Nakhchivan history

Foundation and Legendary Roots

Nakhchivan is rightfully considered one of the most ancient centres of civilization in the East. According to archaeological data, the city is over 5,000 years old, yet folk traditions trace its history even deeper into the centuries. The most famous legend connects the founding of the city with the Prophet Noah (Nuh). According to tradition, it was here that he landed after the Great Flood, and the name of the city itself is often interpreted as "The Place of Descent" or "The First Lodging".

In written historical sources, the city is first mentioned by the ancient geographer Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD under the name Naxuana. Archaeological finds confirm that a developed urban culture existed here as early as the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Factors of Formation and Development

The transformation of the settlement into a prosperous urban centre was driven by a successful combination of several factors:

• Strategic Geography: Its location in the Aras River valley made the city a natural communication hub between the Caucasus and the Middle East.
• Trade Significance: Important branches of the Great Silk Road passed through this region. Caravans carrying goods from East to West invariably stopped here for rest and trade, which enriched the local treasury.
• Fortress Status: Due to its location, the city early on became a vital defensive point, which contributed to the construction of powerful fortifications.

Early Economy and Culture

Since ancient times, the region's economy was based not only on transit trade but also on unique natural resources. A key role was played by rock salt mining in the famous Duzdag mines. Salt was the "white gold" of antiquity and was actively exported to neighbouring countries.

The cultural appearance of early Nakhchivan was shaped by a high level of craftsmanship. Local masters were renowned for the art of pottery, metalworking, and carpet weaving. Already in the early Middle Ages, a famous architectural school began to emerge here, giving the world unique mausoleums and palaces.

Key Milestones in History

• 2nd Century AD — Ancient geographer Claudius Ptolemy first mentions the city in his works under the name Naxuana.
• 12th Century — Nakhchivan becomes the capital of the Atabegs of Azerbaijan (Ildegizids), experiencing an era of unprecedented cultural and architectural flourishing.
• 1186 — The great architect Ajami Nakhchivani completes the construction of the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, which is the symbol of the city today.
• 1747 — After the collapse of Nadir Shah's empire, the independent Nakhchivan Khanate is formed.
• 1828 — Under the terms of the Treaty of Turkmenchay, the territory of the Khanate becomes part of the Russian Empire.
• 1883 — Foundation of the Nakhchivan Drama Theatre, which became an important centre of enlightenment and culture in the region.
• 1924 — The Nakhchivan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic is established.
• 1967 — Opening of the Nakhchivan State University, which became a forge of talent for the entire autonomy.
• 1990 — The Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan, under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, adopted historic decisions that anticipated the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence.
• 1995 — Adoption of the Constitution of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, cementing its status within independent Azerbaijan.
• 2004 — Opening of the new modern terminal of the International Airport, which significantly simplified tourism logistics.
• 2018 — The city ceremoniously held the honorary title of "Capital of Islamic Culture", hosting guests from all over the world.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Nakhchivan is a journey from a fortress on the Silk Road to a modern autonomous centre with a unique economy. The main milestones of the city's development can be divided into the following key stages:

• Capital Status in the Era of Atabegs (12th Century). The transformation of the city into the capital of the Ildegizid state became a powerful driver of urban planning. During this period, the famous architectural school of Ajami Nakhchivani was formed, gifting the city its main landmarks — majestic mausoleums that defined the city's silhouette for centuries to come.
• Trade and Craft Flourishing. Thanks to its strategic position on the Great Silk Road and salt mining in the Duzdag mines, Nakhchivan remained a key logistics hub for a long time. This contributed to the development of unique artisan quarters and the accumulation of economic capital.
• European Influence and Enlightenment (19th – early 20th Centuries). Joining the Russian Empire introduced elements of regular urban planning. The opening of secular schools and the theatre (1883) laid the foundation for the formation of the local intelligentsia and the cultural modernization of society.
• Soviet Industrialization. In the 20th century, the city transformed from an agrarian-craft centre into an industrial one. Light and food industry factories were built, and large-scale infrastructure was created, ensuring employment and urbanization.
• Course towards Autonomy and "Green" Economy (Modernity). In the years of independence, faced with the need for self-sufficiency, Nakhchivan achieved an economic breakthrough. The region focused on food security and alternative energy (construction of solar power plants), becoming an example of environmentally sustainable development.
• Tourism Renaissance. Large-scale restoration of historical monuments, including the complex of Noah's Mausoleum, and the development of health tourism (physiotherapy in salt caves) have reoriented the city's economy towards welcoming guests, strengthening its status as the cultural centre of the region.

