The old town of Zagatala is beautifully situated around a picturesque square-park, known as the Old Town Square on the city map. This charming area is distinguished by two majestic plane trees that soar to a height of 30 meters, having been planted 250 years ago.
At the southern end of the upper section of Heydar Aliyev Avenue, visitors will find numerous facades of houses designed in a traditional style. All the houses in the city are built from local river stone and fired bricks, painted in standard colors that closely resemble homes found in the provinces of Western Europe. The scale and tidiness of the streets also evoke a European feel—thanks to the absence of tall glass and concrete buildings and congested roads. Additionally, the presence of flowerbeds and trees growing everywhere contributes to a cozy and tranquil atmosphere, making one feel at home and at ease.
As you stroll along Aliyev Avenue, you will arrive at Dede Korkut Square, named after the ancient Turkic musician and philosopher from the sands of the Aral Sea. He is revered by peoples ranging from the Kazakhs to the Turks as the inventor of their most important musical instrument.
On the opposite side of the square looms the abandoned Surb Gevork Church. Officially recognized as an ancient Albanian temple, it was “Armenianized” in 1851.
Now transformed into a charming square with a labyrinth of pathways amidst artistically trimmed bushes, Korkut Square is none other than the former Jar Bazaar. The promontory between the two sources of the Talachay River, flanked by Tala and Jar, served as a meeting place within the mountain confederation. For much of its history, this area was a bustling marketplace, likely favored by Armenian merchants even back then. Here, an ancient plane tree grew, under which the elders and judges of the communities would gather to discuss matters of importance. This chinar tree on the right is not young either—it is 270 years old.
Overlooking the square is a steep hill, accessible via a magnificent grand staircase leading to Zaqatala fortress.
