Among the historical treasures of Ordubad are the 14th-century ice house, the “Geysariyye” monument (formerly a 17th-century bazaar that has now been transformed into a museum), and the Juma Mosque, which was constructed in the distant year of 1604. To the northwest of Ordubad, in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, lie the ancient rock carvings of Gemigaya, dating back over a millennium.
Juma Mosque – This principal mosque of the town stands as an architectural monument dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It was constructed on the highest point of the central square. Interestingly, some elements of the structure suggest that parts may date back to the 12th or 13th centuries. Historical records indicate that the mosque took on its modern appearance following a reconstruction in the 17th century, which unfortunately led to the loss of its original “ancient” character. The mosque underwent its most recent renovation in 1987. Within the grounds of the Juma Mosque, there is also a madrasa, and in one of the adjacent buildings, a local history museum operates.
Geysariyye and Zorhana – This historical monument from the 17th century consists of a large dome accompanied by eight smaller domes. Originally, this site housed a covered Eastern bazaar, where one could purchase jewelry, precious stones, and adornments. Later, it was repurposed as a “zorhana,” a venue for strength demonstrations. The term “zor” translates to “power” in Russian, while “hana” means “room” or “place,” thus “zorhana” refers to “a place where strength is displayed.” During the Safavid dynasty, these strength competitions evolved into grand spectacles, complete with musical accompaniment. Traditional wrestling competitions were held here, drawing even khans and beys from nearby regions to witness the feats of renowned strongmen. Unfortunately, by the 20th century, these events had lost their significance.
Ordubad Houses – These houses represent architectural monuments of the medieval period and are among the most fascinating types of Azerbaijani residential buildings. In the courtyard of each home, one can find a pool and a well, while the high fences feature openings for ventilation. The grand doors were traditionally crafted from wood, and within the courtyard, there were spaces for cargo and stalls for guests’ livestock. These extensions are known as “khana.” Typically, a khana consists of two stories—the second floor serves as a lookout tower. It usually has one window, allowing the occupant to see who is knocking at the gate. After a guest leaves their cargo and livestock here, the host guides them along a narrow, cobblestone path to the house located at the opposite end of the courtyard. Based on this description, one can conclude that the layout of many Ordubad houses shares similarities with traditional caravanserais.
The houses in Ordubad were predominantly built from a mixture of ordinary clay. This material helps maintain a cool interior during the summer and warmth in the winter.
Kharaba Gilan – This ancient settlement, spanning over 100 hectares, is located on the territory of Plovdag Mountain, named for its resemblance to a dish of pilaf. The ancient city of Kharaba Gilan was established in the 5th to 4th centuries BC, as evidenced by the discovered settlement and necropolis from the 2nd to 1st millennia BC. This urban culture thrived until the 14th century, experiencing a renaissance during the 10th to 12th centuries. The ethnic composition of Kharaba Gilan’s population, which once evolved into a formidable fortified point, consisted of Turkic-speaking tribes. Researchers note that during the Mongol occupation, the city suffered significant damage, and a devastating earthquake in the 14th century reduced it to ruins.
Ordubad retains its status as a “fruit paradise.” Travelers who have visited Ordubad are consistently captivated by the local climate and the delightful flavors of the grapes, peaches, apricots, plums, and quinces that flourish here. However, the true treasure of the region is its lemon, regarded as the most precious and valuable fruit. The secret to the superiority of Ordubad lemons lies in their thin skin, indescribable aroma, and exceptional taste. Many locals enjoy eating them with the skin intact. This citrus marvel, accustomed to a moderate subtropical climate, thrives even in the dry and harsh conditions of the area.
Additionally, Ordubad is renowned for its nuts. A distinctive feature of the local nuts is their richness; they do not crumble when broken, instead emerging whole from their shells. No tea gathering in this region is complete without the delightful presence of nut jam.
