# Gədəbəy

Gadabay (Azerbaijani: Gədəbəy) is a city and the administrative center of the Gadabay District of Azerbaijan. It is located 444 km away from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

## Name

The name “Gədəbəy” is a combination of the words “gədə” (guard) and “bəy” (lord or noble). Ancient Turkic tribes inhabited the Gədəbəy region. Geographical names derived from the words “kət” (guard) and “bək” (hill) can also be found in Central Asian Turkic states. In ancient Turkic, the places where the word “kət” was used often had numerous watchtowers and guard posts to alert the population of sudden enemy attacks. There are numerous legends associated with the name Gədəbəy.
The Albanian historian Mkhitar Gosh referred to the Gədəbəy region as “Getabey” in his work The Chronicle of Albania (1206). It is believed that the word “Gettabey” eventually underwent deformation and became “Gədəbəy.” In ancient Turkic, the name was used to denote a great or powerful person. Due to its geographical features, the region was historically inhabited by warlike Turkic tribes. Accordingly, the word “Gədəbəy” in literary contexts is often used to refer to a brave and valiant young man.
The toponym Gədəbəy is derived from the ancient Turkic words “gədə” (guard) and “bək” (hill), meaning “guard’s hill” or “watchtower hill.” This interpretation is considered the most plausible. The ruins of Gədəbəy fortress, first mentioned in historical records in the 12th century, are located in the upper, elevated part of the region.
Another theory suggests that the name “Dədəbəy” was altered over time to become “Gədəbəy.” During the Middle Ages, parts of this land were divided among Atabəy, Şəkərbəy, and Gədəbəy—a father and his sons. Today, villages named Atabəy and Şəkərbəy still exist in the region. Considering the word “bək” (hill), the Gədəbəy name can also be explained as originating from the ancient Turkic “ket” (guard or sentinel) and “bək” (hill), meaning “watchtower hill.”

## History

Gadabay District is one of the oldest human settlements in Azerbaijan. The historical and cultural monuments in the area are part of the Khojaly-Gadabay culture, which dates back to the 12th–7th centuries BCE.
In the mid-19th century, copper ore deposits were discovered in the Gadabay district, and in 1855–1856, a copper smelting plant was built by local entrepreneurs. Later, the plant was acquired by the German “Siemens” company and reconstructed in 1865. In 1883, Siemens built the Galakand Copper Smelting Plant, and in 1879, the first railway in the South Caucasus was constructed between Gadabay and Galakand, spanning 28 km. This railway operated with 4 locomotives and 33 wagons. Today, the bridges built for this railway remain as historical monuments.
In 1883, the first hydroelectric power station in the Russian Empire was built in Galakand village, and copper was smelted using electrolysis at the Galakand Copper Smelting Plant. While kerosene lamps were still being used in major European cities like London, Paris, and Saint Petersburg, electric lighting was already in use in Gadabay. During this period, German scientists conducted archaeological excavations in the Gadabay district. The results of these excavations were published in Berlin as a scientific work titled Galakand by the German scientific publisher Folker Spies. This work is preserved in the Berlin State Museum.
An Orthodox church built by the Georgian monk Ilarion Jashi in Gadabay (then Kedabek), together with a chapel in Slavyanka village, served as a Christian center of the Georgian Exarchate of the Russian Church during the 19th century.
According to the 1989 census, about 5000 people lived in Gadabay. It received its city status in the same year.

## Demographics

The population of the city was 9,161 at the time of the 2010 census. The city has 11,700 residents according to the 2020 census.

