Sarybash village

Saribash, a village perched high in the Gakh district, is considered one of the most mountainous settlements in Azerbaijan, yet it has not been as fortunate as places like Khinalug. The steep, winding eight-kilometer road leading from Ilisu to Saribash, with its relentless series of climbs and descents, can only be tackled by a rugged “UAZ” vehicle. This historic village is among the three most remote inhabited locations in Azerbaijan. The breathtaking landscapes of Saribash, the crisp mountain air, and the cold, pure springs make the challenging journey worthwhile. Plans are underway to build a proper road and develop tourist infrastructure to open this ancient community to visitors. Currently, only 10 to 15 families call Saribash home, and the villagers dream of restoring the road and reviving their village.

Due to its inaccessibility, rather than improving roads and infrastructure, the residents of Saribash were relocated in the 1960s to a newly established village called Jalayir, situated lower down. Some stayed behind, and others eventually returned despite the hardships. Life here remains difficult even today, but it continues steadily. The relationships among villagers are grounded in simplicity, wisdom, respect, hard work, traditions, and a lifestyle centered on natural farming. The people of Saribash have also preserved the art of unhurried conversation and a genuine, attentive interest in others, even strangers.

Founded by the Tsakhurs who migrated from what is now Dagestan, Saribash sits at an elevation of 1,800 meters above sea level and has witnessed better days. According to legend, Timur (Tamerlane) passed through here in the 14th century, and some 400 years later, during another military campaign, the Iranian ruler Nadir Shah Afshar also stopped in the village. How these historic figures reached such a remote spot remains uncertain, but even today, modern off-road vehicles are often no match for the mountain terrain—especially when the mountain river swells and no bridge exists. In such cases, visitors must complete the journey on foot, navigating forest trails through groaning, wind-whipped woods for about an hour and a half.

Saribash is nestled on the banks of the Kyurmuk River at the foot of a mountain. In the past, the village was home to more than 1,000 residents and enjoyed uninterrupted electricity supply. Notably, Azerbaijan’s first hydroelectric power station was installed here. The village also once boasted a school designed to accommodate 360 students, a telephone exchange, a 25-bed hospital, a library, and a cultural center built in 1954. However, in 1964, following a decision to relocate inhabitants of mountain villages, the local population was compelled to move to the lowland village of Jalayir. Some residents refused to leave their ancestral land and, despite the challenges, often bring guests back to Saribash.

The village clings closely to the mountainside. Most of its buildings are constructed from stone, with many houses standing for centuries. Some structures are locked and appear abandoned, while others remain inhabited, a palpable sign of life amid the rugged landscape. Despite its small population, Saribash has a restored mosque, a secondary school, a cultural house, and a teahouse that operates during the summer months. A monument dedicated to shepherds has been erected here, accompanied by a gazebo where visitors can sit and admire the majestic surroundings from a near bird’s-eye view.

The road to Saribash is challenging, dangerous, and harsh—just like the nature that envelops it. Yet this place unquestionably deserves a visit, at least once, for those seeking to experience the raw beauty and enduring spirit of one of Azerbaijan’s most remote mountain villages.