azerbaijan legends of nature

Legends of NatureProtected Areas of the Southern Caucasus

AZERBAIJAN

Implemented by:

2 Azerbaijan

Shahdagh National Park

The King of Mountains - The largest National Park of the Southern Caucasus captivates visitors with the magnificent mountain world of Mount Shadagh and fascinating cultural diversity which has survived in the remoteness of the mountain valleys.2

Shahdagh

Hirkan National Park

Green Greetings from the Past - Hirkan National Park boasts forests which survived the Ice Age. Virtually untouched for millions of years, the vast woodlands have continued to flourish and proliferate in this protected hideaway. Page 18

Hirkan

Shirvan National Park

Desert Beauties - Shirvan National Park is Europe’s only natural habitat of goitered gazelles. This warm and dry world of semi-deserts is the most important area for these graceful beauties and is home to an amazing and surprisingly colourful bird life.Page 24

Shirvan

Aghgol National Park

White Feathered Aghgol - If there is any one area that can be called an international meeting place where birds have taken over, then it is this National Park. Find a lake and its shores dotted with herons, ibis, geese, ducks and flamingos.Page 12

Aghgol

Samur-Yalama National Park

Where Forests Meet the Sea - Situated along the coastline in the far north, Azerbaijan’s youngest National Park links the shores of the Caspian Sea with unique coastal forests and a cultural landscape. Page 20

Samur-Yalama

Zangazur National Park

A World Apart - Cut off from Azerbaijan’s mainland, Zangazur National Park is like an exotic island within Azerbaijan due to its special climate, rare animals and plants. Page 26

Zangazur

Goygol National Park

Picture-perfect Nature - A crystal clear lake which mirrors blue skies. Mountain tops above peaceful lush meadows and dense forests. Goygol, which means “blue lake”, is one of the most precious gems of Azerbaijan’s natural heritage. Page 16

Goygol

AbsheronNational Park

Small is Beautiful - Azerbaijan’s smallest member of the National Park family is an ideal refuge for wetland birds and is also home to the world’s smallest seal.Page 10

AbsheronAltiaghaj National Park

Cool Springs and Charming Valleys - Altiaghaj National Park enchants its visitors with mild temperatures, fresh air, lush forests, magnificent views and charming waters. Page 14

Altiaghaj

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The “Caucasus ecoregion”, including Azerbaijan, is a biological melting pot of animal and plant species originating in Europe, Asia and Africa. It also presents unique Caucasian characteristics found nowhere else in the world. Currently, 10% of the area of Azerbaijan is protected by law, but this natural treasure remains threatened and much work lies ahead to conserve it. We need to extend and create areas of protection, establish habitat corridors and develop transboundary approaches to management.

In Azerbaijan, the conservation and preservation of natural heritage is safeguarded by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR). Apart from matters related to nature protection such as conservation management, scientific research and environmental edu-cation, we also consider the development of sustainable tourism as an important issue, since it offers a promising potential for generating additional income while also enabling us to fulfil our responsibilities regarding the treasures of nature.

But apart from appreciating our heritage from a national point of view, it is essential that we also see our role in contributing to a vital network of protected areas in order to care for the Caucasus ecoregion as a whole. In this context we would like to thank the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and KfW Development Bank, both of which have been actively engaged in this field for more than a decade. Finally, this publication has only been possible thanks to the involvement and efficient teamwork of de-dicated individuals, agencies and organisations, all of whom deserve our thanks.

This publication contains feedback gained from regional and local representatives of con-servation and tourism bodies, protected areas and tour operators. Their contributions highlight the special qualities of protected areas and what they can offer to tourists willing to respect them. We are aware that the implementation of sustainable tourism is an on-going journey with many tasks to be fulfilled and we will continue in this direction. Finally, both sustainable tourism and the promotion of the idea of conserving our precious natural environment are essential for both the people living in the areas and the protection of bio-diversity.

This brochure is designed to generate enthusiasm for the wonders nature has created in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus ecoregion as a whole and to raise awareness for their protec-tion.

to Azerbaijan and the fascinating Caucasus region, one of the richest reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth.

WelcomeContEntS

Map............................................ 4

Azerbaijan Treasures to Discover –Treasures to Protect ................6

Absheron National Park ......................... 10

Aghgol National Park ......................... 12

Altiaghaj National Park ......................... 14

Goygol National Park ......................... 16

Hirkan National Park ......................... 18

Samur-YalamaNational Park ......................... 20

Shahdagh National Park ......................... 22

Shirvan National Park ......................... 24

Zangazur National Park ......................... 26

Useful Contacts ..................... 28

Imprint .................................. 31

Ministry of Ecology and natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan - MEnR

November 2015

Azerbaijan

4 Azerbaijan

Educational trails / theme trails

Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Guided tours

organized tours over several days

Hiking

Climbing / mountaineering

Cycling / mountain biking

Horse trekking

Cross-country skiing, ski-touring

Boating

Swimming

nature accommodation

Visitor centre

Museum

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Virgin marVel: lush forest, samur-Yalama national Park,

azerbaijan.

birds` Paradise: little egrets, aghgol national Park,

azerbaijan.

bubbling wonders: mud Volcanoes, shirVan

national Park, azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan

The ecoregion of the Caucasus has many sto-ries to tell. Caucasian temperate forests show the greatest biological diversity of their kind worldwide. Vast primary forests untouched by human cultivation can still be found here and, in the case of the so-called colchic forest, some trees and shrubs can even be traced back to geological times long before human existence.

The reason for the outstanding biodiversity of the Caucasus ecoregion lies in its extraordina-ry location. The whole region, which is about the size of the Iberian Peninsula, is situated be-tween the Black Sea and Caspian Sea and is thus at a fascinating cultural and biological crossroads covering parts of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Iran. Plant and animal species show a stunning mix of European, Asian and African influences and have furthermore developed unique Caucasi-an representatives such as the west and east Caucasian tur, Caucasian black grouse, Cau-

casian salamander and special varieties of rhododendron.

Divided by the South Caucasus depression, the ecoregion comprises two main mountain chains - the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus mountains in the south, which also surround the volcanic South-ern Highlands. Caucasian landscapes are characterized by high mountain sceneries and colourful alpine meadows, rivers and gorges, wetlands and lakes, steppes and semi-deserts. There is a rapid change of altitudes ranging from areas below sea-level to high-mountain peaks of more than 5,000 metres. This has resulted in an amazing mix of climatic condi-tions, further enhanced by the area‘s location between the two seas. Nine of eleven major climate zones worldwide are present in the Caucasus. So the Caucasus is home to Mount Mtirala, the rainiest place in Europe with an annual rainfall of 4.5 metres, and dry semi-deserts where gazelles and reptiles live.

