Zaqatala

Zagatala (Zaqatala) is a city in the Sheki Region on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains in northwest Azerbaijan. The wooded mountain sides, with frequent waterfalls, offer great hiking opportunities. Due to its climate, the town became a mountain health resort.

Understand
Zakatala is at an altitude of 600 m. It is 450 km from the capital Baku. The population of Zakatala city is 32,000 people (2020). Zakatala is a multinational region with 26 different ethnic groups including: Avar, Zakur, Lesgi, Kumuck, Yengloid, Ingloid, Russian, and Georgians. Zakatala city is divided into two parts by the Tala River, Zaka and Tala.

History
Zakatala was established in the 17th century by its namesake Zakeria. Before that, there was only a government by the name of the Jar-Balakan Community, which was established by the Avar. This community fell to the influence of the Mongolians, Persians, and finally after the establishment of the city of Zakatala, the Russians. In the 18th century, the Russian Army, under the leadership of General Sisianov, attacked Zakatala. The locals from the Jar-Balakan Community resisted General Sisianov's army heroically. Finally, General Sisianov fortified the city of Zakatala against the Jar-Balakan Community.

At this time, Dagestan’s ruler, Sheik Shamil sent a cohort of soldiers with the purpose of liberating the people of Zakatala, but despite their efforts the Jar-Balakan Community was defeated on the banks of the Alazan Rive. Thus, Zakatala fell to the influence of the Russian Empire. After the October Revolution and the declaration of the First Republic of Azerbaijan in 1918, Zakatala was made the regional center for the northwest region until 1920. During the Soviet period, Zakatala industrialized with tobacco, wool, brick, hazelnut, wine, and dairy factories. Communal farms were established in Zakatala as well and the railroad was laid to Zakatala. Upon independence in 1991, many mosques, 2 educational institute, and several schools were opened in Zakatala.

Climate

 * Spring – Especially rainy, with much of the annual 120 cm falling during this time.
 * Summer – The temperature ranges from 30-35 °C and the mountains are verdant.
 * Fall – The tree leaves brown and it rains.
 * Winter – The mountains are covered with an average of 50-60 cm of snow.

By bus or marshrutka


Marshrutkas from Tbilisi go to Qax and pass by Zaqatala on the way at least three times a day. 8 manat.

By marshrutka
There are two routes in Zaqatala city. #1 Gagarin Street-Bus station, #2 Galaduzu-Bus station. 0.3 manat. Pay upon exiting the bus.

By taxi
Taxis are 1 manat for a trip anywhere in the city of Zaqatala. Just state the location and the driver will take you there. To go to a village, be prepared to pay 5-10 manat.

Talk
While Zaqatala is a natural tourist destination with its verdant mountains, friendly people, and liberal atmosphere, English is not widely spoken, so it would be wise to either bring an Azeri phrasebook and/or brush up on your Azeri, Russian, or Turkish before arriving.


 * Azerbaijani phrasebook
 * Russian phrasebook
 * Turkish phrasebook

Parks and monuments
Zaqatala is blessed with beautiful nature in this region. The town of Zaqatala is surrounded by mountains. There are 2 parks in the town. One park is named after academic Zarifa Aliyeva. The other one is named after Haydar Aliyev. This park is very beautiful and large. There are many green trees in here.



Hiking

 * From Zaqatala up through the Katecy River to Qabid valley, then across the two mountains to the waterfall over the Katech river. There are camping places across from the Baku road. Total length, 38 km.
 * From Zaqatala, up the Mishlesh river across Julusu mountain pass through the Tala river to the Tala mountain. Total length 13 km.
 * From Zaqatala, Batyomkir tower, 17th-century church, and Tala mountain, then through the Tala river to Mishlesh mountain. Total length 15 km.
 * 3-day touring plan; from Zaqatala, Masec mountain pass to Cabir valley through the Catec river to the waterfall, and camping site. Then up the Silpan river across the Hamra mountain, then to Chir tower, and to the camping place in Jar. Finally, go to Shamil mountain, Kebalaba village and drive back to Zaqatala city.

Eat
Zagatala has a very nice cuisine and several restaurants. In addition to the listed restaurants, there is a restaurant in each hotel in Zaqatala.

Regional specialities

 * Suhulu-noodles with dried meat in soup
 * Gutab/keta-kurd, meat, or greens placed between two tortillas
 * Girs-Noodles with meat placed inside it in soup
 * Walnut pilaf-pilaf with walnuts on it
 * Zaqatala hazelnuts-Zaqatala is famous for its hazelnuts. You can buy them by the kilo in various stores. There is a factory on the western outskirts of the city of Zaqatala.

Go next
Visit some of the nearby scenic villages:
 * Danachi
 * Kapanachi
 * Yengiyan
 * Jar

For other destinations see Sheki Region. Or even further to Tbilisi, marshrutkas start in Qax.