Nakhchivan Architectural School (12th–14th Centuries)

This period is considered the "Golden Age" in the region's urban planning history. It was here that the famous Nakhchivan Architectural School originated, founded by the great architect Ajami ibn Abubekr Nakhchivani. This era is characterized by virtuoso brickwork techniques and complex geometric ornaments.

• Style: Seljuk architecture, monumental style of tower mausoleums.
• Characteristic Features: Use of baked brick as the main construction and decorative material, turquoise glaze, Kufic inscriptions, octagonal and cylindrical forms.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Momine Khatun Mausoleum — a masterpiece of medieval architecture dominating the historic centre.
  • Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum — one of the early examples of Ajami's school.

Period of the Khanate and Eastern Traditionalism (18th – early 19th Century)

At this time, architecture acquired a more intimate, residential character. Urban planning developed around the ruler's residence and market squares. Buildings became less monumental but rich in interior solutions.

• Style: Late feudal Eastern architecture, elements of Persian style.
• Characteristic Features: Use of adobe brick and stone, inner courtyards, "shebeke" stained-glass windows, mirrored halls, and niches.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Palace of the Nakhchivan Khans — a vivid example of residential palace architecture with elements of Eastern baroque in the interiors.
  • Juma Mosque — the main religious centre of that period.

Regular Development and Soviet Modernism (19th–20th Centuries)

From the end of the 19th century, elements of European urban planning appeared in the city: straight streets and block divisions. In the Soviet period, the city underwent large-scale reconstruction, with public buildings and park zones appearing.

• Styles: Eclecticism (late 19th c.), Stalinist Empire style, Soviet Modernism (1960s–1980s).
• Characteristic Features: Wide avenues, administrative buildings with colonnades, use of national motifs in Soviet projects (pointed arches in concrete).
• Iconic Objects:
  • Building of the Drama Theatre — an example of the synthesis of Soviet neoclassicism and national elements.
  • Residential development of central avenues.

Modern Architecture and Restoration (21st Century)

The modern appearance of Nakhchivan is formed through a harmonious combination of new administrative buildings and carefully restored ancient monuments. The city actively uses local natural stone, which gives the development a unified colour scheme.

• Style: Neo-traditionalism, modern monumentality.
• Characteristic Features: Cladding buildings with local travertine of warm shades, large-scale public spaces, reconstruction of lost shrines.
• Iconic Objects:
  • Noah's Mausoleum — a modern reconstruction on an ancient foundation, which has become a new symbol of the city.
  • Heydar Aliyev Museum — an example of modern public architecture.

Distinguished Personalities of Nakhchivan

Nakhchivan is the birthplace of many famous figures who have left a bright mark on history, science, and culture not only in Azerbaijan but throughout the region. Here are just a few of the names this land is proud of:

• Ajami ibn Abubekr Nakhchivani (12th Century)
  Great architect and founder of the architectural school
  Creator of a unique style that defined the appearance of the medieval East. His masterpieces, such as the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, remain the main symbols of the city and the pinnacle of Islamic architecture of that period.
• Heydar Aliyev (1923–2003)
  National Leader of Azerbaijan and statesman
  Born and began his journey in Nakhchivan. He played a key role in the country's modern history. There is a museum in the city dedicated to his life and political legacy.
• Huseyn Javid (1882–1941)
  Poet, playwright, and philosopher
  Founder of romanticism in Azerbaijani literature. His philosophical dramas in verse have become classics. A majestic mausoleum has been erected in Nakhchivan at his resting place, becoming an important landmark.
• Jalil Mammadgulizade (1869–1932)
  Satirical writer and public figure
  Founder of the famous satirical magazine "Molla Nasreddin", which had a huge influence on enlightenment and public thought throughout the Middle East and Central Asia. His house-museum is open in the city.
• Bahruz Kangarli (1892–1922)
  Painter and graphic artist
  One of the founders of professional visual arts in Azerbaijan and the first Azerbaijani realist painter. Despite a short life, he left a rich legacy, including landscapes of his native land and portraits of contemporaries.
• Yusif Mammadaliyev (1905–1961)
  Scientist and chemist
  A world-renowned scientist who made an invaluable contribution to the development of petrochemistry. His discoveries played an important role in world science, and he became one of the founders of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.
• Jamshid Nakhchivanski (1895–1938)
  Military commander, brigade commander
  Representative of the noble family of the Nakhchivan Khans, the last general from this dynasty. He became famous as a talented cavalry commander and military educator.