Protected areas in the Caucasus (IUCN category)

n Strict Nature Reserves / State Reserves (Ia) indicate that priority is given to scientific re-search. They are defined as areas of high ecological, scientific, and historical-cultural value endowed with special beauty and resources. The natural environment may develop without direct human intervention. Access is limited primarily to scientific research and some edu-cational activities. However, visitors have been granted partial access in the last years.

n National Parks (mostly II) are areas of special ecological, historical-cultural and aesthe-tic interest. They consist of natural and cultural landscapes and involve human activities along with nature protection issues. National parks require a zoning system with areas specially designated for strict protection, recreational and economic activities.

n Natural Monuments (III) aim to conserve unique or typical natural objects of special scientific or historical-cultural value.

n Sanctuaries / State Reservations / Managed Nature Reserves (mostly IV) aim at conser-vation through management intervention. The focus is on special habitats and species for conservation and reproduction. Today’s sanctuaries often go back to ancient hunting re-serves, which are now transformed under new objectives making them into landscape, botanical or zoological sanctuaries.

n Protected Landscapes (V) indicate the protection and management of areas where the interaction of people and nature has produced a distinct character of aesthetic, ecological or cultural value. Maintaining the traditional interaction, conservation and recreation are major objectives of this protected area category.

Come and enjoy the fascinating world of the Caucasus ecoregion. Magnificent colours, wild contrasts, misty forests and wide open spaces will inspire you to listen to nature’s legends and stories.

Treasures to Discover – Treasures to Protect

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The natural patchwork has produced a diver-sity of plants and animals which is twice as great as that of neighbouring European and Asian regions. Scientific assessments have identified 6,500 different vascular plants, at least a quarter of which are unique to the re-gion, while 400 species of bird, 150 species of mammal, 130 species of fish and more than 80 species of reptile have been listed.

Hotspot for protectionHowever, the ecological situation is far from ideal. Only about a quarter of the region remains in good natural condition. Many species are threatened and their habitats have shrunk. The Caucasian leopard still lives in the Caucasus but is endangered. The bezoar goat, Caucasian chamois, bear-ded vulture and golden eagle can still be spotted but are declining in numbers. Eco-nomic overuse, hunting and poaching are major threats to the natural resources. More- over, financial resources are limited and awareness of the richness of the region and

the need for its protection are only starting to develop.

This is the reason why Conservation Interna-tional has classified the Caucasus as one of the globe’s 25 most diverse and endangered “biodiversity hotspots” and why it is amongst the WWF “Global 200” regions, which are defined as the most biologically diverse.

naturally cross-borderCurrently, 10% of the Caucasus ecoregion is under legislative protection of some kind. However, it still faces severe threats and there are many tasks to carry out in the future. The full range of biodiversity of the Caucasus is not protected at the moment. There is the need to enlarge and establish new areas for protection. Moreover, it will be essential to go beyond a national approach and further de-velop a vital network in order to support habi-tat corridors and effective transboundary management.

Some guidelinesfor visitors n Stay on the marked and signposted trails.n Pay attention to trail markers.n Respect the guidelines and advice provided by your guide or the park administration.n Take your litter and cigarette ends home. Even when buried, they damage the landscape.n Admire the plants, but do not damage them. Leave plants, rocks and natural objects as you find them.n Be silent and leave animalsin peace.n Only light fires in locations specifically designated for this purpose.n Enjoy the use of non-smoking shelters and respect non-smo-king rules.n Leave shelters clean and take your rubbish home.n Take special care in fog. Always use proper walking boots, raingear and a hat.n Finally, enjoy the wonderful sounds of nature – do not make unnecessary noise.

out of africa! euroPe’s onlY natural habitat of goitered gazelles,shirVan national Park, azerbaijan.

8 Azerbaijan

International supportThe past 10 years have seen a remarkable ex-pansion of protected areas in the Caucasus ecoregion. A number of international program-mes and initiatives have helped in assisting and financing protection issues and have fos-tered cross-border approaches. International bodies which actively engage in the Caucasus ecoregion include the governments of Germa-ny, Norway, and of the United States, multilate-ral organisations such as the EU, the Global Environment Facility and UNEP, international NGOs such as WWF and IUCN as well as na-ture conservation trust funds such as CNF, private companies and scientific institutions.

German Cooperation in the Caucasus EcoregionThe German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has a history of active cooperation with the environ-mental sector in the Southern Caucasus coun-tries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. The “Ecoregional Nature Protection Programme for the Southern Caucasus”, financed by the BMZ through KfW Development Bank, serves as a key instrument of this cooperation and focuses on the protection of biodiversity in the region. It aims at harmonizing protection objectives and instruments in a cross-border approach with sustainable socio-economic development and local participation as major guiding principles. The programme is supported by three main pillars:

(1) investments in Protected areasThis pillar serves to support the protected are-as in the Caucasus ecoregion through invest-ments aimed at establishing and developing individual areas. The investments lead to im-provements in management plans and infra-structure (including administrative headquar-ters, visitor centres and walking trails) and are also used for training measures directed at ad-ministrative staff. The investments additionally support socio-economic developments in local communities living near the protected areas.

(2) the caucasus nature fund - cnfTo ensure the sustainability of direct invest-ments in the protected areas, the Federal Re-public of Germany also provides financial support to the “Caucasus Nature Fund” (CNF), thus addressing the problem caused by a lack of long-term financing for the opera-tional costs of the protected areas.CNF is a conservation trust fund working in public-private partnership with the national governments. CNF’s aim is to stop the loss of biodiversity by providing long-term funding for protected areas in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, improving management practi-ces, and promoting sustainable development. In addition to the support of the German government, CNF is widely supported by ma-jor conservation organisations including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Conser-vation International and the Critical Ecosys-

looking for a better future: the caucasian leoPard.

The endangered Caucasian leopard is a flagship species of the Caucasus Ecoregion. It is the subject of major conservation efforts under-taken by WWF in coopera-tion with the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group, NGOs and regional experts. National Action Plans for the leopard have been set up in order to create protected space for the predator and to protect it from poachers. More than a decade of conserva-tion work is now showing promising results with recent leopard sightings in some protected areas like Zangazur National Park in Azerbaijan.

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nature close uP. camPing in the remote caucasian highlands.

tem Partnership Fund. Find out how you can donate and help protect the magnificent natural world of the Caucasus: www.caucasusnaturefund.org

(3) the transboundary joint secretariat - tjsThe third pillar provides support to the “Trans-boundary Joint Secretariat”. It complements the cooperation between Germany and the Southern Caucasus countries, benefiting pro-tected areas in the ecoregion through trans-boundary cooperation and harmonization of national policies. The TJS works to put impor-tant regional aspects and international know-ledge on biodiversity on the national agen-das.

the World Wide Fund for nature - WWFWWF focuses strategically on places and spe-cies which are particularly important for the conservation of the earth’s biodiversity. In the early 1990s, WWF started implementing na-ture conservation projects in the Caucasus.

WWF has also been involved in eleborating the first „Ecoregional Conservation Plan for the Caucasus“. Based on detailed assess-ments by more than 140 experts of all six Caucasus countries, it defines threats and priorities for conservation. The plan is now ready in its second revised edition of 2012. With its long- and midterm targets and ac-tions, it will help those involved in conserva-tion to plan and coordinate their activities in the entire ecoregion.

on the way to sustainable tourism Sustainable tourism has the potential to play a major role in the future protection of the Caucasus ecoregion. It can help the local eco-nomy to generate additional income while si-multaneously providing support on protection issues. In order to fulfill this objective, it will be necessary to foster sustainable regional tourism development which reflects the needs of the area in cooperation with local stakeholders. On this basis, tourism can be guided in a sustaina-ble, resulting in carefully planned visitor servi-ces, the well-being of the population and gre-ater awareness of the natural and cultural heritage.