## Geography and climate

Gadabay lies at the northern foot of the Shahdagh Range, at an altitude of 1460 meters, on the coast of the Mis River. The city is located in the middle and high mountainous areas of the Lesser Caucasus (also called Little Caucasus).
Climate data for Gadabay, Azerbaijan (1973-2017) :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 17.5 (63.5) | 17.0 (62.6) | 22.0 (71.6) | 27.0 (80.6) | 29.0 (84.2) | 34.5 (94.1) | 36.0 (96.8) | 37.0 (98.6) | 33.6 (92.5) | 28.5 (83.3) | 23.3 (73.9) | 21.0 (69.8) | 37.0 (98.6) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 4.8 (40.6) | 5.0 (41.0) | 9.2 (48.6) | 13.8 (56.8) | 19.0 (66.2) | 22.6 (72.7) | 25.1 (77.2) | 25.9 (78.6) | 21.4 (70.5) | 15.4 (59.7) | 10.8 (51.4) | 5.8 (42.4) | 14.9 (58.8) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | −0.4 (31.3) | −0.4 (31.3) | 4.0 (39.2) | 8.2 (46.8) | 13.5 (56.3) | 16.8 (62.2) | 19.5 (67.1) | 19.8 (67.6) | 15.8 (60.4) | 10.3 (50.5) | 5.6 (42.1) | 0.7 (33.3) | 9.5 (49.0) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −5.5 (22.1) | −5.9 (21.4) | −1.2 (29.8) | 2.7 (36.9) | 7.9 (46.2) | 11.1 (52.0) | 13.9 (57.0) | 13.7 (56.7) | 10.3 (50.5) | 5.2 (41.4) | 0.5 (32.9) | −4.4 (24.1) | 4.0 (39.2) |
| Record low °C (°F) | −18.0 (−0.4) | −20.0 (−4.0) | −13.6 (7.5) | −11.0 (12.2) | 0.7 (33.3) | 1.9 (35.4) | 6.2 (43.2) | 7.0 (44.6) | 0.9 (33.6) | −4.6 (23.7) | −9.8 (14.4) | −14.0 (6.8) | −20.0 (−4.0) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 22.5 (0.89) | 30.4 (1.20) | 23.2 (0.91) | 31.2 (1.23) | 50.6 (1.99) | 47.7 (1.88) | 42.5 (1.67) | 22.2 (0.87) | 29.4 (1.16) | 74.2 (2.92) | 20.6 (0.81) | 11.1 (0.44) | 405.5 (15.96) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) | 5.3 | 4.7 | 6.7 | 8.1 | 9.9 | 8.4 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 7.3 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 72.9 |
| Source: NOAA ||||||||||||||
Gadabay District is located in the mid and high mountain ranges of the Lesser Caucasus. The area includes the northern slopes of the Shahdagh range, the Bashkend-Dastafur depression, and part of the Shamkir mountain massif. Its highest peaks include Goshabulag (3549 m), Gojadag (3317 m), and others.
Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene, and Anthropogene sediments are widespread in the area. Deposits of black and white marble are present. The climate is predominantly arid and moderately warm in summer, cold and dry in winter, with tundra-like conditions in the highlands.
The river network is dense. The upper reaches of the Akhinca and Zayam rivers are located in this district, while the upper course of the Shamkir River flows along the southwestern boundary. Brown mountain-forest soils, grassy mountain-meadow soils, and others are widespread.
The total forest area was 30,500 hectares as of 1980. Wildlife includes bezoar goats, deer, brown bears, wolves, and others. Birds such as tetra, ular, and eagles are present.
The district is home to the famous Qizilja State Nature Sanctuary and four natural monuments—Govdu, Godekdara, Gamish, and Shamliq forest massifs. In the Kechideresi ravine, there is a beautiful waterfall, Kechi-kechi, Jarja, Cuyur, and Ayibulag springs, as well as Chaldash, Qizilja Narzan, and Mor-Mor mineral springs. The district’s mountains, forests, and ravines boast rich flora and fauna.

## Relief

Gadabay District is located in the mid and high-altitude mountain ranges of the Lesser Caucasus. The district includes the northern slopes of the Shahdagh range, the Bashkend-Dastafur depression, and part of the Shamkir mountain massif.

## Geological structure

Jurassic, Cretaceous, Paleogene, and Anthropogene sediments are widespread. Gadabayite, a metamorphic rock rich in granite, was first studied in the Gadabay Copper-Pyrite Deposit in 1903.

