Qabala

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Qabala
Qəbələ
City and municipality
UTC+5 (AZT)
Area code+994 160
ClimateCfa
Websitewww.qebele-ih.gov.az

Qabala (Azerbaijani: Qəbələ) is a city and the administrative centre of the Qabala District of Azerbaijan.[2] The municipality consists of the city of Gabala and the village of Küsnat.[3] Before the city was known as Kutkashen, but after the Republic of Azerbaijan's independence the town was renamed in honour of the much older city of Gabala, the former capital of Caucasian Albania, the archaeological site of which is about 20 km southwest.

History

Antiquity

Gabala is the ancient capital of

Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri as "Khazar". In the 19th century, the Azerbaijani historian Abbasgulu Bakikhanov
mentioned in his book Gulistani Irem that Kbala or Khabala were in fact Gabala.

In the 60s BC,

Sassanid Empire, but preserved its political and economic status. In 464, it lost its independence due to years of invasions from the northern nomadic tribes and had to move its capital city to Partava
(currently Barda in Azerbaijan).

Feudal era

Gabala was occupied by

Elisabethpol Governorate. Due to archaeological finds in Gabala, it was declared a National State Reserve in 1985.[7]

Republic era

The ruins of the gates of Albanian capital Gabala in Azerbaijan
Nature of Qabala

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Gabala embarked on a process of restructuring on a scale unseen in its history.[8] Thousands of buildings from the Soviet period were demolished to make way for a green belt on its shores; parks and gardens were built on the land reclaimed by filling up the foothill of Gabala.[9] Improvements were made in the general cleaning, maintenance, and garbage collection, and these services are now at Western European standards. The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed on a north axis along the shores of the Caspian Sea.

As of the 2010s, Gabala is emerging as a magnet for events, such as the summit of

Turkic Council in 2013.[10] In 2013, the city was declared the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States, in recognition of its long contribution to the history of Azerbaijan and the region.[11]

Geography

The geographical position and mountainous relief of the city greatly influenced on formation of complex climate conditions in the vertical droughty area, as well as on density of river network and richness of soil-vegetation cover.

Kura basin and run directly into Kura or the rivers of the Shirvan zone.[12]

The city is rich with chestnut and hazelnut trees.[2] Flora and Fauna of the district is rich. Deer and mountain tours, wild boar, hare, bears, wolves, foxes and numerous birds – pheasant, grouse, francolin, etc. can be found in the woods. These features attract hunters.[13]

Economy

The economy of Gabala is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some manufacturing industries, mainly for food preserves, tobacco and silkworm cocoon drying.[14][6] The city's main manufacturing companies are involved in engineering, construction, brewing and distilling and food manufacturing.[15][16] There is also "Beltmann" piano factory, whose piano-maker is Hans Leferink - the grandson of Johann Beltmann who, in 1901, founded a similar business in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.[17][18] Various factories operate in the district, such as juice factory and nut factory.

Tourism and shopping

Qabala is a tourist destination due to the combination of its spring climate, mountainous landscape, and diverse fauna.[19] There are many world-class hotels and resorts, most part of the Qafqaz chain.[20] Natural climatic conditions of the region create opportunities for the development of both summer and winter tourism in the region. The northern side of Qabala belongs to the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, the central part to Alazan-Haftaran valley, the southern part to Ajinohur upland. Furthermore, the highest mountain peak of the republic- Mount Bazarduzu (4466 meters) is situated in this region.[21]

Also located in Qabala is Yeddi Gozel Waterfall. The name means 'seven beauties' due to the seven stages of the falls but also reflecting a classic Nizami Ganjavi story. The waterfall, situated in woodlands west of Vandam, is climbed by thousands of people each year - the lower levels being accessible by stairways.[22]

The city contains "Qabaland" amusement park, an ice skating rink and a Greek-style theatre, rental houses, built especially for outside concerts.[23] Gabala also has several qebelede kiraye evler shopping malls.[24]

Qabala is home to the Tufandag Ski Complex, rated the best ski resort in Azerbaijan[25] and one of the foremost in the Caucasus.[26] The complex serves up to 3,000 people a day.[27]

Culture

Gabala International Music Festival.

