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Health tourism is regarded as one of the fastest-growing tourist branches in the world.

With rich mineral and thermal waters, Azerbaijan has great recreational potential for the development of health tourism.

The country has more than 1,500 mineral and thermal springs, around 4 mud volcanoes, the lava of which is used for medicinal purposes, and one main source of oil. There are more than 250 mineral water sources in Nakhchivan alone.

A large-scale work is carried out to promote local resorts and improve their infrastructure.

Wellness resorts in Azerbaijan offer high class treatment centers, which correspond to the modern standards.

Azernews invites its readers to enjoy a virtual journey through wellness resorts.

Duzdag Health Resort

The ability of salt rooms to resolve breathing issues, skin problems and infections has been known long ago.

Duzdag, also known as "Salt Mountain," is a former salt mine whose underground tunnels have been converted into a leading salt therapy center.

Established in 1979, Duzdag Health Resort in Nakhchivan is known as one of the country's major healthcare facilities for the treatment of respiratory diseases and allergic symptoms.

Salt rooms have low humidity and a stable temperature throughout the year (17–18 degrees).

The oxygen level between the salt layers reaches 20 percent. Salt therapy takes place in special rooms where patients stay overnight.

The methods of classical physiotherapy are also used in the resort.

Naftalan Recreation Center

Naftalan oil's healing effects have been known since ancient times.

The oil in the area was known to people in China and India. Dark viscous liquid was traded by caravans throughout countries of the Near East.

Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi mentioned the transportation of Naftalan oil on caravans from the Safikurd village in his Khamsa poem.

In 1874, a German engineer Yeager took an interest in Naftalan. Soon, he started the production of ointments, "naphthalene" in Germany and exported them to various countries across the world.

The uniqueness and high efficiency of naftalan oil is confirmed by numerous scientific studies. Azerbaijani scientist Yusif Mammadaliyev was the first to identify the healing properties of Naftalan oil.

The medicinal properties of Naftalan oil are said to treat more than 70 illnesses related to bones, skin and joints.

In 2020, Russian travel website TurStat listed Naftalan Recreation Center among the top 3 resorts in the CIS countries.

Moreover, Natavan in Baku saw an increase in visitors in December 2023. In total, 3,000 tourists rested in modern hotels and recreation centers in Naftalan during the winter holidays.

Boasting valuable natural resources, Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for health tourism.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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