Beşbarmaq Mountain is situated 95 km from Baku-Siyazan highway. The "Beşbarmaq Mountain" State Historical-Cultural and Nature Reserve was established based on a Presidential Decree dated June 8, 2020. The reserve encompasses the natural monument of Beşbarmaq Mountain, located in the Qalaxıxı village of Siyazan District.
Beşbarmaq Mountain, one of Azerbaijan's rare natural landmarks, is surrounded by several state-protected historical and cultural sites, including settlements from the late Bronze to early Iron Age, the shrine of Khizirzinda, medieval fortress ruins, and caravanserai remains from the 15th to 17th centuries. Notably, the parallel defensive wall of Beşbarmaq from the early Middle Ages was included in UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger on October 24, 2001.
On July 1, 2021, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Charter of the Reserve.
Given the high number of visitors to Beşbarmaq Mountain, a dedicated security force has been deployed to ensure the protection of the site.
Unique Natural Landmarks
Scientific research and archaeological excavations have been conducted in cooperation with several institutes of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) to study the reserve's monuments. Beşbarmaq Mountain not only serves as a religious and spiritual destination but also features a unique natural landscape as a significant example of natural heritage.
Scientific Research within the Reserve
In accordance with the Presidential Decree of June 8, 2020, which established the "Beşbarmaq Mountain" State Historical-Cultural and Nature Reserve, a contract was signed between the State Tourism Agency and the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of ANAS. This agreement facilitated initial archaeological surveys and scientific research within the reserve, resulting in several important findings.
The primary aim of the "Beşbarmaq" archaeological expedition, led by Sevinc Huseynova, was to investigate the historical fortress of Beşbarmaq, the adjacent necropolis, the medieval caravanserai, and the Sassanian defensive wall. The goal was to determine the architectural features and dating of these structures and to prepare recommendations for the cultural tourism prospects of the region.
Preliminary research has identified and located two of the four towers mentioned in historical sources about Beşbarmaq Fortress. Excavations at Narınqala revealed structural remnants that provide insights into its purpose and dating. Archaeological work at the Beşbarmaq Reserve has also laid the groundwork for better explaining the cultural heritage value of the area to both local and international tourists, developing relevant cultural tourism products, and conducting further scientific and archaeological studies.
The ruins within Narınqala are built with hewn rock and include seismic braces made of timber, suggesting sophisticated construction techniques. Pottery remains from the 14th-15th centuries were discovered, indicating the site's historical depth.
One of the four towers described in medieval sources, along with part of the adjacent fortress wall, has been excavated. The remains of large stone structures, including the Narınqala tower, confirm the existence of a fortified settlement.
Research in the southeastern part of the fortress, where ruins of 19th-20th century residential buildings were found, revealed that these buildings incorporated materials from earlier periods. This use of ancient building materials in construction is a unique finding, with decorated stone slabs featuring geometric and floral patterns.
Exploratory work on parallel walls has clarified the direction of one wall, which extends from Qalaxıxı village to the sea. Remnants of towers or observation posts were discovered, and recommendations for the site's features and archaeological tourism potential have been submitted to the State Tourism Agency.
Tourism Potential
- Beşbarmaq Mountain is strategically located among key tourism destinations in northern Azerbaijan (including Qalaltı, Quba, Qusar, Shahdagh, and Khinalug). It is a significant waypoint on the country's northern tourism route.
- The area is a unique location for observing bird migration. Every year, millions of migratory birds pass through this region on their way south. Due to its value for birdwatchers, efforts have been made to develop tourism products related to "Migratory Bird Observation" at Beşbarmaq Mountain. This emerging tourism trend has been promoted through certification training and tourism platforms in Azerbaijan and abroad.
- Future archaeological excavations will not only enhance the promotion of Beşbarmaq Mountain as a religious and natural landmark but also as an archaeological tourism destination featuring an ancient medieval settlement.
