Zaqatala (rayon)

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Zaqatala

Municipality:	Zaqatala
Altitude:	500m
Population:	35,000 census

Zaqatala is a rayon of Azerbaijan. The capital and principle town of the rayon is Zaqatala. The rayon is an appendix of Azeri territory wedged between Georgia and Dagestan (Russian Federation). As you would expect from its location, the Zaqatala rayon has both Avar and Tsakhur minorities (Dagestani peoples). It is served by the A315 road coming from Mingachevir and leading to the Georgian border at Lagodekhi as well as by a small airfield.

The Zaqatala rayon has not suffered the intense environmental damage of other, nearby areas. Mulberry trees are well adapted to the area, allowing Zaqatala to preserve the ancient tradition of silkworm breeding, brought with the hordes of Timur.

North of the town there is an important wildlife and nature preserve, the Zaqatala Nature Reserve, which is home to brown bears, boars and West Caucasian Tur. The Caucasus Mountains provide it with natural protection from the north winds. The wooded mountainsides, with frequent waterfalls offer great hiking opportunities. Due to its climate the town became a mountain health resort.

The Zaqatala rayon is also of historic interest, particularly around the main city, built in the 1830s by the Russians, which only became famous in the early-20th century. The villages of Aliabad and Mosul have interesting 19th century mosques. Ancient fortifications are to be found in the villages of Kelebola, Matsekh, Yukhary Chardakhlar, Sheitangala and Jar.

The economy of the Zaqatala rayon has an agricultural base - mainly cash-crops and sheep. There is a tea factory, a tobacco transformation plant, a large food combine and a silk cocoon drying plant. The local honey is known across Azerbaijan.