GARABAGH: ETYMOLOGY, TERRITORY AND BORDERS
Garabagh is one of the ancient regions of Azerbaijan. The name of this inseparable part of Azerbaijan consists of two different Azerbaijani words: "gara" (black) and "bag" (garden). The combination of these two words is as ancient as the nation of Azerbaijan. The association of these two combined words with the definite part of Azerbaijan in every part of the world is an oracle. The word Karabakh given by the Azerbaijan nation to a part of their native lands was used for the first time 1,300 years ago (in the 7th century)!?. At first, Karabakh was used as a historical-geographical definition, but it later transformed to cover a larger geographical area. By the way, this aspect is very typical for Azerbaijan: Nakhchivan city - Nakhchivan region, Sheki city - Shaki region, Ganja city - Ganja region, Lenkoran city- Lenkoran region and etc.

Shamakhi district is a center of Shirvan region. Center of the district, Shamakhi city, has become a main city of feudal state of the Shirvanshah already in VI century. Remains of the construction and objects discovered during archeological digs confirm existence of the city already in 2,5-3 thousand years ago. Shamakhi is noted in the works of ancient Greek historian Ptolomei among the cities of Caucasian Albania. Caravans from the Far East and India were coming here loaded with the silk. Since the old years, Shamakhi was famous for its gardens and silk cloths. Various kinds of fields were developed here in the Middle ages. Embossing with ornaments from copper, highly artistic decorations, objects of the home appliance were made here with skill.

One of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan, Sheki is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country. Of particular interest to the tourists from all over the world is the Palace of Sheki Khans (1762) – a rare example of combining the national and palace architecture traditions. It is remarkable that during the construction of the palace, not a single nail was used, and the colored glass for shebeke (national mosaic) was brought from Venice.
There are many interesting historical monuments in Sheki. To the north of the city there are the ruins of the once impregnable fortress "Gelersan – gerarsan" (“come and see“) dated by the XV-XVIII centuries. There were many caravanserais in Sheki, which was famous for its trade. Two of them are still here today; the Upper and the Lower Caravanserais, both built in the XVIII century. Not to mention the Albanian temple in the village of Kish (I-II centuries), where the famous Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl has repeatedly researched, as evidenced here by the mounted bust of the traveler.

Nakhchivan, the land of the ancient Azerbaijan, is one of the places of civilization in the world. The people of Azerbaijan created an old and rich culture in this land. At the same time Nakhchivan is one of the ancient cultural centers in the world. The richest historical, scientific and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijan people were formed in this land.
The origion of the word “Nakhchivan” is explained differently by scientists. According to the folk ethimology and historical sources “Nakhchivan” was derived from “Nagshijahan” which has the meaning “decoration of the world”, “adornment of the world”. But according to the wide spread story among people the word “Nakhchivan” has relation with the prophet Noah, namely, with the “world storm” that means “Nuhchuvan” –the place of Noah supporters, the land of Noah. The grave of the prophet Noah is in Nakhchivan.

Naftalan city is a well-known petroleum spa resort, the center of medical tourism in Azerbaijan. It is located 330 km west of Baku and 50 km away from Ganja, the second largest city in the country. There is a unique naftalan oil in Naftalan that has no analogues in the world. It is a viscous liquid with distinguished black-brown and brown color and a specific odor. The uniqueness and high efficiency of naftalan oil is confirmed by numerous scientific studies and more than 100 years of experience in treatment of various diseases. The curative naftalan oil in the combination with other methods of recreational therapy and natural factors (favorable environmental conditions and clean pine air) is very helpful in the treatment of musculoskeletal system diseases, as well as neurological, urological, gynecological, skin and other diseases in adults and children.

Masally - agriculture district situated on main road, leading from Baku city onto the south to Lankaran and Iran. In antic ancient times, this territory was in composition of states of Manna, Atropatena. Since mid of XVIII century it was allocated in the body of Talish khanate.
The area is surrounded by Caspian Sea from the one side and Talish mountains - from another one's. By relief the area might be conventionally divided on mountain (Talish) and plain (Lankaran terrain) parts. Climate is subtropical. Vilash, Tatyan, Alvaidichay rivers and others are flown along the area's territory and fallen onto Caspian Sea.

