Nakhchivan, Capital city in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan
Nakhchivan is the capital of Azerbaijan's autonomous republic of the same name and sits at 873 meters elevation along the Nakhchivan River. The city spreads across flat terrain and gentle hills, surrounded by dry mountains and valleys near the Iranian and Armenian borders.
The settlement existed around 1500 BCE and experienced Persian, Arabic and Turkish rule over the centuries. In the 19th century the area came under Russian control before becoming an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan in 1924.
The city's name means "place of descent" and has been associated with agriculture and trade for centuries. Many residents speak Azerbaijani and maintain traditions shaped by the geographic position between several countries.
The international airport connects the city with the capital Baku and destinations in Turkey, since no road link exists to the rest of Azerbaijan. Public buses run within the city and reach the main residential areas and the center.
Near the city lies the Duzdag Salt Cave, which serves as a therapy center for people with respiratory conditions. Patients spend time in the natural salt chambers to benefit from the particular air quality.
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