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7SOCIOLOGY
MIRACLES AT THE GATE OF THE ORIENT
Gasimova Naila, Mehdiyeva Tamella
Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
Abstract. In this article the miracle-working holy places and wonders of Azerbaijan are examined and described. Shaki-Zagatala is one of the most remarkable areas in Azerbaijan. The article gives detailed information about the seven miracles mainly in this region.
Keywords: etymology, dynasty, history, landscape, monuments, mosques, wonders, tourism
Introduction. One may face wonders literally at every turn in one of the most beautiful regions of Azerbailan-Shaki-Zagatala. The greatest wonder of this region is the holiness of this land which makes it comparable with Jerusalem. Christianity was brought to Azerbaijan in 54-57 of I century AD by St. Elisha the Apostle. Upon his arrival to the land of the Uti, the village of Kish, St. Elisha built a church there. About three centures later Christianity was spread in the neighboring Georgia and Armenia. The etymology of the "Shaki" name is related to the name of the Saks tribe that came to Azerbaijan in VII century BC. In 1772 the city was destroyed after a flood of the river Kish. It was rebuilt and relocated higher in the mountainbs, in the vicinity of Nukha village. Later on, it was called Nukha for a long period of time, and it was only in 1968 that the city regained its ancient name. Under the rule of Chalabi khans' dynasty, Shaki was the center of the khanate. The ruins of numerous defensive installations testify the storming history of this land. If stones could speak, the constructions remained until our days, all those Aydinbulag, Hazrat Ali, Galarsan-Gorersen fortresses and a fortress in Shaki itself would tell us a lot. Yukharibash quarter, abutting the fortress along with Shaki Khans' palace, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The brilliant nature of Shaki and the monuments of this land attract tourists from every corner of the country, as well as from abroad. To make their stay comfortable there are up-to-date Saray (Palace) hotel in Shaki and a hotel in the Upper Caravansary, as well as a number of resorts along the Kish River-Markhal, Myakan, Umid, Jannat Baghi with all the facilities for recreation and entertainment.
Region's main wonders. Doubtless, the king of the region's wonders is Shaki Khans' Palace. Itwas raised in 1761-1762 by architect Haji Zeynalabdin Shirazi by order of Husein Khan, the grandson of Shaki khanate's founder Haji Chalabi Khan. The front facade of this edifice is unlike anything in the world: its transoms and sashes are embellished with "shabaka"made of fine wooden modules with shards of stained glass inserted between them, forming a geometric ornament. The wall paintings, panels, patterned "shabaka" and ornamental elements burnt or engraved into alabaster are striking in their beauty. The great Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet wrote: "If one had to introduce Azerbaijan to the whole world with only one single building, he would only have to show Shaki Khans' Palace". Everyone, who has ever witnessed this edifice, is equally enchanted by both its exterior and ornamental art of its interior.
The second wonder is the temples of Gakh region. The region is located between Shaki and Zagatala. The Christian monuments of Gakh region are its greatest wonders. The most beautiful of them is the Temple of Kurmuk. Also the ruins of an ancient basilica, the famous Round Temple with its peculiar forms, and also the monastery are worthy of note. The "Seven Churches" grand temple complex was used for a long timr as the Albanian Bishop's residence. Due to this, the land has been long named Gakh ("The Citadel of Faith"), and also the Palace of Faith. This land shelters the ruins of nine Christian temples. The so-called Round Temple in the village of Lakit indeed appears as a circle with 22m diameter. Both of these temples date back to V-VI centuries. In XIX century the tsar ordered the construction of the Kurmuk church in the vicinity of the ancient Kurmuk Temple to convert local Ingiloys (Muslims) to Christianity. The Ingiloys didn't denounce their faith, but the place itself has been held sacred by both Christians and Muslims. The grave of haji Murat-Shekh Shamil's follower is located near the village of Tirmyachi.
The third wonder of the region is its defensive installations in Zagatala, the most ancient of which is Pari Fortress in Yukhari Chardaklar village. From the etymological point of view the Zagatala word is modified form of the Sa katala word which means "The valley of the Saks". At the
beginning of VII century BC the Saks, who had come here from the Asian near East together with the Cimmerians (Scythians) settled the territory of Albania. Zagatala has always served as a shield stopping invaders on their way to the inner areas of Azerbaijan. It is not surprising that ancient forts and castles were built more densely in this area than in any other place of the region. Rising high in the village of Yukhari Chardakhlar is pari-Gala Castle (V cent.) built on a rock. Another ancient monument is the zagatala rampart (V-VII cent.). A part of it has survived in the area located between the territory of Georgia and Shaki region. It was erected sometime in the past by Sassanids as a defense against nomadic tribes. The watchtower in Kebeloba village is a typical example of the guard towers built in Zagatala region. Two towers in Kebeloba, and also the Chingiz Tower in jar village date back to XIV century, a watchtower in Pashan-to XIII century, but a tower in Akhakhdere village -to XII century. Another interesting monument in Zagatala is Armatay Gala. The battle fought in 65 BC, when Albanian forces crashed the Roman legions led by Pompey, is written with gold letters into the glorious military history of Zagatala. The youngest of the region's defensive structures is the Castle of zagatala built by the Tsarist government in 1830 to become its primary stronghold in the long fight against the nation whose fighting spirit would not yield to conquerors.