Since 2009, city has been home of Gabala International Music Festival, which included performances from classical and jazz performers such as Al Jarreau and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.[28][29]

Gabala also boasts many museums such as Historical Ethnography Museum of Gabala and Gabala Cultural Centre, most notably featuring Folk Theatre named after Jalil Mammadguluzadeh.[30]

Landmarks

early warning radar
similar to the one deployed at Gabala.

Qabala is known for the ruins of an ancient walled city, Chukhur Gabala, dating back to the 4th century BC.[31] The city has a large war memorial, numerous ancient stone houses and the Rashidbek monument, which is shaped like a huge book.[2]

Another landmark is the large

Qabala Radar station, on the southern horizon as seen from Gabala, is one of only two Daryal-type missile early warning stations in the former USSR.[32]

Parks and gardens

Qabala has large sections of greenery either preserved by the National Government or designated as green zones. The city includes "Qabaland", which is the largest amusement park in Azerbaijan.[33]

Sports

The city has one professional

horse-racing tournaments.[35] As of 2013, there is Qabala Shooting Club functions in the city.[36]

Cuisine

The district has rich cuisine as other Azerbaijani regions.[citation needed] Popular local dishes include Qabala plov (rice), Dolma with nut, Dovga, Uchgulag, and types of chigirtma (chicken chigirtma, eggplant chigirtma [az], chigirtma plov [az], fresh green beans chigirtma, etc.).

Transport

Public transport

Qabala is linked by regular bus and minibus to Baku, and less frequently to other regional centres. Within the city there are three numbered minibus routes running once or twice an hour.

Air

Qabala Airport is around 20 km south of the city. There are twice weekly flights to Baku and international connections to Dubai and Russia.[37]

Education

There are 4 primary schools, 5 secondary schools and 4 special schools in the town.[38]

Healthcare

Qabala Central Regional Hospital is the largest hospital in the city, Qabala Children's Hospital and Qabala Treatment and Diagnostic Center, which specialises in rehabilitation and long-term illnesses and conditions.[39]

Regional media

During the USSR period, "Galibiyyat" newspaper was published in Qabala.

Currently, a group of young people created Gabalacity.net website which gives information about Qabala aiming to develop the tourism potential of the district.

Today "Qabala" newspaper is being published in the region which was first published on 15 October 1933 as "Bolshevik Mubarizi". Qabala Region Executive Power manages the publication of "Gabala" newspaper. Nadir Atakishiyev is leading the newspaper.[40]

Climate

Qabala has a humid continental climate (Dfa) close to the borderline of the humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Climate of Qabala is warm-temperate with dry winters in low areas, cold and damp in high mountains and the annual precipitation is 500–600 mm in the south, and up to 1600 mm in the northern high mountains.[21]

Climate data for Qabala
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 4.4
(39.9)
5.0
(41.0)
9.4
(48.9)
17.3
(63.1)
21.1
(70.0)
26.0
(78.8)
29.5
(85.1)
28.6
(83.5)
24.8
(76.6)
17.4
(63.3)
11.4
(52.5)
7.0
(44.6)
16.8
(62.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) −0.5
(31.1)
0.1
(32.2)
4.0
(39.2)
10.5
(50.9)
15.6
(60.1)
19.6
(67.3)
21.9
(71.4)
22.3
(72.1)
17.4
(63.3)
11.7
(53.1)
5.9
(42.6)
2.0
(35.6)
10.9
(51.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −3.9
(25.0)
−2.8
(27.0)
1.0
(33.8)
6.7
(44.1)
11.2
(52.2)
15.4
(59.7)
18.2
(64.8)
17.4
(63.3)
13.9
(57.0)
8.5
(47.3)
3.0
(37.4)
−1.4
(29.5)
7.3
(45.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 43
(1.7)
50
(2.0)
72
(2.8)
73
(2.9)
101
(4.0)
97
(3.8)
53
(2.1)
55
(2.2)
51
(2.0)
102
(4.0)
57
(2.2)
41
(1.6)
795
(31.3)
Average precipitation days 8 8 11 9 11 8 6 4 5 9 8 8 95
Source: NOAA[41]