## Rivers and water reservoirs

The river network is dense. Mineral and table water springs such as Mormor, Turshsu, Koroglu, Shahzade, Narzan, and Boyuk Bulag are abundant. The main rivers include Akhinca, Zayam, Inakbogan, Mamasan, Shamkir, and Gadabay Jahri.

## Fauna

Wildlife includes bezoar goats, deer, brown bears, wolves, and others. Birds such as bee-eaters, hawks, Spanish sparrows, rock sparrows, Caucasian tetras, and Caucasian ulars are found.

## Landscape and biodiversity

The mid-altitude areas are covered with shrubbery and sparse forests, while deciduous forests dominate the lowlands. Trees such as oak, chestnut, and Caucasian ash are prevalent. High-altitude regions feature subalpine and alpine meadows.
Forests reach elevations of 2000–2500 meters. The highland forests consist mainly of eastern oak, eastern chestnut, birch, Trautvetter maple, Boisier rowan, and common cherry trees.
The subalpine areas range from 1800–2600 meters and are home to blueberry, clustered broomrape, eastern violet, sage, blazing tulips, butterfly flowers, bitterroot, dock, Iberian geranium, and others.
The main plants of the alpine zone include grasses and sedges, creating alpine carpets. These carpets consist of Caucasian cliff grass, slender primrose, rocky plantain, meadow clover, saxifrage, Steven’s nettle, Sibbaldia, three-toothed bellflower, and others.

## Geological Natural Monuments

The district’s most beautiful geological monuments include the picturesque landscapes of the Akhinca, Shamkir, and Zayam river valleys. Another scenic area is the Kechideresi ravine, which extends along the Inakboganchay. At the foot of Mount Hachagaya, the Shyr-Shyr waterfall is located.

## Archaeological Monuments

In the village of Kharkhar, there is a Bronze Age defensive fortification. Other Bronze Age fortifications are found in the village of Slavyanka. In Nova Ivanovka, there is the Aghkilse monument (4th century). In the village of Maarif, the Bronze and Iron Age Shikh defensive fortress exists. Near Soyudlu village, the Bronze Age Pirdag fortress is located, and in the village of Kichik Qaramurad, the Dalma and Saridash fortresses. In the village of Galakand, Bronze and Iron Age fortifications such as Agsu, Chapygin, and Khanalitepe are present.

## Economy

The economy is mainly based on agriculture, including potato farming, livestock breeding, and grain cultivation. The Gadabay Copper Smelting Plant (established in 1855–1956) and the Galakand Copper Smelting Plant (1883) were built based on the copper ore discovered in 1849.
Azerbaijan’s first hydroelectric power station was built in 1880, and its first 29 km railway was constructed in 1879 in this district. Recently, gold deposits have been discovered in the district, and mining operations are set to begin. The famous Siemens brothers made substantial profits from copper mining in this district. Some believe that after the discovery of gold deposits, the Siemens brothers might have extracted gold under the guise of copper. The Shamkir River offers good conditions for fishing. Near Galakand village, a fishery operates.

## Culture

The district has 86 general education schools (16 primary, 28 nine-year, and 42 secondary), one technical vocational school, 13 cultural centers, 26 clubs, 67 libraries, and 39 cinemas. There is also a stadium with a capacity of 5,000 people in the district center. The district has ten hospitals with 325 beds, 36 paramedic-midwifery stations, a sanitary-epidemiological station, 75 doctors, and 298 healthcare workers (as of 1980).
Ancient jars known as the “Gadabay treasures,” containing various valuable items, silver coins, household goods, necklaces, and ornaments, have been discovered. Coins minted during Shah Tahmasib’s reign (1524–1576) circulated in Ganja, Tabriz, Shirvan, and Ardabil. Traditional crafts such as embroidery, carpet weaving, and wood and metal carving are preserved in the district.
The art of ashugs (folk musicians) has a special place in the district. Notable ashug masters such as Isfandiyar Rustamov, Miskinli Vali, Nemat Qasimli, Ulduz Sonmez, Fazail Miskinli, and Damir Gadabayli were born in Gadabay District.

