Happy TravellerWelcome to Goygol, a picturesque city located in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan. Formerly known as Helenendorf, this charming destination is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. With a population of 37,200, Goygol is the capital of the Goygol District and is situated just 10 km south of Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, Ganja. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Goygol such a unique and fascinating place to visit.
Geography:
Goygol is nestled in the foothills of the Murovdag of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, in the Kura River Basin. The Gyandzha River runs through the city, and a spur to Ganja connects it to the Baku-Kazakh railway. The city is easily accessible by highway, and it’s just a short drive from Ganja.
Climate:
Goygol has a humid subtropical climate, with July being the hottest month and January being the coldest. The wettest month is May, with an average of 69 mm of rainfall.
History:
Goygol has been inhabited since at least the tenth century, and an extensive cemetery was excavated in the 1990s, revealing many bronze weapons, jewelry, and clay black dishes with geometric designs. Under the Ganja Khanate, the town was known as Hanahlar, and it was conquered by the Qajar dynasty in 1795. During the Russian occupation of the area, which began in 1804, the town was abandoned and was formalized by the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813. Helenendorf was founded on the site in 1819 by Germans from Württemberg, and the region was known as Narimanov under the czar. In 1931, the town was renamed Yelenino, and in 1938, it was renamed Khanlar, in honor of the Azerbaijani labor organizer Khanlar Safaraliyev. In 2008, Khanlar was renamed Goygol after the nearby lake, and the rayon became Goygol District.
Helenendorf:
Helenendorf is a German settlement founded in 1819 by settlers from Swabia in Transcaucasia, now the territory of Azerbaijan. Named in honor of the Grand Duchess Elena Pavlovna, the daughter of the Russian Emperor Paul I, the settlement was established to help settle the region. The colonists had to live in dugouts for several years, and during the Russian-Persian War of 1826–1828, the Swabians twice had to flee to Elizavetpol and Tiflis from the advancing Persians. By 1875, the colonists had fully paid the government credit, which they received in 1818 for the relocation and arrangement of the farm. By this time, the colonists’ main occupation was the cultivation of grapes and the production of spirits. Crafts were also developed, and the colony had several workshops for the production of horse carts, barrels, forges, carpentry, sewing, painting, locksmithing, and shoemaking. The cultural life in Helenendorf began with the formation of the German Society in 1893, which organized amateur wind and string orchestras and a theater studio.
Demographics:
The city today is overwhelmingly populated by Azeris, and the last resident of Goygol of German descent died in 2007. Starting in 1915, the town became home to a small Assyrian community, originally from Turkey and Iran.
Economy:
A large wine machinery plant, which aids in the processing of grapes, is located in Goygol, as was a state-owned cattle-breeding farm as of 1990.
Culture:
There are a number of historical monuments in Goygol, including the Goygol Wine Factory’s champagne and wine shop, Goygol Printing House, District Music School, and Koroglu Hotel dating to the 19th century, as well as the former buildings of the District Prosecutor’s Office and District Police Department, which were built in the 19th century. The History-Ethnography Museum of Goygol is located in the building of the Lutheran church built in 1856 and has operated as a museum since 1982. The State Flag Square was inaugurated in 2014 with the Flag of Azerbaijan flying at a height of 50 m. There is also a Museum of Azerbaijan State Symbols in the square.
In conclusion, Goygol is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich heritage, sampling its delicious local cuisine, or simply taking in the stunning landscapes, Goygol has something for everyone. So why not add this enchanting destination to your travel bucket list today?
