingdom in the 7th century. The territory of modern Gakh was originally a province of Caucasian Albania.

There are many tourist attractions in Gakh. One of the most interesting places in the Old Market. Yes, today's Old Bazaar can be considered to be one of the most attractive and interesting tourism centers in Azerbaijan. Traveling the "Icheribazar Tower Complex" - it is possible to experience the architecture of the past centuries with modern ideas and contents. Currently, Icheribazar is in its second prospering period. The doors to the north and south have been restored, shops have been constructed to serve the tourists, and a green theater operates on the market square.

Several settlements and burial mounds (Eneolit-Iron, Bronze Age) were found in the area. Albanian Temple of the 5th and 6th centuries, mosque of Ilisu Historical and Cultural Preserve from 17th Century. “Jinli” castle of IX-XIV centuries; Temple complex of XII-XIII centuries; "Pyari Castle" of the 15th and 16th centuries; 16th-century temple, castle doors, and walls; The 16th-17th century Haji Tapdig Mosque.

Jinli Castle is a castle on the left bank of the Kurmukhchay River in the village of Ilisu. The tower was built in the 7th and 9th centuries for protection purposes. Special places have been set up to defeat the enemy with small weapons                                                                        

Ulu Bridge - Built on the shore of Kurmuk River. The bridge remains to this day and serves the people.                                                            

Hasan khan's castle of the XIX century. It is located on the right bank of the Kumruk River, near the village of Kakhbash. It was of a defensive character as well.                       

Galacha (Shamil Castle) is one of the state-protected monuments. It is located near the village of Ilisu, in Jezlidag. It has a round shape.                                                                                                                               

 Haji Tapdig and Sheikh Yunis Imra Mausoleum - in the forests of Ojanjanli village,  on the tombs of Haji Tapdig and Sheikh Yunis mausoleum was built. The locals gave it "Oguz" the nickname.                                              

Sumug -gala  (Ilisu ) In the high-mountain village of Ilisu (near Sheki), the Sumug castle is preserved - one of the battle towers of last Ilisu Sultan Daniyal bek, the brave ally of Sheikh Shamil

Lekit church - Ancient Albanian temple located 1 km away from Lekit village of Gakh region. From the point of view of construction techniques, the history of the church dates back to the fourth and sixth centuries. It is thought that the temple was converted into a church during the reign of Albanian ruler Momun Vachaq III  in the fourth century AD. Techniques and methods of the construction of the basement.

The Lekit Circular Temple is located on the south of the Lekit village of the Gakh region. Although the ruins allow you to accurately determine the magnificent structure of the once-remarkable temple, there are some or other justified theories about the structure of its upper floors. Like the other circular Albanian temples, the Lakit Church has circular walls from the outside. Besides, there are a number of historical monuments and fortresses in the territory of the Gakh region. 

The village of Ilisu has a 10-meter rectangular tower (14th century) and a Sumuq fortress, with a mosque in the center. The oldest archaeological monument here is considered to be a tomb. The most picturesque places of the district are 12-20 km from the center. İn the village of Kum in the ancient monuments of the Caucasian Albanian is preserved.