Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as tourism destination
The geographical position, unique climate, fauna and flora, and the ancient cultural monuments of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic create the auspicious conditions for development of tourism. Natural and historical monuments of the memory of centuries - Momina Khatun, Garabaghlar, Yusif ibn Kuseyir, Gulustan tombs, the 800-year Eastern plane tree preserved for centuries, farrier and mulberry trees, and the first historic settlement of the ancient people - Gamigaya, Kilit cave, the Alinja castle, as a symbol of grandeur and invincibility of these territories, the grandiose Hachadagh, Babek castle with unexampled natural monuments, Goy-gol, Ashabi-Kahf, and other hundreds of works of arts make the unique tourism potential for Nakhchivan. Also, more than 250 mineral water resources entail great opportunities for the development of tourism. Nevertheless, as a strategic region of former Soviet Union, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering on Turkey and Iran, was not allowed to develop its tourism. Just because of this reason, this important sector is newly being developed. As the economic and political obstacles of the initial period of independence are overcome, the tourism potential and its development have turned out to be urgent issue. In recent years, many have done to improve the infrastructure facilities. To this end, resort parks laid out with national and modern architectural methods, spring-monument complexes were opened for public, the modern hotels were constructed, new monuments were erected, and ancient architectural monuments were restored. Furthermore, unique Duzdagh and Badamli physiotherapy hospitals and Daridagh arsenic water dispensary were modernly reestablished. Simultaneously, all facilities for diagnosis, treatment and rest were established in Duzdagh Sanatorium Complex which was given into the usage of people after opening in June, 2008.
Nakhchivan Tourism Information Center has been established by the decree of the Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated May 05, 2006. In 2006, an international conference entitled "Tourism, Development and Perspectives" was held in Nakhchivan. It was a successful pace for the development of tourism sector in the autonomous republic and contributed to the workout of new projects. International conference on "Religious and Health Tourism: Organization of Spiritual and Physical Rest" held in May, 2008 with participation of the representatives from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference was of special importance to propagate tourism potential and facilities of the autonomous republic. In Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the historical monuments, reflecting the religious and national features, motley scenes of nature, fresh climate, mineral water resources, and relevant sanatorium dispensaries pave the way for not only ecotourism, but also ethnic and religious tourism. Autonomous Republic has also great importance for development of tourism with its religious santuaries, sacred places, imamzadas, and especially Ashabi-Kahf, about which is talked in Al-Kahf surah of sacred Koran. Now, "Ashabi-Kahf" Religious-Cultural Complex has good conditions for visitors. Tomb of Prophet Noah's grave is one of the places most visited by tourists.
By considering interest of tourists, Nakhchivan-Ashabi-Kahf, Nakhchivan-Alinjagala, Nakhchivan-Ordubad, Nakhchivan-Gamigaya, Nakhchivan-Garabaghlar, Nakhchivan-Batabat-Aghbulag, and Nakhchivan-Gulustan routes operate in the Autonomous Republic.
Today, there are convenient roads even to the most remote villages of Autonomous Republic, and buses and taxis operate to all villages and regions of Nakhchivan. Also it is possible to go by railway to some villages of AR. Currently, passenger buses go to Baku by passing through the territory of Iran Islam Republic and to Batumi by passing through the territory of Turkey. Moreover, there are air routes to Baku, Ganja, Moscow, and Istanbul from Nakhchivan International Airport. Modern tourism objects are established in AR. In 2013, giving the Agbulag Recreation Center to the usage of people was a great step on the way of developing tourism in NAR.
Information for tourists
Geographical location, area, and population
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Nakhchivan AR) is an autonomous state within Azerbaijan Republic. It borders on Armenia, Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Iran. NAR is located on the Silk Way. The total area of the autonomous republic is 5.5 square kilometers, and the population is about 444.4 thousand people.
History
Nakhchivan, the ancient land of Azerbaijan, is one of the places of civilization in the world. The Azerbaijani people have created an old and rich culture in this land. At the same time, Nakhchivan is one of the ancient cultural centers in the world. The rich historical, scientific and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijan people has formed in this land. The systematized written sources, the archaeological materials discovered in the area of Nakhchivan, the famous Gamigaya petrography, and other monuments in the territory prove that the age of Nakhchivan is around 5 thousand years.
Climate
The climate of Nakhchivan is sharp continental. As it is located in subtropical and temperate climate zones, its climate is different. The absolute minimum temperature is -310C while the absolute maximum temperature is +440C. The annual precipitation is 200-300mm.
Clothing
From the beginning of May till the end of September, people wear light summer clothes, and in winter - from the early December until the end of March, people mostly wear coats, raincoats and jackets.
Language
The official language is the Azerbaijan language. Besides it, a large number of population understand Turkish, Russian, and English languages.
Photo
Tourists are allowed to take pictures and videos;however, before taking a picture of a stranger in the street, you have to ask for permission at first as a symbol of deference.
Working hours
As a rule, Saturday and Sunday are considered to be weekends (it applies especially to state institutions), but most of shops and supermarkets are daily opened. The workday starts at 8.00-9.00, trade objects close at 21.00 - 23.00, restaurants and bars work at night.
Currency
The national currency is manat (AZN). Banks and a large number of exchange points exchange any currency. As a rule, when paying for goods and services, the dollar and other currencies are not accepted; payment must be made only in the national currency - manat. The Banks serve clients from 9.00 in the morning till 17.30 (excluding lunch break).
