Ismailli: Nature, Crafts and Regional Experiences

Ismailli combines a vast nature reserve with craft traditions, village life and rural experiences. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, deciding what you want to focus on can help you choose: scenery and hiking, Kelaghayi and copper crafts, or regional cuisine and village activities. The places below show how varied a stay can be, depending on the theme you choose.

Nature amid mountain meadows, forests and wildlife

The Ismayilli State Nature Sanctuary was established in July 1969. It lies mostly in Ismayilli and partly in Gabala; following a later reduction in size, it covers an area of 23,437.85 hectares. The sanctuary was created to protect and increase the populations of animals living there. Its habitats include alpine and subalpine mountain meadows, as well as forests dominated by hornbeam, beech and oak. Wildlife species include Caucasian snowcock, wolf, lynx, wildcat, marten and European hare.

Ismayilli Rayon is characterized by rolling terrain; its mountains and forests are home to the remains of centuries-old towers and temples. The combination of open hills, mountain meadows and forests gives the natural scenery a variety of aspects, while the sanctuary offers a closer look at local wildlife and plant life.

Kelaghayi and copper crafts

Basqal is associated with the making of Azerbaijani Kelaghayi silk scarves. The batik patterns are created by stamping on hot wax. After a walk along Basqal’s cobbled streets, you can take part in workshops at the Kelaghayi Silk Centre. Restored old stone houses have been converted into guesthouses; there is a parking lot at the village entrance.

Lahij has a different craft heritage: the town has historically been associated with copperware sold across the Caucasus; examples can be found in major museums. The Lahij Museum of History and Ethnography displays archaeological finds from the surrounding area, including an 18th-century coppersmith’s bellows. A hiking route leads to the ruins of Girdiman Fortress and Mount Niyaldag; the return route passes the Seven Waterfalls. Many hiking tours in Ismayilli start or end in Lahij.

Regional cuisine and rural experiences

Along the road to Lahij, you can try Qutabs and flatbreads baked on a saj. Locally grown herbs and spices are also available to buy there. At the Ancient Tea House, you can try herbal tea with rose petal jam. Ismayilli Rayon is also associated with honey, dairy products and wine production.

Cycling in Ivanovka offers a leisurely way to explore fields, orchards, quiet courtyards, cafés and village shops. The village shops sell fresh dairy products, homemade meat products and other local specialties. A cycling extension takes you from Ivanovka through rolling countryside toward Lake Ashigbayramli and on to a peaceful lakeside setting with sunset views.

Ivanovka also offers honey-making workshops, field tours where you can see bees in colorful pavilions, and tea and tasting visits at a local home. As workshop dates are seasonal, it is best to ask about specific dates in advance.

Another rural highlight is Lakeside Garden in Təzəkənd, next to Lake Vəlbinə and at the edge of the forest. Its agrotourism offering includes regional organic produce, food prepared over a fire and camping. Other activities include farm tours, youth camps, craft and product markets, and community activities.

Discover more destinations: Ismailli, Lahich, Baku, Khachmaz, Shamakhi, Shaki, Siazan, Qakh.

For the main travel overview: Azerbaijan.