Lankaran district is allocated at southeast part of Azerbaijan, at Lankaran terrain, being spread out on tens of kilometers. Waters of Caspian Sea wash out the territory of the district in the eastern side. 29 thousands hectares of the area are covered with woods. Climate of Lankaran city is humid-subtropical. Here you cannot meet severe snowy winter. Summer is dry and hot, and autumn is rainy. Mid annual air temperature +14 C. January is the most cold month (+3,4 C), July is the most hot month (+25,1 C) of year. Annual amount of downfalls constitutes 1400-1600 mm. Round year those places are covered with green livery of spring.

Gusar district is located in the southeast of Azerbaijan and bounds with Dagestan. Administrative center of the district is a city of Gusar. The city is at the distance of 35 km to the railway station of Khudat. The name of "Gusar" origins from the tribe of "khisar". This is a land of mountains and valleys. The highest peak of Azerbaijan is in the territory of this region - Bazarduzu mountain (4466 m). The district is noted for its rich flora. 20% of the territory is covered with the forests. Deciduous trees are widely distributed here. Such valuable species, as oak, beech, hornbeam etc. grow here. Tugay forests are along the rivers. Such plants as sumah, mushmula, hawthorn, dog-rose, gooseberry bushes, forests grapes are popular here. Animals of the region are represented as follows: bear, wolf, boar, mountainous goat, birds - eagle, owl etc. State reserve at the area of 15000 ha is located in the territory of Gusar district; there is maintained beech forest named "Alistan-baba" near the settlement of Urva at the area of 7 ha. The features of the district are beautiful waterfalls of Shaknabaz and Laza. Each person is impressed with the view of the falling water creating snow-white foam and fireworks of the water splash.
Historical monuments have been saved in the district. Among them are the ruins of the fortress walls of XIII century at the village of Anig, mausoleum of sheikh Juneid at the village of Khazra, antique mosques in the villages of Khil, Anig, Balagusar, Yasab, Kohna-Khudat, and Gunduz-gala etc. Great poet Lermantov, after his name the museum was named, visited Gusar in the old times. There is a park of culture and rest here.

It is the beautiful part of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Sometime in the past this city (Kabbalah) was the capital of Caucasian Albania for 600 years. Up to this present time there are the ruins of the ancient city and the main gate of Caucasian Albania. There is a great number of historical and cultural monuments of different eras in this region. Beautiful nature and well developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists to Gabala. Here are a few five star complexes, small family hotels, recreation areas and tourist camps. Among the local attractions there are the so called Russian forest, river valleys, the famous Chestnut forest, and numerous picturesque villages. There is Nij village inhabited by Udi, direct descendants of the ancient Caucasian Albanians. The abundance of game in the woods in the season attracts many hunters. In Gabala at the area of 16 hectares is located the largest open air amusement park in Azerbaijan – Gabaland. The town also hosts an annual International Music Festival of classical music, jazz and mugham, which is attended by bands and artists from all around the world. Not surprisingly that exactly in Gabala is located a factory on piano manufacturing under the famous Dutch brand Beltman.

Having allocated on the southern mountain slopes of Big Caucasus, surrounded with forests and mountains, drowning in greens, the Ismayilli district is one of the most beautiful areas of Azerbaijan. Relief - par excellence is mountain. The most highest spot of the district - Babadag Mountain (3629 m). square of forests comprise 66799 hectares.
Nature of the region - mountain rivers, forest massive, rock, natural and artificial lakes, waterfalls, abundant animal and foliage world make good impression on each man having been stayed here.
Among nine climatic zones being existed in Azerbaijan, three of them are presented in Ismayilli district. Climate in plain is hot and moderate, in mountains - cold. mid temperature of January - 0,5 C. mid temperature of July +23 C. mid quantity of precipitation - 584 mm.