GUBA

Guba is located on the northeastern slopes of the Great Caucasus Mountains. Situated on the Gudial-chai River, Guba is about 200 kilometers from Baku. Guba is known as Azerbaijan's orchard. In this lush area grows a large percentage of the fruits and vegetables produced in Azerbaijan. The fruit is famous for its taste and variety - over 100 different kinds of apples, pears, cherries and quince grow here in abundance. The carpets of Guba are equally as famous. It is one of Azeri centres of carpet making - Quba's rugs are believed to be one of the best in the world.

One such carpet, which dates back to 1712 is on display at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Carpets from Guba are distinctive in their workmanship and design and are sold all over the world. Guba has an array of historic buildings from the 9th and the 16th century - such as the two egg-shaped domes.

With 22.000 inhabitants, Quba is a pleasant town located on the north-eastern slopes of the Shahdag range (part of the Greater Caucasus) at a height of 600m above sea level, on the right bank of the Kudyal river, in front of the jewish town of Krasnaya Sloboda. Quba is dominated by a 16th-century fortress, but most people go to Quba to see the hundreds of apple orchards. In the spring, the area is fragrant with the scent of apple blossoms.

Historically Guba has been known since the XYIII century as the center of Khanate (traditional Azery duchy). Guba Khanate had played a remarkable role in the unification of various separated kingdoms of the Northern Azerbaijan. Guba offers a taste of Azerbaijanian traditional way of life with typical houses, twisting streets, arts and crafts. You will see the oriental bathes, muslim momuments - Djuma Mosque (XIX c.), octagonal mausoleum (XVI c.), Tengialty Castle, Sakina-khanum Mosque (XIX c.).

An ancient Zoroastrian (often incorrectly called fire-worshippers') temple dated by the 9-th century A.D. is preserved in the village of Khanalygh, one of the suburbs of Quba. Here you'll find a very unique ethnic group of 1000 inhabitants who have preserved their original language, customs and traditions is one of the most interesting components of the vivid and colorful image of Guba District.

The magnificent Tengin canyon, an imposing waterfall at Afurja and the Pirbanovsha cave with exquisite natural sculptures and a mountain spring will leave unforgettable imression.