Azerbaijan’s Green TreasuresAzerbaijan is home to many of the natural treasures of the Caucasus ecoregion. Landscapes vary between high mountain ranges rising up to more than 4,000 metres, dense ancient forests, vast mountain steppes, wide river lowlands, dry semi-deserts, and a sandy coastline. Moreover, there are fascinating geological features such as famous mud volcanoes and lasting flames fed by underground gas fields.

There are at least eight different climate types in Azerbaijan, which have shaped the country into a mosaic of landscapes and created an extraordinary high level of biological diversity. With more than 4,500 plant species, over 60 percent of the Cauca-sian flora species are present in Azerbaijan. 240 of all species are endemic or relic. The fauna comprises almost 400 species of birds and more than 110 different mammals.

The history of protected areas in Azerbaijan dates back to the 1930s, when the first nature reserves of Goygol, Zagatala, and Gizilaghaj were established. A major revision of the environmental legislation in 1969 resulted in the foundation of another seven nature reserves, amongst them Shirvan, Aghgol and Altiaghaj, which became Azerbaijan’s first National Parks in 2003 and 2004. Since the beginning of the millennium, the protected areas have been almost doubled in size. Today Azerbaijan has nine National Parks, eleven State Nature Reserves and 24 Sanctuaries which cover 10.4 percent of the country.

Moreover, Azerbaijan - the “Land of Fire” – has a rich cultural history, local life and traditions for visitors to discover. The Great Silk Road, which runs through the country, inspired Strabo, Marco Polo and Alexandre Dumas, and has left its traces in the settlements along the way. An exploration of the cultural heritage leads you to ancient rock paintings, fire temples, and fortifi-cations. You will meet hospitable locals, sample local cuisine, encounter traditional crafts like carpet weaving and copper craft and come across rare languages which have survived in some of the remote corners of the Caucasus.

Before your visitEcotourism in Azerbaijan’s National Parks provides the chance to combine nature conservation with economic benefits for the local population. Nevertheless, please be aware that protected areas are often situated in remote places with limited access and tourism infrastructure. Ecotourism in Azerbaijan is in the early stage of development. Accommodation will often be possible in simple guesthouses or in the private homesof hospitable locals, who will also be a perfect source of information about the area.

Please note that there are strict regulations concerning access to National Parksin Azerbaijan. For those Parks which are open to visitors, access is only possibleif you buy a ticket in advance. Tickets can be booked online at: http://e-xidmet.eco.gov.az//?lang=en.

Permits and bank transfers can take serveral weeks so it is advisable to book well in advance of your visit. Please have your payment receipt and your identity card ready for display at the park entrance. During your visit inside the National Park you will be accom-panied by a National Park guide. Check the website of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the respective National Parks to find out about current regulations and ecotourism opportunities. (see “Useful Contacts”, p. 28) http://www.eco.gov.az/en/milliparklar.php

10 Absheron

Small is Beautiful - Azerbaijan’s smallest member of the national Park family is an ideal refuge for wetland birds and is also home to the world’s smallest seal.

Situated on “land’s end” of the Absheron penin-sula, the National Park is a popular place for ducks, gulls, terns and passerines to rest and breed.

The narrow strip with its semi-deserts may seem bleak at first sight. But take a closer look and you will discover the very special flora of the salt marshes, spot the white blossoms of field bind-weed in the sand and maybe even the tracks of foxes and jackals. Amphibians and reptiles such as the Caspian turtle, green toad, lake frog and water snake love Absheron’s sunny dry spots, its

shallow lagoons and the quiet peace of the peninsula’s tip.

The Caspian seal migrates every year. The ice floes in the northern Caspian Sea are its bree-dings grounds in winter and the sand banks of the south serve as its summer home. Due to hunting, fishing and pollution, its population has declined to worrying numbers. It was mainly for the survival of this rare species that Absheron State Nature Reserve was established in 1969. This reserve was the predecessor of today’s Na-tional Park, founded 36 years later.

Absheron National Park

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: East Azerbaijan, Absheron RegionSize: 783 hectares Altitude: at sea level Year of establishment: 2005

Landscape: Sandy shores, shallow lagoons, salt marshes, wetlands, semi-deserts

Flora: Field bindweed, hawksbeard, wild carrot, ephedra, rush, sea-lavender, common reed, Indian plantain, tamarisk

Fauna: Caspian seal, jackal, Mediterranean tortoise, water snake, white-tailed sea eagle, great black-headed gull

Accommodation: Hotels, guestrooms/apartments, Baku

How to get there:60-70 km from Baku, 40-50 mins by car, 70-80 mins by mini-bus/bus

In touch with nature

With a bit of luck you can watch Caspian seals on the sand banks of “Seal Cape” from May to August. If you want to gain interesting insights into Absheron’s natural world, join a National Park guide for a hike to the observation tower to watch water birds andto find out more about wildlife and flora.

Be Part of it - Events

Don’t miss novruz, the traditional holiday to welcome the arrival of spring and nature’s awakening. The programme in Gala Reserve ranges from mimes and traditional performan-ces with athletes and rope-walkers, to satirical songs, dances and music.

did you know

... that the Caspian Sea is a remnant of the former open Tethys Sea? When it lost its connection to the Arctic waterways 1.3 million years ago, it became the world’s biggest water body surrounded by a land mass. Thus isolated, the Caspian seal developed into a unique, very small variety of its kind with a maximum size of 1.50 m.

Historical Places

Ateshgah, the “temple of fire”, once known for its everlasting flame, lies in the settlement of Surakhany 30 kms

from Baku. Legend has it that the temple goes back to times when

followers of Zarathustra worshipped the God of light here. However, today’s

temple was constructed during a much later era, namely the early 18th century. Due to extensive exploitation of the underground gas fields during

Soviet times, the ongoing flame expired, but it is still relit today for

tourism purposes.

The 800-year old village of Gala is situated further eastwards on the

route, in the middle of the peninsula. It was once an important stop on a trade

route to Baku and was known for sheep breeding and salt extraction. When its wells ran dry in the 1920s

and 1930s, the inhabitants emigrated to the neighbouring village, leaving

behind a cultural heritage which includes mediaeval mosques, bath houses, water pipes and reservoirs, mausoleums and dwelling houses.

Today, Gala is home to the “Gala State Historical-Ethnographic Reserve”, a 156 hectare open air museum with

archaeological monuments of the Absheron, which were dismantled and

rebuilt here. Moreover, the Absheron Bronze Age rock art impresses visitors. Craft traditions like pottery and carpet weaving are demonstrated in restored buildings. Join a guided tour for a real

discovery.

Wildlife watching accessto observation tower with National Park guide

Hiking accompanied by National Park guide

Visitor centres visitor receptionand small photo exhibition in the administration building

Museum Gala State Historical-Ethnographic Reserve

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Aghgol is one of the most important wintering and nesting areas worldwide for endangered water-marsh birds. The numbers recorded are remarkable. It is hard to imagine how the National Park can cope with monitoring if one considers that this involves figures of more than 100,000 wintering birds and more than 90 species that nest in this oasis.