The mosques and other Muslim monuments are the fourth wonder of the region. The striking mosques of Balakan region are indeed the wonder of wonders...Balakan region is located in the very north of our country. Literally, balakan means "a small village". This district abounds in mountain rivers, and there is a scenic lake near near katekh Mountain. Guton and Sagaltar are the two highest peaks in the region. There are also two well-known passes-Gubek and Tinarosa, as well as Katekh waterfall, 20 m high and 4m wide. The beautiful nature, clean air and auspicious aura of this place are as though created for the erection of a temple for worshiping the Almighty. The best monuments in Balakan are undoubtedly its marvelous mosques. The most interesting of those, located in the centre of the region, is Juma Mosque (Minarali Mosque). The edifice occupies an area of 1025 sq/m and the height of the minarets erected at a distance from the main building is 45 m! Another famous mosque of the region was built in the village of Gabagchol.
Tourism is rapidly developing in Balakan region. Over the recent years, the region has seen the construction of the modern Gubek hotel, and a ropeway of 1km length has been built in heydar Aliyev Park. The mountaintops are covered with snow until as late as August month, which favors the development of ski tourism.
The enchanting nature of Oghuz land is the fifth wonder. This relatively small territory abounds in unique natural monuments. Oghuz region is deservedly called the Switzerland of Azerbaijan- its nature is truly splended: mountain rivers and hollows, puring springs, waterfalls, healing sulfur springs, the sharp spikes of the cliffs. The highest point in the region is Malkamut Mountain (3879). Those who come here don't know where to look first being charmed by rare tree species, caves and rocks that bring into memory the legends about the heroes turning into rocks. 40 % of the region is covered with forests rich in such wood species as the pistachio tree, hornbeam, chestnut and oak. Flowing across the Oghuz region are the rivers of Alidjan, Dashaghyl, Calachay and Turyanchay. The fauna is also diverse: there are many wild boars, ibexes, bears, hares, pheasants, partridges and black grouses; whitefish and sheatfish may be found in the rivers.
Oghuz itself is small, but pretty and clean-just like small towns in Switzerland. In its outskirts, at a distance of mere 15-20 km there are many places suitable for hunting and fishing. A new hotel complex -Arpa Recreation Center, has been recently put in service in the town itself. And still the tourism potential of this district is far from being exhausted.
The sixth wonder is sweeping development of Gabala region which is among the most rapidly developing regions of the country in the tourism sphere. Gabala, the town with the history of more than twenty five centuries, was the capital of Caucasian Albania for over 600 years (up to 451 AD). Roman historians Pilny the Elder and Claudius Ptolomaeus left valuable information concerning the town of Gabalaka or Khabala. This ordinary, at first sight, place in Azerbaijan has lived a truly remarkable life. The landscape of Gabala territory is predominantly mountainous. A few of the highest peaks in the country are located here: Bazarduzu (4466 m), Bazaryurd (4126 m) and Tufanly (4206 m). Like other districts of Shaki-Zagatala region, this one also has a plenty of scenic splendors. Those driving along the baku-Shaki highway often slow down at the entry to Gabala, near the village of Girva, to admire the spectacular view from above. There are a lot of places in Gabala that no one will ever forget having once seen them: the so-called Russian Forest, Nohur, the valleys by the rivers and of course, the famous Chestnut Forest, not to mention the numerous scenic villages, such as Laza, Vandam, Gamarvan, Engija, Duruja and many others.
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The main wonder of Gabala region is the high pace of its development, its rapidly changing image. The larger villages of the region (Bum, Vandam), as well as the town of gabala itself (a relatively small one) have a pleasantly surprising wealth of multistory-buildings, medical facilities, trade and consumer service centers, administration buildings, hotels and parks.
The development of tourism in this region has exploded over the recent years. There are 18 large tourism facilities and multitude of small private hotels.
The seventh wonder, as was mentioned above, is the region of Shaki-Zagatala itself -its nature, its monuments, its people, and their essential contribution to Azerbaijani culture.
Conclusions. In conclusion I'd like to say that Azerbaijan is a truly amazing land. Everything is unique here-its nature, culture, history, customs and traditions, its architecture and many other things. It is also named "the Country of Fires" (from the "azer" word). And indeed the tribes of fire worshipers lived here before Common Era.
The country has been famous for its fire temples since the ancient times. There is the place in Absheron named Yanargagh-a burning mountain. In Surakhani there is the eternally burning and never dying out temple of fire-Ateshgah. Azerbaijan is a country that can be ascribed to the number of the richest countries og the world according to its geographic location, rich overland and uderground natural resources and diligence of its people. It has achieved the greatest economic progress among the neighbouring countries of the region.
If you think that you have never seen Azerbaijan, you are mistaken. You certainly know Azerbaijan by such well-known movies of the Soviet period as the "Amphibian man" and "Diamond hand", because these remarkable movies were made just here.
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