Naxçivan

Introducing Naxçivan

This cradle of Azeri culture and history is now a disconnected lozenge of Azerbaijan wedged uncomfortably between hostile Armenia and indifferent Iran. It’s kept going economically thanks to a tiny border with Turkey and numerous subsidised flights from Baku. Historical monuments and intriguing oasis villages are dotted about a fascinating landscape of deserts and melon fields rimmed dramatically by craggy barren mountains.

But visiting requires resourcefulness and imagination. Western visitors are an extreme novelty and even Russian speakers are comparatively rare. While much of the population is extravagantly hospitable, officials beyond Naxçivan City tend to regard lone travellers with a deep suspicion bordering on aggression.

Transiting Naxçivan would make an interesting alternative route when crossing between Turkey and Iran. However, if you’re coming from the rest of Azerbaijan you’ll need to fly.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009