The lake and its shores are dotted with herons, ibis, flamingos, ducks and geese and it is because of this abundance of plumage that the place was called Aghgol, which means “white lake”. The colony of breeding waders comprises twelve different species,

including all existing varieties of herons. In winter, 3,000 white-headed ducks and more than 500 snow geese enjoy the peace of shallow lake waters. The surrounding reed belt and grasslands are home to the jungle cat.

Another gem of the Park‘s ecosystem are the steppes and semi-deserts around the lake. Come in May or June, and find the plains covered with red poppies and yellow daisies. In summer you can observe thousands of bee-eaters and in winter 50,000 little bustards - 10 percent of the entire global population spend the winter in Aghgol.

White Feathered Aghgol – If there is any one area that can be called an international meeting place where birds have taken over, then it is thisnational Park.

Aghgol National Park

Aghgol

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: Central Azerbaijan, Aghjabadi and Beylagan RegionsSize: 17,924 hectaresAltitude: -8 m to 4 m Year of establishment: 2003

Landscape: Wetlands, reed belts, semi-desert

Flora: Common reed, holly-leaved water nymph, fennel pondweed, curly-leaved pondweed, mugwort, halostachys caspica, halocnemum strobilaceum, kalidium capsicum, petrosimonia branchiata

Fauna: Various varieties of heron, ibis, duck, goose; flamingo, pelican, little bustard, coot, mallard, snipe;white-tailed sea eagle, collared racer, Mediterranean tortoise, European green toad, Syrian spadefoot, gazelle, jungle cat

Accommodation: Small hotels in Agjabadi and Beylagan, guestrooms/farm accommodation in the vicinity of the National Park

How to get there: 374 km from Baku, 4:30-5 hrs by car


Visitors accompanied by a National Park guide can explore the park on five routes. The ten metre observation towers afford excellent views of the biotopes; binoculars and telescopes are provided. Moreover, birdwatchers can observe birds from the dam close to the park’s entrance or from the surrounding hills, but also during a walk along the channels or a boat trip on the lake.

did you know

… that the jungle cat can swim and even dive to catch fish? However, the

cat’s main hunting grounds are on land in the thick reed belts and

grasslands, the perfect hiding place for stalking small rodents, birds and frogs. But a jump in the water is a handy way to disguise their scent and evade nasty

hunters.

Wildlife watching

Guided tours

Visitor centre National Park administration building, Agjabadi city

nature accommodationsmall tents in specified places

Museum fauna & flora, history & ethnography, Agjabadi city

Hiking along the lakeand channels

Horse trekking riding along the lake

Boating

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Be Part of it – Events

The national holiday novruz is a pagan festival dating back at least three thousand years to celebrate the arrival of spring. Beginning on 20th March, it goes on for several days and ends with festive public dancing and entertain-ment including folk bands and contests of national sports. The celebrations start four weeks prior to the festival on every Tuesday when one of the four elements – water, fire, earth and wind – is highlighted.National dishes, especially pilaf, play a key role in the celebrations. Neighbours and friends visit each other and gifts are given, especially to the poor and elderly. Many sweets and desserts are served, including shakarbura, pakhlava, sweet bread, raisins, pistachios, and almonds. The tables are set with seven items symbolizing life and fertility, all of which begin with the letter “s”, such as: su (water), süd (milk), sǝmǝni (green wheat sprouts), sünbül (wheat spikes), siyənək balıgı (herring), or süzmə (filtrated yoghurt). In the evenings, people build bonfires in their yards, and light a candle for each family member.

14 Altiaghaj

Cool Springs and Charming Valleys - Altiaghaj national Park enchants visitors with mild temperatures, fresh air, lush forests, magnificent views and charming waters.

Altiaghaj National Park

Altiaghaj National Park, on the south-eastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, is a popular destination for Baku citizens. Soft hills and the green valleys of the Atachay and its tributaries characterize the Park. A walk along the char-ming river leads past various cool springs and through enchanting oak forests, one of the rea-sons why this area was protected as a State Nature Reserve and National Park in 2004.

A climb up to Dubrar Peak (2,205 m) provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Park with Khaltan, Mujug, Jimi and surrounding villages and the opportunity to sample the ice-cold water of Dubar spring. Most of the landscape is covered with diverse broadleaf forests and in autumn the visitor will be rewarded with stun-ning scenery in the brightest colours, especially in the areas of Yarimja and Khalaj.

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: North-east Azerbaijan, Khizi and Siyazan RegionsSize: 11,035 hectares Altitude: 800 m – 2,200 m Year of establishment: State Nature Reserve 1990, National Park 2004

Landscape: Middle and high mountain landscapes, cool springs, alpine meadows, rivers

Flora: Forests, Caucasian oak, European hornbeam, oriental beech, common ash, silver birch, hawthorn, blackberry, medlar, Christ’s thorn, dog rose

Fauna: Brown bear, fox, marten, wolf, wood pigeon, quail, goatsucker, steppe eagle, partridge, ouzel, various species of diurnal birds of prey

Accommodation: Guesthouses/private accommodation in Khizi city, Altiaghaj, Khalaj, Yarimja, Gizilgaz-ma, Bakhishli villages; hotels in Altiaghaj, Jannat baghi, Shefa bulagi, Gizilgazma

How to get there: 110 km from Baku, 1:30 hrs by car, 1:40 hrs by mini-bus/bus


There are attractive walks into the mountains and along the river Atachay to Gizilgazma. The bright colours are radiant in autumn, but March to June is also a good time to visit. Then one can enjoy sweeping mountain meadows with flowering primroses, orchids and gladioli. Five waymarked routes have been established. Maps and tour guide services are available at the National Park entrance. Here you can get binoculars, compasses, bicycles and tents. Those who want to truly commune with nature, can spend the night in the midst of the park and listen to the howls of wolves. Inquire with the Park administration for further information about designated campsites and guestrooms in the National Park station.

Altiaghaj village is part of the National Park and attracts visitors with its old houses, small shops, private accommodation and a hotel. A cable car takes visitors up the mountain to enjoy a lovely view and a coffee.

Historical Places

The sacred mountain of Beshbarmag lies not far from Khizi. Its giant stone

fingers projecting from the hilltop have always impressed travellers. It is

likely that you will meet priests and pilgrims if you climb the steps up to its highest finger. There is a mosque

at the foothill and a shrine to the prophet Khidir on top. In addition to

its benign spirits, the summit will reward visitors with a fantastic

panoramic view of the Caspian Sea and the mountain ranges of the

Caucasus.

did you know

… that the word “Altiaghaj” derives from the ancient measure aghaj, which is about seven kilometres?

During the Middle Ages, the village of Altiaghaj was used as a resting point

on a caravan route between Shamakhi and Guba. To indicate distances for

the travellers, a tree was planted every seven kilometres. Altiaghaj still reflects the measure in its name, which indica-

tes that it is six (alti) trees away from Shamakhi, a distance of 42 kilometres.

Educational / theme trails

Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Guided tours for school/student groups

Visitor centre National Park admin-istration building, 4 km from Khizi village

organized tours over several days on environment, ethnography

nature accommodation guestroomsat the National Park station, camping in designated places

Museum exhibition hall in the visitor centre

Hiking


Horse trekking

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Protection started in 1925 when Goygol was esta-blished as Azerbaijan’s first State Nature Reserve. By 2008 it was designated as a National Park and had doubled its surface area. Goygol is part of the Lesser Caucasus. Deep valleys, long watersheds and slopes in all variations shape the landscape. Vultures soar above its rocky massifs, which reach heights of more than 3,000 metres. Botanists will love the abundant alpine and subalpine meadows

as well as the lush forests where more than 80 species of trees and shrubs can be found, among them the rare Caucasian pine.

