The implementation of a functional waste concept in the ecotourism areas of the liberated areas, compliance with mine safety rules and prevention of poaching are among the main issues.
We visited Fuzuli, Shusha, Lachin, Sugovushan and Khojavand (Azikh village and cave) within the framework of the “Ecotourism standards in liberated areas” project implemented by the Public Union for Integration into the Globalized World with the support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations. In this article, we would like to share our ecotourism observations regarding Fuzuli, Shusha, Sugovushan and Azikh.
Shusha
Shusha, which is of historical, political (the capital of the Karabakh Khanate) and cultural significance for the people of Azerbaijan, is located in the heart of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Leaders, poets, artists, architects, musicians produced by the city of Shusha, the pearl of Karabakh, made important contributions to the historical, cultural and political heritage of the country. It is no coincidence that Shusha is considered the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. And by TURKSOY, the city has been declared the “cultural capital of the Turkish world” for 2023.
Despite the fact that Shusha is associated as a cultural capital for us, these places have a very charming nature. It is full of natural wonders. Cıdır plain, located in the southern part of the city, has always been drawn along with the name of Shusha. Cıdır plain, which has a beautiful view and is located on a steep terrain, has historically been the site of horse races, other games, public gatherings, etc. was a square for Dashalti river flows 200 meters below the Cidir plain and there is a valley. A beautiful ecotourism view of the mountains opens from here. The beautiful Chetir waterfall flows near Dashalti valley. The area around the waterfall is a beautiful promenade. Isa spring, located about two kilometers from the city of Shusha, at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level, has always been a sacred place for the inhabitants of this place and is mentioned in folklore examples. While we were here, we observed a large number of tourists who visited the Isa spring and formed long queues for it, which shows the deep emotions that are attached to the famous Isa spring…
However, despite the threat of landmines in the surrounding areas of Shusha, tourists in many cases, they seriously ignore posters, boards, and warnings about mines. This is very dangerous. Attention should be paid to the careless “picnics” of tourists, who mainly consist of our local citizens, with extended families, including grandparents and babies, at roadsides, in the vicinity of mine-dangerous areas. In many cases, people of 10-20 people are seen sitting on roadsides, in nearby forested areas, leaving samovar, which can pose a danger in terms of starting a fire in nature. In fact, we noticed that the police stopped local tourists who wanted to cross into the liberated areas with such single samovars and did not allow them to take the samovars. However, we also saw people having a “picnic” with a samovar in those areas. While there was a danger of mines along the Shusha-Lachin road, in Turshu and other places, we witnessed how people gathered together, and sometimes they made their way to the forest or mountain from the roadside…
Fuzuli
Fuzuli district, covering the foothills of the southeastern part of the Lesser Caucasus, is bordered by Beylagan, Agjabadi, Jabrayil, Khojavand districts and the Araz river. Fuzuli region was one of the economically profitable regions of our country before the occupation. Fuzuli is remembered as one of the regions that differ in terms of cotton growing and grain growing climate. In addition, other directions of agriculture have also developed in the region. The region is distinguished by the production of industrial products. We also witnessed a number of plantations along the way. Araz river and its big tributaries Kondalanchay, Guruchay and numerous small tributaries of these rivers flow in the region. According to the climatic conditions, the territory of the district belongs to the hot-dry climate type. Thus, Fuzuli stands out for its hot-dry summer and mild-warm winter. Although Fuzuli region has opportunities for ecotourism and rural tourism, the liberated part of the region has not yet been cleared of mines. This is indicated by signs warning of the danger of mines along the road to Shusha. However, the local residents we talked to here also said that people do not pay serious attention to the danger of mines in a number of cases.
One of the current scenes here is that the remains of destroyed buildings lie in the liberated areas along Zafar road…
Azikh cave
Before turning to Shusha road at the end of Fuzuli district, after turning right and driving a few kilometers, there is a cave of the same name in Azikh village, located in the territory of Khojavend district. We went to that area and found a cave where Neanderthal people (Azychanthropus) once lived. The cave is located at an altitude of 900 meters. To get to the cave, you have to climb a long way through long, narrow and uncomfortable stairs. In the heat of summer, this is not particularly easy. However, the cave has a nice view of the surrounding area. Let us add that the cave can be even more attractive in terms of both historical and ecological tourism. But for this, a better presentation of this beautiful archaeological and natural monument is needed. During the occupation, Armenians tried to use the cave as an information war. Now we have the cave. The monument is not protected and anyone can climb it. However, we have seen plastic thrown around and such situations are undesirable…
Sugovushan
Our next route was the settlement of Sugovushan, located in a forested area below the top of Murov mountain. The town is located in the heart of a beautiful forest, and the Sugovushan lake in its territory is especially important from the point of view of ecotourism. The lake was created more than 50 years ago. It is especially important in terms of irrigation. After liberation, Sugovushan becomes a beautiful ecotourism tourist destination. The unique view of the lake and the settlement, the nearby Sarsang reservoir, Talysh heights, Kalbajar and Goranbo, indicate the ecotourism advantages of the settlement. In addition, there are pure springs, rich flora and fauna, and mountain terrain nearby. All these opportunities are well appreciated by the state. After the liberation of Karabakh, the laying of the foundation of the tourism complex in Sugovushan with the participation of the head of state, as well as the start of other touristic infrastructure construction, also indicate this.
Thus, in general, there are ample opportunities for the development of ecotourism in Karabakh. All goal-oriented and result-oriented measures are implemented by the state in order to turn these opportunities into reality. In all liberated and demined areas, you witness extensive construction and infrastructure construction, including tourism infrastructure construction. It is enough that our people who set foot in the region and relevant institutions should increase their attention and contributions in this matter.
The main issues are the implementation of the concept of working garbage in ecotourist places, compliance with mine safety rules and prevention of poaching…
The article was prepared within the framework of the “Ecotourism standards in liberated areas” project implemented by the Globalized World Integration Public Union with the financial support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The position of the author or the interviewee and the position of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations may not be consistent.