Large stores, shops, hotels, and banks equipped with POS- terminals accept non-cash payments using credit cards.
Communication. Telephone connection. Mobile operator. Internet
Telephone communication is carried out without any technical problems. All the hotels have an international code of communication, as well as additional means of communication, such as fax, telex, computers, Internet, and so on. There are also installed payphones in the city. Tokens can be purchased in nearby kiosks. International country code is +994. Code of Nakhchivan is 036. For calling Azerbaijanu number you need to dial +994(city code)(the number of called party). There are 3 mobile network operators: Azercell (050), Bakcell (055), and Nar Mobile (070-077).
Internet develops very rapidly. There are a large number of Internet cafes in the city. In these cafes, visitors are provided with all the conditions for the use of the Internet.
Media
The media of Nakhchivan are represented by newspapers "Gates of the East" and "Land of Noah", TV channels "NTV" and "Channel 35", and radio stations "Voice of Nakhchivan" and “Public radio”.
Water
Water coming through the system of water supply is safe. However, in restaurants and public places, natural healing mineral springs of Nakhchivan, such as Sirab, Badamli, Boyrek, and Chyngylly are served in glass and plastic bottles. These water types can be purchased at any store of the city.
Transport
Public transport is mostly represented by numerous buses and private taxis. At any time, you can take public transport that can take you anywhere in the city. In most city taxis, taximeters are installed so that it is possible to know the payment with the help of them.
Medical Service
Emergency medical care, as a rule, is free. Medical clinics and service pharmacies are also operate in the city. Most pharmacies operate without a lunch break .
Security
Order in the city controlled by the local police. Many disputes can be solved without breaking the law. Passport is recommended to have with you all the time, as it greatly simplifies the relationships with the police.
Service numbers
101 Fire Service
102 Police
103 Ambulance
104 Gas Emergency Service
109 Information Office
Religious holidays
Ramadan
Eid al - Adha ( Feast of Sacrifice)
National holidays
New Year - January 1-2
International Women's Day - March 8
Novruz Holiday - March 20-24
Victory Day - May 9
Republic Day - May 28
National Independence Day - June 15
Armed Forces Day - June 26
Independence Day -18 October
National Flag Day - November 9
Constitution Day - November 12
National Revival Day - November 1
Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis - 31 December
Mourning days
National day of Mourning - January 20
Khojaly tragedy - February 26
Genocide of Azerbaijanis - March 31
When to go
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic can be visited in all seasons of the year. Because each season of Nakhchivan has its unique colors and features.
Spring – with its flourishing nature, torrential rivers, and fresh air, spring is very attractive in Nakhchivan. The celebration of Novruz (a holiday of spring on March 21) in spring makes it much more attractive. The symbol of arrival of spring – Novruz will make the guests have a good time with its several old holiday traditions and events.
The summer – for many reasons summer is attractive here. The Batabat woods, Pazmari waterfalls, the Village Nurgut, Bichenek are especially beautiful in this season. Visitors receive unforgettable impression of vacation spots in the woods and the foothills which are located on the coast of lakes Batabat, Vaykhir, Gilanchay, Paragachay from walks outdoors and picnics. There are healing termal and mineral water resources in Nakhchivan AR. One of them is daridagh arsenic water located in Julfa. Having bath in this water in summer treats several diseases. Another character of summer is the abundance of fruits and vegetables. Fruit types as cherry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, pear, and plum, watermelon, and melon have unique tastes.
Fall – is very beautiful in Nakhchivan. In the season of gree has harmony with yellow and golden colors, the nature of city especially looks beautiful. For fans of cool weather and rainy autumn days, Nakhchivan will create romantic mood in this season.
The winter – Nakhchivan seems especially fantastic in winter. Nakhchivan will be unforgettable place for winter funs. Especially you derive pleasure from warm national dishes and hot tea from a samovar in warm rooms at a fireplace of vacation spots and restaurants. We recommend ordering such dishes as khash (early in the morning), dyushbere, khashil and other farinaceous dishes eating in winter.
Getting there
Transport is one of the most important issues when you plan to go somewhere. So... And how to reach Nakhchivan?!
You can come to Nakhchivan by planes and buses. Nakhchivan International Airport is one of the biggest and modern airports of the country. There are Baki-Nakhchivan, Nakhchivan-Ganja-Istanbul, Nakhchivan-Moscow flights.
Look at this: http://www.airportnakhchivan.az
3 customs checkpoints operate in the autonomous republic. Two of them (Julfa and Shahtakhti) are located on the border with Iran Islamic Republic and the third one (Sederek) is located on the border with the Republic of Turkey.
Public transport is provided by buses and taxis. You can use these vehicles services at any time of the day.
Domestic transport
Internal roads in Nakhchivan city are covered with asphalt. There is no difficulty for the movement of automobiles. Roads are equipped with road signs and light. Passeges are built in 2 parts of the city where there is a crowd.
Buses and taxis serve as local transports in Nakhchivan city. The new buses were brought to the city line, width and soft seats are designed for movement of passengers comfortably.
1,2,3,4,5,6 (access to the city) numbered buses provide people's arrival to all places of the city. 0.20 AZN fare for one person is determined.
Taxis can be found all over the city of Nakhchivan of service. Depending on the distance of the road in the city, the price of the taxi service is set between 1 – 5 AZN .