Medicinal plants like eglantine, violet and camo-mile are collected by locals on traditional holidays. You will enjoy the aromatic violet tea and jam, as well as local drinks produced in Goygol’s wine fac-tory.

Picture-perfect nature - A crystal clear lake which mirrors blue skies. Mountain tops above peaceful lush meadows and dense forests. Goygol, which means “blue lake”, is one of the most precious gems of Azerbaijan’s natural heritage.

Goygol National Park

Goygol

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: West Azerbaijan, Goygol, Dashkasan and Goranboy RegionsSize: 12,755 hectaresAltitude: 1,100 m – 3,724 m Year of establishment: 2008

Landscape: Mountain forests, mountain meadows, lakes, rocky massifs, mountain lakes

Flora: Oriental beech, oriental oak, Caucasian pine, Caucasian hornbeam, white birch, eglantine, Caucasian violet, dandelion, camomile, wood bluegrass

Fauna: Caucasian red deer, roe deer, bezoar goat, brown bear, lynx, booted eagle, golden eagle, falcons, bearded vulture

Accommodation: Private accommo-dation in Chaykand, Togana, Azgilli and Garabulag villagesAccommodation options will soon be made available inside the National Park. Inquire at the Park administration to find out about current developments.

How to get there:390 km from Baku, 6 hrs by car, 7-8 hrs by mini-bus/bus, 10-11 hrs by train


Visitors can take walking tours on hiking trails to discover the fascinating landscape of mountain lakes and forests in the National Park. On top of newly developed ecotourism facilities, there are also cafés and restaurants where visitors can rest and enjoy a refreshment.

Outside the National Park’s borders lies Mount Kapaz, which provides beautiful views and is an ideal place for a picnic. “Jannatma-kan” recreation centre in Togana welcomes visitors with guestrooms. Small cafes serving delicious food can be found along the way to the centre.

Historical Places

The Goygol area is also rich in cultural monuments. More than 30

registered monuments can be found in the villages around the Park,

including Bronze Age graves and mediaeval arched stone bridges.

Goygol city has a “German street” with a “Lutheran” church and houses

all of which were built in the 19th century by German settlers from Swabia who specialized in wine

growing. Viktor Klein was the last inhabitant with German roots. He

died in 2007 and his house is to be converted into a museum.

did you know

… that lake Goygol and the other seven lakes of the National Park were

created by a major earthquake in 1139? It shattered Mount Kapaz so

powerfully that huge mountain blocks broke off its top, tumbled down and

blocked the waters of Agsuchay river.

organized tours of several days in the surrounding areas

Hiking in the surrounding areas

nature accommodation guestrooms at “Jannatmakan” recreation centre, Togana

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18 Hirkan

Green Greetings from the Past - Hirkan national Park boasts forests which survived the Ice Age. Virtually untouched for millions of years, the vast woodlands have continued to flourish and proliferate in this protected hideaway.

Hirkan National Park

Due to the stunning diversity and unique-ness of its species, Hirkan is on the top list of broadleaf forests of the temperate zone in Europe and Asia. You will find trees which exist nowhere else in the world on a hiking tour: Look out for the special chest-nut-leaved oak and the ironwood tree as well as for Hyrcanian figs and pears. Orien-tal beech trees and box trees predominate in the higher parts up to 1,000 metres.

There is no need to mention that this is also a paradise for wildlife. Attentive visitors can discover a wide range of bird species, find the horny quills of porcupines or occasio-nally even bear tracks. Moreover, the Cau-casian leopard has found refuge in the Park’s undisturbed forests, one of the rea-sons why this protected area is of major importance.

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: South-east Azerbaijan, Lankaran and Astara RegionsSize: 40,358 hectaresAltitude: 21.4 m – 1,818 m Year of establishment: State Nature Reserve 1936, National Park 2004

Landscape: Forested lower plains, foothills and mountains

Flora: Iron tree, chestnut-leaved oak, cottonwood, box tree, Hyrcanian broom, ilex, Hyrcanian pear, mimosa, Hyrcanian zelkova

Fauna: Indian porcupine, wolf, fox, golden jackal, brown bear, badger, common otter, jungle cat, lynx, Caucasian leopard, roe deer

Accommodation:Recreation centres with cottages on the border of the National Park and on the bank of Lankaran river along the Lerik highway; hotels in Lankaran and Astara

How to get there: 286 km from Baku, 5 hrs by car, 5 hrs by mini-bus/bus, 9 hrs by train


The National Park organizes a variety of excursions along various routes suited to visitors’ needs, available time, physical ability, age and interests. You can collect the information from the administration centre prior to your tour or choose to be accompa-nied by a guide. A pleasant hike from the southern entrance at Zungulash leads past chestnut-leaved oaks, iron trees and box trees to Istisu where you can relax and take a bath in the hot pools.

Meet the People

Lankaran is famous for its craft products like carpets, hats, baskets decorated with traditional patterns, and beautifully embroidered hand-

woven cloths. Some women offer craftwork tailored to the customer‘s

wishes.

The area is also well known for the longevity of its inhabitants. Here it is not extraordinary to live to 110 years old and beyond. Most of the people

who live here are Talysh, one of Azerbaijan‘s largest ethnic groups,

which has preserved its own language and traditions.

Due to the region’s warm temperate climate, many fruits are cultivated in the lowlands and the area is famous

for its cuisine. Try delicious dishes like lavangi - chicken stuffed with nuts, cherry plums and onions. A desert with feijoa, a fruit which is

reminiscent of pineapple and strawberry, and a glass of aromatic

local tea will round off your meal perfectly.

did you know

… that the iron tree really deserves its name because its wood is so heavy

that it sinks in water? It finds ideal living conditions in Hirkan, can live to 200 years and can grow to a height of

25 metres. If its multiple branches touch each other or a neighbouring

tree, they can grow together.

Educational / theme trailsinformation boards

Guided tours

organized tours of several days programmes with day trips

Hiking

Horse trekking

Visitor centre National Park administ-ration building, Burcali village; visitor centre, Zungulash park entrance

Museum History and ethnography museums in Lankaran and Astara

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The forest of Samur-Yalama is the only one in the country which reaches down to the seashore. The woodland is home to a wide mix of broad-leaf trees such as oak, horn-beam, alder, and poplar. As it is one of the few remaining relict coastal forests, it has sustained tree species like the long stem oak, which date far back into the geological past.

Forests make up most of the National Park, which is a true patchwork of natural and cultural landscapes. Besi-des the characteristic lowland forests you will find fields, gardens, hayfields and pastures. Further into the country,

the forest scenery is interwoven with creeks, rivers and springs which have shaped beautiful ravines.

Wetlands and marine areas provide important habitats and spawning grounds for endangered fish, which migrate from the coast up the rivers. Breeding areas for rare bird species have been designated as zones for special protection.

Part of the patchwork is formed by Muqtedir, Nabran and Turist, Azerbaijan’s most popular seaside resorts, which are situated along the coastal strip and surrounded by Samur-Yalama’s beautiful forests.