Picture gallery

  • Gabaland amusement park
    Gabaland amusement park
  • Ancient Qabala fortress
    Ancient Qabala fortress
  • Archeological site of Qabala fortress
    Archeological site of Qabala fortress
  • Archeological excavations
    Archeological excavations
  • Archeological excavations in Qabala
    Archeological excavations in Qabala
  • Ceramic finds
    Ceramic finds
  • Qabala lake
    Qabala lake
  • Handcraft birds
    Handcraft birds
  • Handcrafting is a special form of art in Qabala
    Handcrafting is a special form of art in Qabala
  • Waterfall in Qabala
    Waterfall in Qabala

See also

References

  1. ^ "Azərbaycan Respublikası Qəbələ Rayon İcra Hakimiyyəti". www.qebele-ih.gov.az.
  2. ^ a b c "Gabala Travel Guide - Tours, Attractions and Things To Do". www.advantour.com.
  3. ^ "Belediyye Informasiya Sistemi" (in Azerbaijani). Archived from the original on 24 September 2008.
  4. ^ "6.2 Revisiting History: Ancient Gabala". azer.com.
  5. ^ AZERBAIJAN.TRAVEL. "Gabala - Visit Azerbaijan". azerbaijan.travel. Archived from the original on 1 June 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  6. ^ a b "Xəta 404 - Səhifə tapılmadı!". Azərbaycan Respublikası Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi.
  7. ^ "Azərbaycan Respublikası Qəbələ Rayon İcra Hakimiyyəti". www.qebele-ih.gov.az.
  8. ^ "History of Qabala". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  9. ^ "Президент Ильхам Алиев: Сегодня Габала стала одним из культурных и туристических центров Азербайджана". www.azeri.lv. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  10. ^ "The Third Turkic Council Summit Meeting was held in Gabala". www.mfa.gov.tr. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  11. ^ "Summit to See". www.thebusinessyear.com. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  12. ^ a b "The climate of the region". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  13. ^ "Gabala". Archived from the original on 8 September 2012. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  14. ^ "GABALA / QƏBƏLƏ". Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 6 December 2010.
  15. ^ "Wine Adventures of Italians in Qabala. Furor Magazine (March 2013)". www.aspiwinery.com. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  16. ^ "Infrastructure of Gabala". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  17. ^ ""Beltman" piano factory". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  18. ^ Beltmann website Archived 2 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  19. ^ Qəbələ rayonu on Qabala.aztelekom.org Archived 25 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine (in Azerbaijani)
  20. ^ "Recommended for you in Gabala". www.booking.com. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  21. ^ a b "Azerbaijan Republic Gabala Region Executive Power". Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  22. ^ Yeddi Gözəl[circular reference]
  23. ^ Machlachlan, Fiona. "Getting to know Dmitry Yablonsky". Visions of Azerbaijan. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
  24. ^ "Grand shopping center to be opened in Gabala". www.today.az. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  25. ^ "Ski resorts Azerbaijan - skiing in Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan)". www.skiresort.info.
  26. ^ "Mountain-skiing tourist complexes". azerbaijan.travel. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  27. ^ "Ilham Aliyev reviewed progress of construction of the "Tufan" summer and winter ski resort in Gabala". en.president.az. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  28. ^ "Gabala International Music Festival programme". news.az. Archived from the original on 1 August 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  29. ^ "Second International Music Festival officialy [sic] opens in Gabala". news.az. Archived from the original on 5 August 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
  30. ^ "Culture in Qabala". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  31. ^ "Paddy power casino in Canada review — Attemption of Cheating Machine". Archived from the original on 25 April 2009.
  32. ^ "Gabala Radar Station: "Somebody is watching us"". Archived from the original on 26 August 2009.
  33. ^ "Travel to Gabala". azerbaijan.travel. Archived from the original on 1 June 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2014.
  34. ^ "Tony Adams' grand plans for Azerbaijan". 11 May 2010 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  35. ^ ""Qəbələ" atıcılıq klubu Dünya Kubokunun finalına ev sahibliyi edəcək". az.trend.az (in Azerbaijani). 21 October 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  36. ^ "Target in Sight". www.thebusinessyear.com. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  37. ^ Yagubov, Elvin (25 July 2014). "New flight launched from Qabala to Moscow". apa.az/. Azeri-Press Agency (APA) LLC. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  38. ^ "Qəbələdə Təhsil". www.qebele-ih.gov.az (in Azerbaijani). Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  39. ^ "Healthcare in Gabala". www.qebele-ih.gov.az. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  40. ^ Qəbələ rayonu[circular reference]
  41. ^ "Qabala Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 22 March 2015.

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