Yevlakh history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the modern city of Yevlakh is inextricably linked to the development of the region's transport infrastructure in the second half of the 19th century. It initially emerged as a station on the Transcaucasus Railway in the 1880s. Although the settlement was only granted official city status in 1938, the area itself was mentioned in sources much earlier. There are several versions regarding the origin of the name, one of which links it to ancient Turkic roots meaning "swampy place" or "warm place," which corresponds to the local climate and landscape.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small station into an important settlement was determined by several strategic factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is located on the banks of the Kura River, the region's main waterway, which historically provided access to water resources and fertile lands.
• Transport Hub: Yevlakh became the "gateway" to the central part of Azerbaijan. The intersection of the railway and important highways (including roads to Sheki, Aghdam, and Barda) made it a key logistics centre.
• Economic Role: Proximity to cotton-growing regions contributed to the city quickly becoming a centre for the collection and primary processing of agricultural raw materials.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early 20th century, Yevlakh's economy was based on trade and servicing transport flows. The first industrial enterprises related to cotton and wool processing began to appear here. Cultural life was shaped by the constant movement of people through the railway station, which introduced elements of urban culture to the daily life of local residents even before official city status was granted. Gradually, the infrastructure necessary for the lives of railway workers and merchants was established, laying the foundation for a future industrial centre.

Major Historical Milestones

The chronology of the city's development covers the journey from a small railway station to an important industrial hub.

• 12th Century: First mentions of the toponym in historical sources, indicating the existence of settlements in this area since ancient times.
• 1880s: Construction of the station on the Transcaucasus Railway, around which the future Yevlakh began to actively form.
• 1935: Formation of the Yevlakh District, which significantly raised the administrative status of the settlement.
• February 1, 1939: Official granting of city status, cementing its role as a significant urban centre within Azerbaijan.
• 1970s: A period of intensive industrialisation, marked by the construction of large light industry enterprises.
• 1978: Commissioning of a primary wool processing factory, which became one of the largest specialised enterprises in the region.
• 2010s: Large-scale reconstruction of the city embankment and the creation of a boulevard along the Kura River for the recreation of residents and guests.
• 2013: Opening of the reconstructed airport, which expanded the city's transport capabilities.

The Influence of History on the Modern Look

Today's Yevlakh represents the result of a systematic evolution from a small transit point to a developed urban centre. Historical stages of transformation have directly influenced how the modern traveller sees the city — convenient, accessible, and well-appointed.

Transport Accessibility as Heritage. The fact that the settlement's life originated around the railway determined its destiny as the region's main logistics hub. For the tourist, this means exceptional logistical convenience: the historically established network of roads and railways, complemented by a modern airport, makes it easy to get here from anywhere in the country.

Urban Comfort and Architecture. Obtaining official city status and the subsequent industrial growth of the mid-20th century gifted Yevlakh with solid construction and thoughtful planning. Thanks to this period, the city possesses developed social infrastructure and wide streets, which favourably distinguishes it from small villages and makes staying here comfortable for guests.

Turning Towards the River. The latest wave of renovations affecting the city in the 21st century has radically changed its recreational potential. While the Kura River was previously perceived primarily as an economic resource, modern landscaping projects have turned the embankment into a picturesque boulevard. Now, this is the main attraction for walks, where the history of hydraulic engineering development sits side by side with cosy leisure zones.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural landscape of Yevlakh differs from the ancient historical centres of the region. Here you will not find winding medieval streets or ancient fortress walls. The city's appearance was formed primarily in the 20th century, reflecting its development as a strategic transport and industrial hub. The urban planning structure has a clear layout, tied to the channel of the Kura River and the railway line.

The Soviet Period: From Neoclassicism to Modernism

The main bulk of the city's buildings dates back to the Soviet era, when the settlement received city status and began to grow actively.

• Transport Architecture: Since the city emerged as a station, the railway station building is one of the oldest and most style-defining elements. It bears the features of late 19th – early 20th-century architecture, modernised during the Soviet period.
• Administrative Centre: Government buildings and cultural centres erected in the mid-20th century are often designed in the style of Soviet Neoclassicism ("Stalinist Empire style") or later restrained functionalism. They are characterised by monumentality, symmetry, and the use of columns.
• Industrial Heritage: Industrial zones and working-class districts from the 1970s represent examples of typical Soviet modernism, where the main criteria were practicality and speed of construction.

Modernity: Renewal and National Style

During the period of independence, when Azerbaijan began a regional development programme, Yevlakh underwent massive reconstruction. The modern stage is characterised by a synthesis of new technologies and national traditions.

• Landmark Public Buildings: The Heydar Aliyev Centre and the Executive Power building are examples of modern ceremonial architecture. Light facing stone (*aglay*) is actively used in their finishing, giving the city centre a solemn and tidy appearance.
• Religious Landmarks: The City Mosque, built in our time, has become an important architectural accent. Its slender minarets and dome are executed in the traditional Islamic style, blending harmoniously into the modern landscape.
• Landscape Design: The reconstruction of the Kura embankment introduced elements of park architecture to the city. A new boulevard with fountains, gazebos, and walking alleys has become the main urban planning project of recent years, turning the city to face the river.

Notable Figures

The city of Yevlakh is known not only as a major transport hub but also as the birthplace of talented people whose names have entered the history of science, philosophy, and sports. Natives of this region have brought fame to modern Azerbaijan and other countries through their achievements, proving that even small cities can give the world great figures.

• Pavel Florensky (1882–1937) — A famous religious philosopher, theologian, and scientist born in the town of Yevlakh, Yelisavetpol Governorate. He is often called the "Russian Leonardo da Vinci" for his striking versatility: he left a deep mark in both the humanities and exact sciences, including mathematics and electrical engineering.
• Rashad Ahmadov (born 1981) — A titled athlete and Honoured Master of Sports in Taekwondo. Born and raised in Yevlakh. He is the pride of local sports: he twice represented the country at the Summer Olympic Games, demonstrating the highest level of skill and ranking among the world's strongest fighters in his category.
• Kenan Kerimov (born 1976) — A well-known footballer and striker. A native of the city who built a successful career in professional sports. He played for leading clubs and the national team, becoming a notable figure in the history of domestic football.
• Sahil Kerimov (born 1979) — A professional footballer and goalkeeper, the younger brother of Kenan Kerimov. Also born in Yevlakh. For a long time, he was the captain of the local football team "Karvan," which successfully represented the city in the top league of the national championship.