Where Forests Meet the Sea - Situated along the coastline in the far north, Azerbaijan’s youngest national Park links the shores of the Caspian Sea with unique coastal forests and a cultural landscape.

Samur-Yalama National Park

Samur-Yalama

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: North-east Azerbaijan, Guba-Khachmaz Region, Khachmaz DistrictSize: 11,772 hectares Altitude: -15 to 65 m Year of establishment: 2012

Landscape: Plains with fields, gardens, pastures and hayfields; semi-deserts, seashore zones with interlinked beaches & forests, fresh water springs

Flora: Oak, hornbeam, poplar and alder forests, long stem oak, chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian hornbeam, white acacia

Fauna: Oriental chub, brook trout, rudd, Merga’s stone loach, Greek tortoise, black stork, osprey, sparrow hawk, eastern hedgehog, golden jackal, fox, raccoon, wild boar

Accommodation: High category hotels in the area of Khachmaz; hotels, guesthouses, camping, cottages in the area between Muqtedir, Nabran and Turist; guesthouses/private accommodation in villages

How to get there: 180 km from Baku, 2:30 hrs by car, 3 hrs by mini-bus/bus

All in development


Samur-Yalama is a very young National Park and its ecotourism facilities are still being developed. Plans include a visitor centre with exhibitions and modern media, an observa-tion tower, trails through wetlands, forests and cultivated landscape. The agro-forestry trail will be designed for walking, cycling and horse carriages. Visitors can experience the village activities and learn about the manage-ment of orchards, pastures and hayfields, animal breeding or the local production of clay bricks and woven wooden fences.

Meet the People

The area of Khachmaz is known as a “fruit paradise”. It is said that locals

don’t need money because they have enough vegetables and fruit in their gardens. You will find seasonal fruit for sale along the Nabran-Yalama-

Khudat road, where locals sell their produce. Particularly, the big red

Khachmaz cherries are famous for their sweet and juicy flavour. More-

over, you will find fruit juices and fruit vinegar as well as delicious mixtures of the two. A string with dried pears and walnuts called rasa symbolizes

the beauty and wealth of a house and is given as a gift to guests.

did you know

… that the riverbeds of Samur-Yalama National Park provide important

spawning grounds for the endangered Caspian trout? From November to

February mature trout which live in the brackish waters of the Caspian Sea migrate up the rivers to where they

can find clear, cold mountain waters. During the subsequent period from

October to January, they begin to spawn on the bottom of the riverbeds,

where they protect their eggs with gravel. After incubating their eggs for about four weeks, the trout return to the sea. The Caspian trout is one of

the largest in the world. In the area of Samur-Yalama it can grow to more

than 90 cm.


Birdwatching

Guided tours

organized tours of several days

Hiking

Cycling

Horse trekking

Visitor centre in the National Park administration building, near Khudat

Museum exhibition hall in visitor centre

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22 Shahdagh

the King of Mountains - the largest national Park of the Southern Caucasus captivates visitors with the magnificent mountain world of Shahdagh - which means “the king of mountains” – and fascinating cultural diversity which has survived in the remoteness of the mountain valleys.

Shahdagh National Park

Azerbaijan’s highest peaks – Mount Bazarduzu, Mount Shahdagh and Mount Tufandag - each of which is more than 4,000 metres high, are situated in Shah-dagh National Park. Ecosystems change with altitudes from the lower plains and foothills, river valleys and gorges up to rocky peaks covered with snow and gla-ciers. Hikers will pass through lush forests with Iberian and oriental oak, oriental beech and Caucasian horn-

beam. In the higher zone, the scenery opens out onto a fantastic mountain panorama and endless alpine meadows with colourful wildflowers. With a bit of luck you can observe Caucasian chamois or hear the Cau-casian snowcock whistle from a rock at dawn. As a lo-cal guide book puts it: “Once you are up here, you are a part of mountain life. Listen to your heart and your soul and look around you with your eyes wide open.”

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FACtS And FIGURESLocation: North-east Azerbaijan, Guba, Gusar, Ismayilly, Gabala, Oghuz and Shamakhy Regions Size: 130,500.5 hectaresAltitude: 550 m – 4,466 m Year of establishment: 2006

Landscape: Forests, broad-leaved woods, high mountains, foothills, alpine meadows

Flora: Iberian and eastern oak, eastern beech, Caucasian hornbeam, ash, yew, medlar, hawthorn, blackberry, eglantine

Fauna: Caucasian snowcock, Caucasian black grouse, bearded vulture, golden eagle, brown bear, lynx, roe deer, red deer, Caucasian chamois, East Caucasian tur

Accommodation: High category hotels in the areas of Gabala & Guba; hotels/small hotels/guesthouses/ in the areas of Oguz, Gabala, Ismayilli, Lahij, Shamakhi, Guba & Gusar

How to get there:165 km from Baku, 2 hrs by car, 2:30 hrs by mini-bus/bus


Shahadagh National Park is ideal for hiking, mountaineering and horse trekking. The route from Khinalig to Laza is known as one of the highlights of Azerbaijan’s nature experience. A tour to climb Mount Shahdagh takes two to four days on various routes and grades of difficulty. Tour guides are available and horses can be hired in Khinalig and Laza. Other access points to the National Park are Ismayilli, Gabala and Oguz. If you want to go hiking in the Shahdagh area you must be accompanied by a guide accredited by the National Park. Visitor numbers here are limited. Have a look at the National Park’s website and facebook site (in Azeri) for further guided ecotourism activities like animal observation, hiking, mountaineering and camping. Please take into account that entry to the National Park requires permission from the Ministry of Environment in Baku and, since it is located on the Russian border, from the office of the border army in Gusar as well. The administrative process takes about three weeks and the entrance fee must be transfer-red in advance. Inquire for current regulations at the National Park administration.

Meet the People

Some ethnic groups have been able to maintain and develop their special

traditions and languages in the remoteness of the mountains. If you

stay in villages like Khinalig and Lahij, you will encounter the hospitality of

local people. Enjoy the opportunity to listen to your hosts’ stories and learn

more about Udis, Tats, Hapits, Khinaliglis, Mountain Jews, Lezgins and Turks. Lahij is the centre of the

Tats and is known for its old craft tradition, especially for copper craft.

Handmade copper vessels and plates decorated with traditional ornaments

are still popular souvenirs.

did you know

… that the Caucasus snowcock lives on bare rocky grounds in high mountain regions close to the

snowline? Its thick and dense plumage protects the bird from temperatures

down to minus 40°. It is very shy and you can often hear its warning whistle

before you can see it.


Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Guided tours


Hiking in Ismayilli, Gabala and Oguz

Horse trekking

Cross-country skiing, ski-touringin Guba and Gusar


Cycling / mountain biking in Ismayilli, Shamakhi and Guba

Visitor centre tourist information centre, Piramsan village

Museum at tourist information centre,old documents, Khinalig

nature accommodation guestrooms in National Park stations, camping

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You will find hundreds of gazelles grazing in the tranquility of the wide open plains. Wormwood, which is widespread in the semi-desert, is amongst their favourite food. Watch out for larks and cur-lews, whose shades of grey and brown are per-fectly adapted to this habitat, and for the colourful dots formed by the black francolin and blue-cheeked bee-eater. The coastline, lagoon and arti-ficial bodies of water like Gizilgaz lake provide a

popular stop-over and nesting ground for wetland birds. Monitoring has shown that more than 230 species can be observed here, especially during winter. You will be left in no doubt as to why Gigil-gaz is called “Flamingo Lake”.