## Monuments of Gadabay

Notable architectural monuments in Gadabay District include:
* Namərdqala / Qız Qalası (9th century) and Çarekvəng Monastery in Söyüdlü village (located on the Shamkir River).
* A temple (1535) in Novosaratovka village.
* Koroğlu Fortress (16th century) in Galakand village.
* A fortress (1634) in Böyük Qaramurad village.
* An Albanian church and the Hamshivəng Temple in the Dikdash area (Bayram Valley).
* Chaldash Temple in Chaldash village.
* Three arched bridges (19th century) in Səbətkeçməz village.
These monuments are part of the cultural heritage associated with the Khojaly-Gadabay culture in Azerbaijani history. Cyclopean constructions from the late Bronze Age, as well as notable structures such as Böyükqala Fortress, Galakand Fortress (16th century), Qız Qalası / Namərdqala (9th century), and an arched bridge built in the 19th century, are among the prominent examples.

## During the Karabakh War

During the Karabakh War, Gadabay District suffered significant losses, with over 200 martyrs. On August 8, 1992, the Armenian Armed Forces attacked and burned two villages in the district—Motudərə and Qasımağalı. This included the destruction of 78 residential houses, one school, and two medical facilities. Currently, schools, medical centers, and 17 residential houses have been restored in these villages, while the restoration of other houses is ongoing.
Armenian forces used the Başkənd area in the district to shell the Shınıx region of Azerbaijan’s Gadabay District and parts of Tovuz District.
In the summer of 1992, the Armenian army launched an offensive on Gadabay District from the Armenian side. Their objective was to remove the enclave status of Başkənd and connect it to Armenia. However, due to a successful counter-offensive operation by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, particularly local volunteers and forces from Tovuz District, Başkənd was liberated from occupation.

## Notable natives

Scientific and Academic Personalities:
* Nuraddin Rzayev — Honored Scientist, Professor.
* Mikayil Khydyrzadeh — Mathematician, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at Baku State University.
* Tokay Huseynov — Head of the Ecological Biophysics Laboratory at the Institute of Biophysics of ANAS, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor.
* Tofig Kocherli — Academician of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
* Firudin Kocherli — Academician of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
* Goshgar Ahmadov — Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.
* Yagub Mammadov — Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of ANAS.
* Ilyas Tapdiq — Poet, translator, member of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, laureate of the Azerbaijan Komsomol Award (1972).
* Khalil Ismayilov — Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Honored Cultural Worker.
* Sabir Mammadli — Doctor of Political Sciences, Commander of a Volunteer Battalion.
* Mehdi Guliyev — Hero of the Soviet Union.
* Mazahir Rustamov — Martyr of the First Karabakh War.
* Aytekin Mammadov — Martyr of the First Karabakh War.
* Ilham Aliyev — Martyr of the First Karabakh War.
* Isgandar Aznaurov — Martyr of the First Karabakh War.
* Jahangir Rustamov — Regiment Commander.
* Jafar Ibrahimov — Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor.
* Jamil Ahmadli — Doctor of Philosophy, Professor, Honored Scientist.
* Mahmud Rustamov — Doctor of Chemical Sciences, Professor.
* Rafiq Mammadhasanov — Doctor of Medical Sciences (1990), Honored Scientist (2000), recipient of the “Progress” medal (2010), Member of Parliament (2006 and 2010).
* Qara Mashadiyev — Linguist, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor.
* Sahib Aliyev — Academician of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Chemical Sciences.
* Mirza Sadikhov — Laureate of the USSR State Prize, Academician.
* Hagverdi Jafarov — Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, laureate of “Excellence in Labor,” “Honored Labor Badge,” and the medal of the International Union of Scientific and Technical Societies.
* Damir Gadabayli — Poet, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor.