Gabala: The Gem of Azerbaijan's Mountains

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeSag ol
  [sahg ohl]
• YesBəli
  [buh-lee]
• NoXeyr
  [khayr]
• Please/You're welcomeZəhmət olmasa
  [zuhm-eht ohl-mah-sah]
• Thank youÇox sağ ol
  [choh sahg ohl]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [bah-guh-shlahy-uhn]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-suhn]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən necəsən?
  [yahkh-shuh-yahm. sahn neh-jeh-suhn]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dilində danışırsız?
  [een-gee-lees dee-leen-duh dah-nuh-shuhrz]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyunu görmək istəyirəm, zəhmət olmasa
  [mehn-yoo-noo guhr-muhk ees-teh-yee-rehm, zuh-met ohl-mah-sah]
• I don't eat meatMən et yemirəm
  [muhn eht yeh-mee-rehm]
• Cheers!Sağ olun!
  [sahg oh-loon]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdəmək istəyirəm, zəhmət olmasa
  [uh-duh-mehk ees-teh-yee-rehm, zuh-met ohl-mah-sah]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kuh-muhk]
• Go away!Get!
  [get]
• Call the Police!Polisi çağır!
  [poh-lee-see chah-guhr]
• Call a doctor!Həkim çağır!
  [heh-keem chah-guhr]
• I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm
  [yoh-loo-moo ee-teer-mee-shehm]
• I'm illXəstəyəm
  [khuh-stuh-yehm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...
  [ahl-mahk ees-teh-yee-rehm...]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sah-deh-jeh bah-koo-rahm]
• How much is it?Nə qədərdir?
  [neh guh-dehr-deer]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahalıdır
  [choh bah-hah-luh-duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti endirə bilərsən?
  [kee-muh-tee ehn-dee-reh bee-lehr-suhn]

• What time is it?Saat necədir?
  [saht neh-jeh-deer]
• It's one o'clockBirinçi saatdir
  [bee-reench-ee sahht-deer]
• Half past (10)Onu çəkdən sonra
  [oh-noo chehk-dehn soh-rah]
• MorningSəhər
  [suh-hehr]
• AfternoonGünortası
  [goon-ohr-tah-suh]
• EveningAxşam
  [ahk-shahm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [doo-nehn]
• TodayBu gün
  [boo goon]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sah-bah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2İki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [ooch]
• 4Dörd
  [durrd]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Yeddi
  [yeh-dee]
• 8Səkkiz
  [suhk-keez]
• 9Doqquz
  [dohk-koos]
• 10On
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...haradadır?
  [hah-rah-dah-deer]
• What's the address?Ünvan nədir?
  [oon-vahn neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mənə göstərə bilərsən (xəritədə)?
  [muh-nuh guhs-teh-ruh bee-lehr-suhn (khuh-ree-teh-deh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?
  [nohvbuh-tee (ahv-toh-boos) neh-chuh-deer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (.... üçün)
  [beer bee-leht (oo-chuhn)]

Gabala, one of the most ancient cities in Azerbaijan, was founded around 4th century BC. Historically known as Qabala, it served as the capital of Caucasian Albania. Archaeological excavations have unearthed remnants of a fortified city, including defensive walls and towers, indicating its significance as a political and economic center in ancient times.

During the period of Caucasian Albania, Gabala was a thriving city. It played a crucial role as the capital, fostering trade and cultural exchanges between various civilizations. The city's strategic location on the Silk Road facilitated its growth as a major hub for commerce and interaction between East and West.

In the medieval era, Gabala came under the influence of various Islamic dynasties, including the Arab Caliphate in the 7th century. The introduction of Islam brought significant cultural and architectural changes, with the construction of mosques and madrasas. This era also saw the city become a center for Islamic scholarship and learning.

The Mongol invasion in the 13th century marked a period of decline for Gabala. The city suffered extensive damage and its population dwindled. Despite these challenges, remnants from this period, such as fortifications and ruins, provide insight into the resilience and persistence of the local inhabitants.

Under the Safavid and later Qajar dynasties, Gabala experienced a revival. The city regained its status as an important administrative and economic center. The Safavid era, in particular, saw the construction of new buildings and the restoration of historical sites, reflecting a blend of Persian and Azerbaijani architectural styles.

In the 19th century, Gabala became part of the Russian Empire, and later the Soviet Union. This period brought modernization and industrialization to the region. Infrastructure developments, such as roads and railways, improved connectivity, while Soviet policies led to changes in the social and economic fabric of Gabala.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Gabala became part of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991. The city has since undergone significant development, becoming a major tourist destination. Modern Gabala boasts a range of attractions, from historical sites to contemporary resorts, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and dynamic growth.

Gabala is accessible via multiple modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, approximately 210 kilometers away. From Baku, you can take a domestic flight to Gabala International Airport, which is about 20 kilometers from the city center. Alternatively, you can use buses or hire a taxi for a scenic drive that takes around 3-4 hours. Trains are currently not a viable option for direct travel to Gabala.

Gabala offers various transportation options. For local travel, taxis are the most convenient and widely used. Public buses also operate within the city and can take you to nearby attractions. Car rental services are available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace. Biking can be a delightful option for short distances, especially during warmer months.

The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Gabala, but it is prudent to have sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas.

Gabala is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other place, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas after dark and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. Be cautious in the remote village areas as they might not be as well-policed as urban centers. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in busy areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Gabala has local police and medical facilities available. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly smile. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gabala like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Azerbaijani goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Tufandag Mountain Resort for skiing in winter or taking a cable car ride for breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains. Another local favorite is the Gabaland Amusement Park, ideal for family fun.