A really extraordinary combination of water and volcanic activities can be discovered at the three mud volcanoes in Shirvan National Park.

desert Beauties - Shirvan national Park is Europe’s only natural habitatof goitered gazelles. this warm and dry world of semi-deserts is the mostimportant area for these graceful beauties and is home to amazing and surprisingly colourful bird life.

Shirvan National Park

Shirvan

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FACtS And FIGURES Location: East Azerbaijan, Salyan and Neftchala Regions Size: 54,580 hectares Altitude: -26.1 m to 42.1 m Year of establishment: 2003 Landscape: Semi-desert, steppe, steppe lake, wetlands, sea coast Flora: Wormwood, glasswort, poa bulbosa, halocnemum strobilaceum, halostachus caspica, salicornietum europaea, artemisia fraqrans, artemisietum ephemeretum, plantain Fauna: Turtles, Levantine viper, flamingo, swans, ducks, geese, pelicans, lesser kestrel, black francolin, jungle cat, goitered gazelle Accommodation: Guesthouses/private accommodation in the settlements in the vicinity, Yenikand, Kursangi villages; motel 12 km from National Park entrance; hotel in Salyan city How to get there: 103 km from Baku, 1 hr by car; 1:10 hrs by mini-bus/bus; 2 hrs by train


The National Park organizes three different tours as day trips from Baku: “Gizilgaz lake”, “Bendovan” and “Ecotourism settlement”. The tours start at the entrance gates. Visitors have the opportunity to observe birds from the viewing tower and observation pier at Gizilgaz lake or at a coastal lagoon. They will see gazelles grazing in one of their main habitats and watch the bubbling mud volcano of Bendovan. Historical themes, Bendovan and Yulgur shrines, a visit to Gizilgum beach and a walk in the oleaster forest are also part of the trips.

Historical Places

In 1968, archaeologists discovered a sunken city close to Shirvan’s

coastline. At a depth of 50 to 150 metres, the muds of the Caspian Sea

revealed bricks, tiles, stone blocks, stoves and pottery from “Bendovan”

city, which probably existed in the 9th-13th centuries. There is evidence

that pottery work was an important occupation. Glazed tiles, cups and plates are decorated with coloured

ornamentation and animal drawings embedded in floral patterns. One of them depicts a leopard preying on a

goat.

did you know

… that mud volcanoes are the “cool” members of the volcano family?

Whereas their cousins spit hot glowing lava and rocks, mud volcanoes make

do with cold slobbery mud of no more than minus 3°C to plus 2°C. The mud is formed by water and minerals in the

depths of the earth. When under-ground gas experiences pressure, it tries to find its way out along cracks.

On its way it takes the slobbery mixture up to the surface, where it

produces mud cones and vents of all sizes. The gas sometimes ignites

during the eruption and mud volca-noes can burn for months. This just

goes to show that they are a true, even “cool” member of the family.


Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Guided tours

Hiking


Horse trekking on prior permission from the National Park

Swimming

Boating

Visitor centre by the entrance gate of the National Park

Museum history and ethnography, Salyan city

nature accommodation ecotourism settlement (in development), camping in the park

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26 Zangazur

A World Apart - Cut off from Azerbaijan’s mainland, Zangazur national Park is like an exotic island due to its special climate, rare animals and plants.

Zangazur National Park

Wild rugged rocks, eroded rock formations and steep cliffs tower over the landscape. No wonder legend has it that Noah bumped right into three of them! The Na-tional Park is comprised of the high ridge of the Lesser Caucasus, which rises up to 3,900 metres, and a mountainous country which descends down to the Araz river at the Iranian border. The island-like loca-tion of Nakhichevan autonomous territory, with a mountain barrier in the west, creates a unique climate

and conditions for flora and fauna not found elsewhere in the country to flourish. Zangazur is a real paradise for birds. Here you can observe rare finch species, Caspian snowcocks, bearded vultures or levant spar-row hawks. Moreover, the remoteness of this protected area provides an ideal refuge for mouflon, bezoar goats, striped hyenae and lynx. Monitoring has even shown the presence of the Caucasian leopard, which is threatened by extinction.

27

FACtS And FIGURES Location: South-west Azerbaijan, Nakhichevan RegionSize: 42,797 hectares Altitude: up to 3,906 m Year of establishment: 2009 Landscape: Mountain forest, moun-tain meadows, rocky massifs, foothills and lower mountains with steppe Flora: Iris elegantissima, Himantoglossum formosum (orchid), Dorema glabrum Fauna: Levant sparrowhawk, bearded vulture, golden eagle, trumpeter finch, crimson-winged finch, Caspian snowcock, brown bear, common otter, lynx, Caucasian leopard, striped hyena, mouflon, bezoar goat Accommodation:Hotels/guesthouses in Agbulag village, Nakhichevan city, Ordubad, Shahbuz How to get there: 670 km by plane from Baku to Nakhichevan city, 70 km from Nakhichevan city,45 mins - 1 hr by car


There are several hiking trails in the National Park. Hikers enjoy the cooler temperatures in summer and the sight of sweeping colourful meadows in flower in spring.

Alinja fortess is situated on an impressive volcanic rock rising to 1,811 metres. It was the main stronghold during the struggle of the local people against Timur Lenk in the 14th century, and was bravely defended for 14 years. A hiking tour up the mountain and back to Khanaga takes you past ruins of walls, brick buildings and ditches. Beware of snakes in summer. It is best to go during early morning when temperatu-res are still low.

Historical Places

The petroglyphs in the Gamigaya-Garangush upland are amongst the

oldest archaeological remains in Azerbaijan’s culture. The drawings give hints that human activities up

here at 3,000 metres go back more than 2,000 years. They depict goats,

oxen, birds, deer, hunting scenes, signs and inscriptions, revealing that the rich mountain meadows were an

important hunting ground. Gamigaya-Garangush summer pastures were inhabited by ancient Nakhichevani

tribes from the Araz lowland and considered to be sacred.

did you know

… that the area of Ordubad is well known for its orchards and unique

cuisine? Try the special flavour of lemons without any peel; taste large, delicious apricots, which go perfectly

in the local pilaw and make wonderful fruit tea; enjoy Ordubad omelette

made of butter, eggs and take home the famous Ordubad walnut jam as a

souvenir.


