Baku 
Gyanja 
Naxcivan 
Lankaran 
Gabala is know across the world as the name of one of the largest radar stations. Meanwhile, this is also the name of the amazing ancient city.
Great Past
Kabala, or Kabalaka as it was referred to by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, was the capital of Caucasian Albania. The Arab sci-entists and travellers Balazuri, Yakut Khamavi and Ibn Khordad-bekh called Kabala 'the principal city of the whole country'. It held this position for 600 years, until the capital was moved to Barda. Despite the loss of its status, Kabala remained the centre of the political, social and trade life of Caucasian Albania.
Not only written sources but also findings from archaeological expeditions bear witness to the economic potential of the city in that time. Pottery kilns, tools for jewellery-making, adornments and faience and porcelain dishes discovered during archaeological excavations show that Kabala had intensive trade and cultural links with Iran, China and other countries of the East.
The greatest damage to the city and the whole Albanian state was done in the 13th century by Mongol conquerors. The city was fully rebuilt after this and it formed part of the Shirvanshah State and later of the Sheki Khanate. At the end of the 18th century, as a result of the threat from mud-slides, people left ancient Kabala and moved to the outskirts of the city (Chukhur-Kabala).
Modem Gabala is situated 15km northeast of the site where ancient Kabala lay. In the 20th century Gabala became the centre of the District and it has not only preserved its great past but has also contributed to the glorious annals of Azerbaijan.
Little Switzerland
When you see the outskirts of Gabala for the first time you cannot believe that all this beauty Is here and not in faraway Switzerland,
The lush vegetation of the forests, the unusually pure water sparkling in the bright sunlight and the variety of the landscape has attracted connoisseurs of primordial nature to these lands since time immemorial. Even though the numbers of people who want to see the miracles of Gabala grow year by year it is still possible to find places untouched by civilization. Here dwell such animals as wolves, foxes, bears, wild boars and also more peaceful beasts - hares, deer, gazelles, ibex and others. Fearful pheasants and partridges are hidden in the forests of hornbeam, oak, juniper, walnut and birch.
In the places frequented by tourists the fauna is rarely met with but there are plenty of sites of Interest. Firstly, there are the famous waterfalls Yeddi Gyozel (Seven Beauties), Durja and also the tallest waterfall in Azerbaijan (57m) - Muchug.
Water sources are a special pride of Gabala District. Millions of people know about the swift mountain rivers, numerous springs and the charming waters of Lake Nokhur. When spring comes to Gabala the chestnut, the symbol of this land, blossoms. The trees are more than 500 years old. In order to protect these ancient giants the Gabala wildlife preserve was established in 1993. An alpinist route to the highest peak of the Republic - Mount Bazarduzu (4466m). runs near this place.
The Udins
The inhabitants of Gabala District have attracted the attention of leading scientists of the world because the most ancient people of the Caucasus, the descendants of the ancient Albanians - the Udins, lives here. They are tall, fair-haired, hospitable and hard-working. The Udins, or as they call themselves - Udi, are long-lived and the average duration of their life is 80-100 years. Herodotus (5th century ВС) wrote about the ancestors of the Udins-Utias, The modern name Udins first appeared in the writings of Pliny the Elder.
Udins, like other indigenous people of Azerbaijan, cultivated lands, raised cattle and practiced handicrafts from ancient times.
Their culture is multifaceted and their folklore reflects the history and beliefs of many centuries. Despite the fact that the Udins consider themselves Christian, cult superstitions and magic rituals have great significance in their lives. Thus, some Udins. like in the time of Caucasian Albania, worship the moon and all-important issues are carried out on Fridays because it is considered a lucky day.
The cultural centre of the Udins is the village of Nij, which is located 40km from Gabala. There, in the Jotari quarter, an Udin church from the 17th century has been preserved. It was constructed on the site of an ancient Albanian church erected on a well of the Caucasian Albanian Apostle St Yelisey. The church now bears his name.
The Udins carefully preserve their traditions and transfer them from generation to generation. There are schools in Nij village where children can learn the Udin language and also an active Udin cultural centre. Udins offer guests visits to the cafй of national cuisine where you can try traditional Udin dishes. These include yet siyigi (rice porridge with meat), firrama (stuffed turkey cooked in a tandir), shiftiling (a sauce made from chestnuts and walnuts), doshamali ashi (pilau with chicken) and many others. Kharisa -soft boiled wheat flavoured with butter and pieces of meat or fowl also deserves attention.
In the Footsteps of Dumas
Many historic and cultural monuments survive in Gabala and its surroundings. The Albanian temple of the 4-8th centuries in Boyuk Amili settlement, Ustajan Fortress of the 9-14th centuries in Bayramkokhali village, the Mausoleums of the 15th century sheiks Badraddin and Mansur in Khazra village and also the 17th century mausoleum in Shefili village are of great interest. Worshippers come to this land in order to visit pirs (burials of people who were considered to be saints while alive) - Shlkh-Baba pir of the 16th century in Khamzalli village and the top of Komrad mountain. In Gabala it is possible to see the Mausoleum of Imam-Baba of the 18th century and the Juma mosque. Numerous archaeological finds discovered in the District are collected in the local history museum of the city.
Tourists interested in traditional handicrafts should visit Gamarvan village where ceramics are made and Vandam village which is famous for its carpenters. Laza village is famous not only because representatives of the Lezgin people live closely together here but also because of Its master carpet weavers. There is also another village where it Is possible to buy carpet products -Bourn, where it is also possible to listen to the Zop-Zopa folklore ensemble, which has participated successfully in different International festivals.
For those who decide to visit Gabala District it will be interesting to know that the unique International Alexandre Dumas in the Caucasus Route passes through this territory. It closely follows the journey of the famous writer who visited this land in 1858. Dumas was a great connoisseur of wine and here in Gabala he was able to completely satisfy his passion, enjoying the soft velvety taste of the local grape drink. Today, ali those who wish to share the delight of Dumas can participate In the international Wine Route tour.
Irrespective on which part of Gabala a traveller comes to, he will encounter amazingly beautiful places, friendly people and quality service. There are about twenty large recreations zones, as well as a great number of family here. Moreover, Ga-bala District has experiences a real boom in tourism which is not surprising considering the rapid development of the economy and the creation of appropriate infrastructure.
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