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Azerbaijani: Qusar, Lezgian: is the capital of Qusar administration rayon is located in foothills of Greater Caucasus, over the Qusarchay River, 35 kilometers southwest from Khudat railway station and 180 km from Baku.
There are many accounts of the origin of the city, but the most likely is a version by Tamilla Khalilova. Since the 7th century, conquest of the South Caucasus by Arabs began. According to historical data the Arabs reached a territory of present Qusar Rayon. According to the historians version name of the river is originated from Arabian Al-Qausar. In translation from the Quran into English “Al Qausar – in translation means a river of abundance, that is a heaven river, water of which is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Its fragrance is nicer than musk and birds with beautiful long necks like necks of camels fly around it.” The settlement got its name from the river – Qusar. Modern historians believe that the name Qusar derives from khisar.
In 1836, Mikhail Lermontov visited Qusar, where he met with scientist-philosopher Haji Ali-efendi. There he heard “Ashiq Qarib” dastan from an eminent ahiq Lazgi Ahmad; he later wrote his famous work “Ashiq Qarib” based on its motifs. A home-museum of the poet is reserved in the city with a memorial plate, inscribed with the famous lines of Lermontov.
Qusar city is located not far from Bazarduzu, Shahdagh Mountains and a border with Russia. The mountain river Qusarchay, in honor of which the city acquired its name, flows in Qusar. There is also is an artificial lake, Fialka.
This mountainous region is home to the Lezgins, Azerbaijan’s largest minority group that are known for their talents in dancing, unique bread and staunch Caucus hospitality. There are dozens of villages scattered throughout the many canyons and hills of Qusar, with Mt. Shagdagh standing tall in the background. Quiet forest walks, breath-taking mountain scenery, and one of Azerbaijan’s most unique cultures await you.
The historical monuments are protected in the region. The remains of the fortress walls of the village of Anigof XIII century, the mausoleum of Sheikh Juneyd near Hazra village, ancient mosques in villages of Hil, Anig, Balagusar, Yasab, Old Khudat, Gunduzqala are such kind of monuments
Local history museum was established in 1982. There are 3000 exhibits in the museum.
The Qusar State Art Gallery was opened in 1986. 101 works of Azerbaijani artists are on display in the gallery.
In 1998, the State Drama Theatre of Lezgins was opened in Qusar.
There are also cultural and recreational park in the center of the region.
The economy of Qusar is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation. There are tinned food, milk and asphalt factories in the city.
From ancient folk art carpet-weaving, embroidery, wood carving arts are well developed in Gusar.
Qusar is located in a zone of subtropical climate and the northern part of the rayon is in zone of mild climate. But because of the heights above the sea level and proximity of the mountains winter is always cold here, and summer is not hot. Temperature of air can change more than 15 degrees during a day. For instance, in summer incessant days-long rains can begin after hot weather.
Mountaineering is very common in the country, as Azerbaijan is a mountainous country. Mountains cover about 60% of the country.
Mountains of Great and Minor Caucasus cover Azerbaijan with semicircle from the north to the south-east. They are to some extent protect the country from the cold winds and make the country's climate warmer. The height of mountain ranges in the Great Caucasus exceeds 4000 meters above sea level. So here are often visited by people who cannot imagine their life without climbing and climbing to mountaintops. There are all conditions for them in Azerbaijan: recreation facility at the foot of mountain ranges is waiting climbers, transportation system is well established. Tourists are always guided by experienced instructors and guides.
In addition to mountain climbing, tourists who visited these places have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful nature of mountainous Azerbaijan, see the life, way of life and traditions of the local people and breathe some clean mountain air.
Shahdag - the pearl of tourism industry in Azerbaijan. Across the centuries, the north-east corner of Azerbaijan has served as the gateway between Europe and the Middle East. Here, in the shadow of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, hides untold natural beauty. Pristine glaciers and deep ravines, stunning mountain lakes and canyons, and an ecological treasure trove of plants and animals. This is Shahdag in all its splendour. With a climate favouring year-round sports and leisure, Shahdag ranges from winter lows of -20°C to pleasant summer evenings of 20°C. An incomparable location for one of the world’s largest national parks, and within it, one of the region’s largest ski resorts. Breathtakingly beautiful, a haven hidden from time, Shahdag is an experience not soon forgotten.
With no less than 19 ski slopes planned, suitable for a wide range of experience levels, the Shahdag Mountain Resort presents world-class skiing at a breathtaking 2500 metres above sea level. The Resort’s own ski school offers experienced private instructors for beginners as well as advanced skiers.
In addition to skiing, the slopes also provide exciting opportunities for snowboarding and snow mobiling. Other winter activities, especially suited for young children, include quad biking and bouncy castles and snow tubing. Additionally, the Resort’s Spa will provide a refreshing break from the snow and ice.
Gusar region (12 excursion objects) |
- Brief (1 hour) a sightseeing tour about the Gusar city;
- Excursion (1 hour) on Gusar Canning factory;
- Ethnographic excursions (1-2 days) in ancient mountain settlements with the purpose of acquaintance with local architecture, a way of life, customs and features of language ancient Caucasian people - “Lezgi” – descendants of one of 26 radical native tribes of the ancient state the Caucasian Albania:
- Kurkun, Huray, Suvadjal and Unug / Anih, Inih settlements on the right side of Gusarchay river head;
- Urva, Djagar, Chetgun and Kuzun settlements on the left side of Gusarchay river head;
- Gede Zeyhur, Bedish Gala and Imamgulukend settlements located to the north from Gusar city;
- Gil, Piral, Djibir and Hezre settlements located north-western Gusar city;
- Ukur, Mudjuk, Adjahur, Beyuk Murug and Duztair settlements in Generchay river head;
- Gidjan, Goturgan, Sudur and Kuhur settlements in head river of Generchay and Sudurchay / Tairdjalchay rivers;
- Yukhary Tairdjal settlement in the bottom part of Tairdjalchay / Sudurchay riverheads;
- A panorama of Samur river valley (at the bottom current) in area of Zukhul / Tsukhul settlement (1-day\'s excursion);
- A panorama of rocky slopes of Shahdag hill (4243 m) and Gyzylgaya (3726 m) in headwaters of the Gusarchay river on: Zindan – Murug settlement – Aladash settlement – high-mountain Latsar / Leze / Laza settlement, - “Suvar” recreation zone (excursion for 1-2 days);
- The combined (auto-horse-foot) excursion (3-4 days) in Shahdag National Park (Gusarchay river head) on Shakhyaylag high-mountainous plateau (2650 m) and to Girve pass (3328 m.) / so-called, “The Albanian Gate” /.