An article by Dadash Aliyev, dedicated to the ancient settlement of Lahij located in the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan, was published in the Tourism Stories book of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which was presented at the 21st session of the UNWTO in the Colombian city of Medellin.
The presentation of the book was held by the UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai, the press service of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan said.
Lahij is a historical-architectural reserve, included in the international tourist route on the Great Silk Way. In the historical sources of different periods the village is mentioned under names such as Al-Abkhaz, Landzhan, Al-Aydzhan and Layidzhan. It is located on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, at a height of 1375 meters above sea level on the left bank of the River Ghirdiman.
Lahij, built on the basis of city blocks, is an example of early urbanization and architecture, as shown by its cobbled streets and squares, together with its developed sewage systems and water pipelines, which were built about 1000 years ago. All the buildings in the settlement are made of stone, which was crosscut by wood.
Lahij is known as an ancient handicraft center. In the XVIII-XIX centuries the village was one of the main centers of production of copper utensils, as well as a famous manufacturer of cold weapons of Damascus steel. The production was decorated with intricate and delicate ornamentation. In the middle of the XIX century there were more than 200 craftwork houses in the village, more than 120 kinds of art were developed, Trend reports.
Lahij is known for its artisans even today, carpet weaving, production of copper utensils and leather products are widely developed here.
