Caspian Derbent, one of the most attractive and ancient cities of the North Caucasus. Where is Derbent located, in which country of the Caspian region can you admire the UNESCO World Heritage, historical legend and architecture dating back 5,000 years? A small town, surrounded by an abundance of sunny days, the sea breeze, the warm sea and centuries-old secrets, keeps for everyone its unique look.
Geography and climate
There is a historical legend in the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation. Where Derbent is located, the western expanses of the great Caspian open there, and the ridges of the Caucasus go to the sea, wrapping the southernmost Russian city with its picturesque beauty. A small village with a great history stands between the mountains and the sea, meeting tourists from the east, and escorting them to the west. The mild climate, warm sea, velvety sand attract tourists from all over the country to plunge into the comfort of the temperate zone.
The steppes of Derbent are arid June and wet October, hot August and almost cold January (-1C). The Caspian Sea has a huge impact on the climatic indicators of the city. Summer is long and hot, autumn is long, and winter is mild and short. The warm period in the city lasts for 9 months, precipitation reaches 260 mm, which positively affects the holiday season of the village.
History of the city
The first settlement in the territory where Derbent is located appeared about 5,000 thousand years ago. The venerable age did not destroy and did not erase the Caspian city from the map, but only added to it fame, respect and color. For thousands of years, the oldest settlement of the state served as a defensive fortress of the peoples of Transcaucasia, protecting them from attacks by nomads. The strategic importance of the fortification is great in that it was the entrance gate to Western Asia.
The Roman Empire, Byzantium, Iran, the Arab Caliphate and the Golden Horde, the Turkish Sultans and commanders of Seljuk wished to get this tidbit. The Caspian Gate, as the city of Derbent was called in the 5th century. Where the fortification structure of the Naryn-Kala citadel is located, the passage between Asia and Europe on the Silk Road route opened there. Here, a land passage fee point was established. Such a good location contributed to prosperity and turned the city into a major center of the Western Caucasus.
Sights of Derbent
The centuries-old history of the seaside resort has accumulated so many amazing architectural monuments that having been here, I want to repeat the viewing of what I saw. The main highlight of the area where Derbent is located is the old Naryn-Kala fortress, which is part of the citadel.
The architectural structure rises on the side of the mountains with powerful stone fortifications, as if showing its importance and strategic purpose. Walls of 10 meters high are lined with huge stone blocks of two meters thick. The entrance to the city to merchants and merchants, whose path went west, opened 14 gates. All of them had their name and purpose, distinctive architectural signs and opening times, which is why Derbent translates as “locked gates”.
The main temple and shrine of Muslims of Dagestan is the Juma mosque. For more than 1,000 years, a religious architectural monument unites all representatives of Islam. On its territory there is a Muslim theological seminary and living quarters. Four centuries-old plane trees decorate the shrine in the corners, covering the mosque from the scorching summer sun. The sanctuary was restored and expanded after a major earthquake that occurred 700 years ago, thanks to the efforts of believers. Today, Juma is famous and visited. The size of the temples is the largest not only in the city, but also in the republic. Friday Mosque is of particular value to the country where Derbent is located.
Recreation and entertainment
The streets of the Caspian citadel are green and cozy, walnuts, lemons, figs and pomegranates feel great here and grow. The city is buried in fruit trees and ancient fountains, and the coastline in velvet sand and the sound of waves. The beach of the city "Breeze" is neat, has a developed infrastructure. Private beaches attract tourists and guests of Derbent more than the city - near the hotel, the use of beach paraphernalia is included in the payment. The sea is very warm, and its waters do not have time to cool for a year.
Derbent, where the hottest beach of the country is located, is also proud of the beauty of the peaks of the Caucasus. Having been in the city, be sure to go to the mountains. The beauty of the Caucasus slopes and fresh cool air will distract you from the heat of the coast. The best time for mountain travel is July-August, when the weather just whispers and calls out.
Memorable will be visits to cultural institutions of the city. Among them, the Museum of Nature Protection stands out, historical, architectural, artistic and very young - the history of world culture and religions. Here not only the whole history is collected, but also life, traditions, and beliefs.
Interesting Facts
- The village is so compact that it has no division into districts.
- The Caspian city was the first in the country to produce paper, soap and silk fabrics.
- The old fortress is an underestimated architectural heritage of the peoples of the Caucasus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Afanasy Nikitin, who opened the land route to India, stopped in Naryn-Kala.
- The territory of the city of Derbent, where its coastal part is located, lies below sea level with a mark of -18 meters.