Shusha physical-geographical features

Shusha region map

Shusha district

Shusha region was established in 1930. The region was abolished in 1963 and annexed in 1978 to Stepanakert (Askeran Region, the present Khojali region). It had been an independent region since 1965 and was occupied by Armenians on May 8, 1992.

Reliyef

The relief of the region is mountainous (Garabagh chain). The Eastern part of the region borders on Kechaldagh pass.

Geological structure

The sediments of Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods have spread in the territory.

Rivers and water basins

The area is rich with mineral waters (Turshsu) and springs (Isa spring). The main rivers are Gargar River and its tributaries, Zarisli and Khalfali Rivers.

Landscapes and biodiversity

Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis), Iberian oak (Quercus iberica) and Caucasian hornbeam (Carpinus caucasica) forests dominate in the region. There are common chestnut (Castanea sativa) at 1200—1300 m above sea level near Madadkand and Boyuk Taghlar villages, Hadrut settlements, near Taghavert village of Khojavand region. There are more than 30 chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) in the North slopes at a height of 1160—1210 meters in low pails of Chirisli Mountain. Chestnut trees mix with oak-hornbeam forests. There are different bushes in low forests as hazel (Corylus avellana), buckthorn (Rhamnus sp.), cherry plum (Primus divaricata), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), guelder rose (Euonymus sp.), hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), medlar (Mespilus germanica) and rose (Rosa sp.). Hornbeam (Carpinus sp.), maple (Acer sp.), cherry (Cercisus avium), ash (Fraxinits sp.) and oak (Quercus sp.) species also grow in forests of the region.

The region is rich with animal representatives. There are wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), European deer (Capreolus capreolus), badger , wild boar (Sus scrofa), wild cat (Felis silvestris), lynx (Lynx lynx), jackal (Canis aureus), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), common hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica) and other mammal species. The birds of the region are Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus), Grey Partridge (perdix), Steppe Eagle (Aquilla nipalensis), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus), Bearded Parrotbill (Panurus biarmicus) and other bird species.

Geological monuments

Karst caves in Dashalti village. “Shahnazar” cave in Shusha. Dashalti canion near Shusha city.

History

Shusha city is one of the ancient residences of Azerbaijan. The city is located at a height of 1400 m on the Shusha plateau. The city is a mountain climatic resort. The name of the region was taken from the name of the city. The name of the city is connected with the name of Panahali Khan Javanshir who was the ruler of Karabagh Khanate. Panahali Khan built a DeFence wall around the residential areas and made some renovations in the area. The city was named Panahali in honor of Panahali khan. After Russian occupation the city was added to the Shusha settlement of Caspi region.

Archeological monuments

The length of Shahnazar cave is 125 meters with 20 meters width and 10 meters height. Two rough stone hatchets of Paleolit Period, microlit knives of Mezeolit Period, Eneolit clays of V - IV millenniums, the potteries and Muslim graves of Bronze, Iron and Medieval Periods were found in the cave.

Historical and cultural monuments

Defence tower in Dashalti village, Shelter house, stable and hamam remains built by Ibrahim-khalil Khan (18th century). Govhar Agha mosque (1884) in Shusha city (Architect G. Garabaghi). Ashaghi Govher Agha Mosque (1875) in Shusha city.

See also

  • Shusha

Literature

  1. Abutalibov M.H., Hajiyev V.J. Vegetation of Azerbaijan. Baku: Ishig, 1976. - 47 p.
  2. Biodiversity and protection value of coastal ecosystems of Azerbaijan. Compiled and edited by Sebastian Schmidt, Annett Thiele. Project management: Sebastian Schmidt. Authors: Annctt Thiele, Sebastian Schmidt, Kai Gauger. Michael Succow Foundation. Printed on FSC-certified paper, 3/2008.
  3. Humbatov R., Novruzov N. Azerbaijan: travel information. Baku: AzerOlympic International, 2008. - 24 p.
  4. Protected areas in Azerbaijan. Editorial Board: Hussein Bagirov (head), Firdovsi Aliyev, Aziz Najafli. Leyla Salamova. Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources Republic of Azerbaijan/ Baku, 2008.
  5. Shukurov E., Askerov F., Zaytsev Y. Biodiversity of Dcsrcrt and Semi-desert plants of Azerbaijan. Baku, BP Caspian Sea Ltd., 2008. .
  6. Schmidt, S., Gauger, K., Agaeva, N. Birdwatching in Azerbaijan - a Guide to Nature and Landscape. Greifswald, Germany: Michael Succow Foundation, 2008.
  7. Yusifov, E., Hajiey, V. Hyrcan Biospher Rezervation. Baku, Azerbaijan: El-ALliance, 2004.