Nakhchivan facts for kids

Nakhchivan is a special part of Azerbaijan that is not directly connected to the main country. It's like an island of land surrounded by other countries. This unique area is called an exclave. Nakhchivan is located in the South Caucasus region, bordered by Armenia to the north and east, Iran to the south and west, and a small part of Turkey to the northwest.

What is the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic?

The official name for this special region is the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Being "autonomous" means it has its own government and laws, but it is still a part of Azerbaijan. It's a bit like a state within a country, with some independence in how it runs things.

This republic is quite mountainous, with the Zangezur Mountains forming part of its eastern border. The highest point is Mount Kapudzhukh. The climate here can be very different depending on where you are, from hot and dry summers in the lowlands to cold winters in the mountains.

Nakhchivan City: The Capital

The biggest and most important city in the region is also called Nakhchivan. This city is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It's an old city with a rich history, located on the Nakhchivan River.

Nakhchivan City is a center for culture and education in the region. It has many historical buildings and monuments. The city also has an airport, the Nakhichevan Airport, which connects the exclave to the rest of Azerbaijan and other places.

A Look Back: Nakhchivan's History

Nakhchivan has a long and interesting history, with different empires and states ruling it over centuries.

The Nakhichevan Khanate

From 1747 to 1828, Nakhchivan was known as the Nakhichevan Khanate. A khanate was a type of state ruled by a "khan," which is similar to a prince or a king. During this time, the khanate was often caught between larger empires, like the Persian and Ottoman Empires.

Under Russian Rule

In 1828, the Russian Empire took control of the area. It became part of a larger administrative region called the Nakhchivansky Uyezd from 1849 to 1920. An "uyezd" was a type of district in the Russian Empire.

The Soviet Era

After the Russian Empire, Nakhchivan became part of the Soviet Union. From 1921 to 1990, it was known as the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR). This meant it was an autonomous region within the Soviet Union, similar to its current status within Azerbaijan.

After the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, Nakhchivan became the autonomous republic it is today, as part of the newly independent country of Azerbaijan.

Economy and Resources

Nakhchivan has some important natural resources. There is an area called the Nakhichevan field, which contains oil and natural gas. These resources are important for the region's economy.

The region also has its own Nakhchivan Economic Region, which helps organize and develop different industries and businesses within the autonomous republic. This includes farming, mining, and some manufacturing.