Living history in streets of Lahij

Lahij is a village on the southern slopes of Greater Caucasus within the Ismailli region of Azerbaijan. The Alpine settlement Lahij is an original monument of antique urban and architectural art.

Lahij is a historical and architectural reserve with no hint of modern times. This historical town, protected by the state, has its unique atypical style of life and its appearance is preserved in its original form till now.

The very first residential block in Lahij was founded in III-IV centuries. Due to frequent earthquakes, local people have developed sophisticated and authentic construction techniques. It is astonishing that the water supply and sewage system, operating in the city, is about one and half thousand years old!

The town with its cobbled streets and squares is one of the most famous craft and trading centers in the Caucasus and its beyond.It is believed that the legendary Manomakh’s cap, worn by Russian tsars for many centuries, was made here. Lahij became especially famous for manufacturing knives and copper utensils, decorated with engraved designs.

Even today a dozen workshops are operating here, demonstrating hereditary blacksmiths who make various household items in front of the astonished tourists.

The traditional copper craftsmanship of Lahij reinforces the feeling of cultural identity of many Azerbaijani-speaking communities living abroad, as a profound symbol of their cultural roots.

The ornaments of Lahij masters have always been associated with the image of the real world of flora and fauna. The patterns of the dishes are rich in visual elements and original interpretation of flowers and leaves.

Copper utensils from Lahij are also stored in the famous Paris Louvre Museum. Bern Historical Museum also houses samples of firearms and bladed weapons from Azerbaijan, among which there are different richly ornamented rifles, swords and daggers made by Lahij masters.