Birdwatching

Wildlife watching

Guided tours


Horse trekking

Visitor centre park administration buildings in Aghdara settlement, Boyahmad village, in Batabat forest close to Bichanak village

Museum fauna & flora exhibitionsin park administration buildings

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28 Azerbaijan

State Agency – Protected Areas

Ministry of Ecology and natural Resources - MEnR Department of Protection of Biodiversity and Development of Especially Protected Nature Reserves B. Aghayev Street 100A, Baku, AZ 1073, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 12 492 73 69Email: [email protected]/engonline tickets for national Park vists: http://e-xidmet.eco.gov.az//?lang=en

State Agencies – tourism development

Ministry of Culture and tourism of the Republic of AzerbaijanU. Hajibeyov Street 40, Government House,Baku, AZ 1000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 12 -493 43 98, -493 30 02, -492 05 92Fax: +994 12 -493 56 05, -493 65 38, -492 43 15Email: [email protected] www.mct.gov.az

Azerbaijan tourist Information Centre, Head officeNeftchiler Avenue 65, Baku, AZ 1000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 12 492 39 84Fax: +994 12 492 39 84Email: [email protected]/en/

Goldenrock travel AgencyF. Yusifov Street 57, AZ 1011 Baku, Azerbaijan Phone: +994 12 564 79 85, +994 51 850 88 44Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

n Absheron national Park

Park AdministrationZira settlement, Khazar Region, Baku, AZ 1120, Azerbaijan Phone: +994 12 511 46 67Email: [email protected]/en/ab-milli%20parki/

Visitor informationBaku Tourism Information CentreBaku, U. Hajibeyov Street 36, AZ 1101, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 12 498 12 44Email: [email protected]

n Aghgol national Park

Park Administration Aghjabadi Region, AZ 344480, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 21 275 07 07Email: [email protected] www.eco.gov.az/en/aggol/

n Altiaghaj national Park

Park AdministrationKhizi Region, Khalaj village, AZ 8000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 23 313 31 48Email: [email protected]/en/altiagac/

Visitor informationKhizi TourismKhizi city, AZ 8000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 23 313 53 45Email: Turizm-m d niyy [email protected]

n Goygol national Park

Park Administration Goygol Region, Togana village, AZ 2500, AzerbaijanEmail: [email protected]/goy-gol/

Visitor InformationGanja Tourist Information CentreSheykh Bahaddin Street 59, Ganja city, AZ 2000 AzerbaijanPhone: +994 22 52 33 83Email: [email protected]

n Hirkan national Park

Park AdministrationBurcali village, Lankaran, AZ 4200, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 25 257 60 46Email: [email protected]/en/hirkan/

USEFUL CONTACTS

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Visitor informationLankaran Culture and Tourism DepartmentP. T hm zov Street 14, Lankaran city, AZ 4200, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 25 255 43 21

Lankaran Tourist Information CentreLankaran city, Geyshaban village, AZ 4200, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 50 231 01 03; +994 50 595 00 77Email: [email protected]

n Samur-Yalama national Park

Park AdministrationKhachmaz District, AZ 2700, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 23 322 35 01Email: [email protected] www.samur-yalama.az

Khachmaz Tourist Information CentreZeynalabdin Taghiyev Street 1, Khachmaz city, AZ 2700, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 172 5 16 51Email: [email protected] n Shahdagh national Park

Park AdministrationShabran Region, Piramsan village, AZ 1017, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 23 353 66 63Email: [email protected]/en/shahdag

Visitor informationShabran Region, Piramsan village, AZ 1017, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 169 5 23 38Email: [email protected]

Shamakhi Tourist Information Centre N. Narimanov Street 80, Shemakha, Shamakhi city, AZ 5600, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 176 -5 10 22, -5 13 81Email:[email protected]

Ismailli Tourist Information CentreH. Aliyev Avenue 61, Ismailli, AZ 3100, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 20 285 17 20Email: [email protected]

Guba Tourist Information Centre H. Aliyev Avenue 165, Guba city, AZ 4000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 169 5 36 18Email: [email protected]

Sheki Tourist Information CentreComplex Qala Divari, house of artists, 2nd floor, Sheki city, AZ 5500, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 44 277 13 40Email:[email protected]

n Shirvan national Park

Park Administrationsee State Agency, Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources

Visitor informationSalyan National ParkYenikand village, Salyan, AZ 8000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 25 611 -90, -93; Fax: -91Email: [email protected]

Salyan City Tourism CentreH. Aliyev Street 107, Salyan, AZ 5200, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 25 551 07 Email: Salyan [email protected]

n Zangazur national Park

Park AdministrationMinistry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Nakhichevan Autonomous RepublicN.Tusi Street, Nakhichevan, AZ 7000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 36 545 34 85www.eco.gov.az/en/milliparklar-ordubad.php Visitor informationZangazur National Park Julfa Region, Boyahmad settlement, AZ 7200, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 36 543 35 42www.eco.gov.az/en/milliparklar-ordubad.php

Local tourism office of the Ministry of Culture and TourismH. Aliyev Avenue 42, Nakhichevan city, AZ 7000, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 36 545 02 52Email: [email protected]

Nakhchivan Tourist Information CentreTabriz Street 8, Nakhichevan city, AZ 7000, Azerbaijan Phone: +994 36 545 77 55Email: [email protected]

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30 Azerbaijan

oRGAnISAtIonS

BMZ – German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and development Southern Caucasus DeskDahlmannstr. 4, D-53113 Bonn, Germanywww.bmz.de

Caucasus nature Fund - CnF54 rue de Clichy, F-75009 Paris, FrancePhone: +33 1 4874 -3193 ; Fax: - 6252Email: [email protected]

Forum Anders Reisen e.V. Wippertstrasse 2, D-79100 Freiburg, GermanyPhone: +49 761 4012 -6990, Fax: - 6999Email: [email protected](German association of sustainable tourism tour opera-tors)

IUCn Caucasus Cooperation Centre38, Gogebashvili Street, Tbilisi, GE 0179, GeorgiaPhone: +995 32 222 29 -72, -85Email: [email protected]

KfW development BankPalmengartenstr. 5-9, D-60325 Frankfurt, Germanywww.kfw.de

Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus - RECCAzerbaijan OfficeB. Agayev Street 100a,Baku, AZ 1073, AzerbaijanPhone: +994 12 4924173Fax: +994 12 418 02 66www.rec-azerbaijan.az

WWF Caucasus Programme office, AzerbaijanK. M. Mushvig Street 2, block 501, Baku, AZ 1073, AzerbaijanPhone/Fax: +994 12 538 53 16Email: [email protected]/caucasus

USEFUL CONTACTS

31

Edited by:The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan - MENR www.eco.gov.az/en/

Implemented and financed by:KfW Development Bank on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Coordinated by:The Transboundary Joint Secretariat – TJSwww.tjs-caucasus.org a consortium of: AHT GROUP AG – www.aht-group.comREC Caucasus – www.rec-caucasus.org

Project Partners:The World Wide Fund for Nature – WWFThe Caucasus Nature Fund – CNF

Consulting and design:aixplan – www.aixplan.dew. design – [email protected]

Special thanks to:n The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the National Parks of Azerbaijan for their extensive contribution of text content and photographs.

n Andreas Weitzel from KfW for his conceptual support.

n Aurel Heidelberg and Elshad Askerov from WWF for their additional expertise, photographs and map data.

n GFA Consulting Group for additional map data.

Pictures & map:n Richard Bartzn Stephanie Gerber: mapn Christian Gönnern Aurel Heidelbergn Shain Isayevn Ministry of Ecology and Natural Ressources of Azerbaijann Zaur Mirzoyevn Rami Mizrachin Hartmut Müllern Servi Nabuursn Umar Semenov, Leopard Rehabilitation Centre, Sochi National Park (RU)

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November 2015

azerbaijan legends of nature

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