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Lahij
RUAZENHE
Булыжная улица Лагича среди каменных домов и гор
Ismayilli · Azerbaijan—The Greater Caucasus

LahijAn ancient coppersmith village on the cobblestones of the Greater Caucasus

One of the most famous craft corners of Azerbaijan: the ring of copper hammering, stone houses, cobbled streets and a history many centuries old.

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About Lahij

A village where copper still rings.

Lahij (Lahıc) is an ancient mountain village in the Ismayilli district of Azerbaijan, in the Greater Caucasus. It is a living open-air museum: stone houses, cobbled streets and the workshops of craftsmen.

For centuries Lahij has been famous for coppersmithing. Coppersmiths still work here, turning sheets of copper into pitchers, trays and dishes with fine engraving. The ring of little hammers is the familiar sound of these streets.

Lahij is famous not only for its craft: the village had its own medieval water-supply and sewage system, and its məhəllə quarters lived an almost self-sufficient life.

Today Lahij is a protected historical-cultural reserve and one of the favourite destinations of travellers in Azerbaijan.

In brief

The village in a few traits

Ismayillia mountain village, the Greater Caucasus
Copperfamous engraving and vessels
Centuriesan ancient craft village
Cobblestonescobbled streets and stone houses

Lahij through time

Centuries of craft in the mountains

A short timeline of how a mountain village became a famous centre of coppersmithing.

Ancient roots
Lahij is one of the oldest settlements of the region, hidden in the mountains of the Greater Caucasus.
A craft centre
The village becomes a renowned craft centre — above all in working copper.
Quarters and water
Lahij is divided into məhəllə quarters, each with a mosque, spring and bath; a medieval water system works.
Trade routes
The works of Lahij's masters spread across the region and beyond.
A reserve
The historic part of the village is granted the status of a protected reserve.
Today
Lahij lives by craft and tourism, keeping its ancient look and the ring of copper.
Чеканные медные кувшины лагичских мастеровCopper

Copper craft

The ring of copper hammering

Lahij's chief fame is copper. Masters hand-forge pitchers, trays, cauldrons and dishes and adorn them with fine engraving. This craft is passed here from generation to generation.

Lahij copper has long been a calling card of Azerbaijani craftsmanship.

Copper craft →

Старинная мечеть и мощёная площадь в ЛагичеQuarters

History

An ancient mountain village

Lahij has a long history: an old settlement with its own mosques, springs, baths and məhəllə quarters, and a water-supply system remarkable for its time.

The people of Lahij have historically spoken the Tat language.

History of the village →

“A village hidden in the mountains, where time is measured by the tap of a hammer on copper.”

Lahij · the Greater Caucasus
Мощёный переулок и каменные дома ЛагичаCobblestones

Streets and houses

Stone, wood and cobbles

Lahij has kept the look of an old mountain village: cobbled streets, houses of stone and timber, carved doors and balconies. Every lane leads past workshops and shops.

The local architecture is designed to withstand earthquakes.

Streets and houses →

Главная улица Лагича с лавками и гостямиIsmayilli

Getting there

The road into the mountains

Lahij lies in the mountains of the Ismayilli district, and the road to it is part of the journey: switchbacks, gorges and mountain views. From the village it is easy to take home a handmade copper souvenir.

The best time to go is the warm season.

Getting there →

Sections

Explore further

01

Copper craft

Engraving, workshops and copper vessels.

Read more → 02

History

An ancient village, quarters and water system.

Read more → 03

Streets

Cobblestones, stone houses and balconies.

Read more → 04

Getting there

The road into the mountains, season and tips.

Read more →

Questions & answers

Lahij in brief

What is Lahij?
Lahij (Lahıc) is an ancient mountain village in the Ismayilli district of Azerbaijan, in the Greater Caucasus. It is famous for coppersmithing, cobbled streets and old stone architecture.
Where is Lahij?
The village is in the mountains of the Ismayilli district in northern Azerbaijan, off the main roads. It is reached by a scenic mountain switchback road.
What is Lahij famous for?
Above all for coppersmithing: Lahij's masters have made and engraved copper vessels for centuries. The village is also known for its cobbled streets, stone houses and medieval water system.
Who lives in Lahij?
The native people of Lahij have historically spoken the Tat language — one of the Iranian languages. Crafts, above all coppersmithing, are passed down here from generation to generation.
What is there to see in Lahij?
Coppersmiths' workshops and shops with their wares, cobbled streets and məhəllə quarters, old mosques, springs and stone houses with carved balconies, and the surrounding mountain views.
How do you get to Lahij?
It is most convenient by car or on a tour via the town of Ismayilli. The road follows a mountain switchback, so it is best to plan the trip for the warm season and good weather.