Located in the scenic Alazan Valley, Jаr (Azerbaijani: Car) is a significant Avar village located in the Zagatala district of Azerbaijan. The origins of the village date back to the 16th century. Situated on the southern slopes of the majestic Caucasus Mountains, it lies just one kilometer north of the town of Zagatala. The village, surrounded by rolling hills, is often regarded as one of the most picturesque locales in the beautiful Zagatala region.
Jаr serves as the starting point for a delightful hiking trail leading to the Shamilovka Plateau, which is adorned with alpine meadows and offers breathtaking views of the winding Kateh River as it flows through rocky mountains and dense forests. The ascent to the plateau takes approximately five hours, during which hikers can pass by natural springs, perfect for refilling water containers, and may encounter local shepherds who spend their summers on the plateau with their flocks. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, consider camping overnight at the summit and returning to Jар the next day via a different route through the lush beech forest.
One of the most notable historical landmarks in Jаr is the abandoned tower, known locally as the Jingöz Tower. This structure, dating back to the 14th century, is a remarkable example of medieval architecture and has retained much of its original appearance. Built in a quadrilateral shape, it is believed that the tower served as a watchtower, providing a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding area.
The imposing presence of the tower reflects the harsh realities of the society that constructed it. Located directly alongside the road, the tower is part of a larger fortification, although only remnants of the surrounding walls remain today. The outlines of these surviving sections indicate that there was once a small fortified complex rather than a standalone tower.
As the best-preserved part of the fortification, the tower stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its creators. Unfortunately, throughout the 20th century, both the tower and the adjacent house were inhabited, leading to alterations in their architectural features and the deterioration of certain sections.
A glimpse into the past can be seen in photographs from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, which reveal the tower’s fourth and fifth floors—levels that have not survived to the present day.