Goygol district gets ready for Nomadic Culture Festival
Laman Ismayilova
Read moreAzerbaijan's Goygol district gets ready for Nomadic Culture Festival scheduled for July 5-7, Azernews reports.
The event is co-organized by Javad Khan History and Culture Foundation and Kap.az - Different Tourism LLC, State Tourism Agency, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), World Ethsport Confederation with the support of Ganja City, Goygol District Executive Authorities, State Employment Agency and Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA).
The large-scale festival promises a vibrant celebration of nomadic heritage.
Set against the picturesque Khan steppe, an ethno-settlement named "Yaylaq yurdu" will be erected in an authentic style.
The festival grounds will feature diverse attractions such as the Cıdır Square, Yaylag Market, Craftsman's corner, and the Dada Gorgud hearth for performances, alongside the Pahlavan square for traditional sports competitions.
Over three days, Goygol district expects to welcome numerous guests from Azerbaijan and beyond.
The festival conventionally consists of three parts: cultural-ethnographic part, national steppe (sports) games and eco-ethno tourism.
Nomadic Culture Festival, initiated in 2019 and previously held in Gadabay and Goygol districts, continues to grow in popularity, showcasing the rich nomadic traditions.
Renowned for its historical and natural wonders, Goygol continues to captivate tourists with its array of attractions. At the heart of this enchanting landscape lies Goygol Lake, a natural gem that emerged following a seismic event in the Middle Ages.
The lake's pristine waters, formed by the redirection of a river's course due to a mountain collapse, offer a breathtaking sight atop the majestic Caucasus Mountains.
Situated at an elevation of 1,600 meters above sea level, Goygol Lake boasts waters of unparalleled clarity and a mesmerizing hue. The surrounding forests teem with diverse flora and fauna, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including wolves, foxes, deer, jackals, bears, and lynx. Despite its scenic beauty, the lake maintains a cool temperature, with the water rarely exceeding +17°C even in the peak of summer, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Goygol is also home to a wealth of historical treasures. With 31 architectural monuments dating back to the 12th, 14th, 16th, and 19th centuries, visitors can explore a tapestry of ancient sites, including barrows, necropolises, open settlements, and various structures such as the iconic "Luteran" German Church constructed in 1854.
Noteworthy landmarks like the 12th-century tower in Zurnabad village, a 16th-century tomb in the former Sarigaya village, and mysterious stone bridges in Topalhasanli village add to Goygol's rich historical legacy.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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