Gabala is one of the most beautiful parts of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Gabala is ancient capital of the Caucasian Albania. Archeological evidence indicates that the city functioned as the capital of the Caucasian Albania as early as the fourth century BC. Ruins of the ancient town are in 15 km from regional center, allocated on the territory between Garachay and Jourluchay rivers. Gabala was located in the middle of the 2500 old Silk Road and was mentioned in works of Pliny the Younger as “Kabalaka”, Greek geographer Ptolemy as “Khabala”, Arabic historian Ahmad ibn Yahya al-Baladhuri as “Khazar”. In the 19th century, the Azerbaijani historian Abbasgulu Bakikhanov mentioned in his book “Gulistani Irem” that Kbala or Khabala were in fact Gabala. In 60s BC, Roman troops attacked Caucasian Albania but did not succeed in capturing the Gabala territory. In 262, Caucasian Albania was occupied by Sassanid Empire but preserved its political and economic status. In 464 AD, lost its independence due to years of invasions from the northern nomadic tribes and had to move its capital city to Partava (currently Barda in Azerbaijan). Gabala was occupied by Shirvanshah Fariburz, Georgian King David III of Tao in 1120, Mongol khan Timurleng in 1386, Safavid shah Tahmasib I in 1538, Persian Nader Shah in 1734 but was able to preserve its culture and identity. After the death of Nader Shah in 1747, Azerbaijan split into independent khanates and sultanates and Gabala became a Qutqashen Sultanate. It was also called Gabala Mahali. After Azerbaijan was occupied by Russian Empire in 1813 it conducted administrative reforms and in 1841 Azerbaijani khanates were terminated and the territories were incorporated into governorates. Gabala area was added to Nukha uyezd of Elisabethpol Governorate. Due to archeological finds in Gabala, it was declared a National State Reserve in 1985.
There is a great variety of historical and cultural monuments of different eras in this region: the Albanian church of IV-VIII centuries in Amili village, tombs of Sheikh Badraddin and Sheikh Mansur of XV century in Hazra village, mosque of XIX century in Bum village and others. Old Gabala never recovered and the unguarded site was only rediscovered in 1959.
The abundance of attractions, beautiful nature and well developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists. Beautiful nature and well developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists to Gabala. Here are a few five star complexes, small family hotels, recreation areas and tourist camps. Among the local attractions there are the so called Russian forest, river valleys, the famous Chestnut forest, and numerous picturesque villages.
There is Nij village inhabited by Udi, direct descendants of the ancient Caucasian Albanians. The abundance of game in the woods in the season attracts many hunters.
In Gabala at the area of 16 hectares is located the largest open air amusement park in Azerbaijan – Gabaland. The town also hosts an annual International Music Festival of classical music, jazz and mugham, which is attended by bands and artists from all around the world. Not surprisingly that exactly in Gabala is located a factory on piano manufacturing under the famous Dutch brand Beltman.
Flora and fauna of the district are extraordinary rich: in the woods and mountain pastures can be found noble deer and mountain tours, wild boar, hare, bears, wolves, foxes and numerous birds – pheasant, grouse, francolin, etc. The abundance of game in the season attracts many hunters.
The town also hosts an annual international music festival of classical music, jazz and mugham, which is attended by bands and artists from around the world (the official site of the event www.gabalafestival.com). And every two years within its limits is held a contest of piano art.
