Lahich: A Living Museum of Ancient Crafts

Lahich, also known as Lahij, is a remote mountain village in Azerbaijan, located about 180 kilometers from Baku. Situated in the Girdimanchay River Gorge, this village of fewer than 1,000 people is a living museum, showcasing traditional crafts and a unique way of life. Founded possibly as early as the 4th century, Lahich has been a prominent center for craftsmanship for centuries. It was a key point on the Silk Road, trading in metal goods. The village gained fame for its artisans, who mastered over 40 types of folk arts, with coppersmiths and metalworkers achieving particular renown. Even today, the sound of hammers shaping copper echoes through the streets. The skills of smelting and engraving may have been learned in Iran, and the Tati Persian language is still spoken here. Lahich's architecture reflects its history and resilience. Traditional stone houses, designed to withstand earthquakes, line the cobblestone streets. The village is divided into quarters based on ancestral crafts, each with its own mosque, bathhouse, and graveyard. Tourism has been a part of Lahich since the Soviet era when it was established as a Historical-Cultural Reserve. Visitors can explore workshops, purchase handicrafts, and experience the old-world atmosphere.