# Nakhchivan

> capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan

**Wikidata**: [Q230104](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q230104)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakhchivan_(city))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nakhchivan

## Summary
Nakhchivan is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, a historically and culturally significant city with roots dating back to 150 BCE. Located in the South Caucasus, it serves as a strategic and administrative center, reflecting Azerbaijan's rich heritage and geopolitical importance.

## Key Facts
- **Area**: 15 square kilometres.
- **Population**: 95,100 (2016 census), with historical figures ranging from 8,790 (1897) to 94,500 (2020).
- **Coordinates**: 39.2089° N, 45.4122° E.
- **Elevation**: 873 metres above sea level.
- **Time Zone**: UTC+04:00 (formerly UTC+05:00).
- **Official Language**: Azerbaijani.
- **Website**: http://www.nakhchivan.az/.
- **Inception**: Founded in 150 BCE.
- **Twinned Cities**: Batumi (2012), Brest (2012), Veliko Tarnovo, Kota Kinabalu, Chongqing.
- **Licence Plate Codes**: 70, 85, 75.
- **ISO 3166-2 Code**: AZ-NV.
- **Geonames ID**: 147429.
- **UNESCO Status**: Part of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a UNESCO-recognized cultural hub.

## FAQs
- **Where is Nakhchivan located?**  
  Nakhchivan is situated in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. It lies along the Nakhchivan River.

- **What historical empires ruled Nakhchivan?**  
  The city has been part of the Kingdom of Armenia, the Seljuk Empire, the Mongol Ilkhanate, the Safavid Empire, and the Russian Empire, reflecting its strategic crossroads position.

- **What is Nakhchivan's administrative status?**  
  It has been the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic since 1990, previously serving as the capital of the Nakhchivan ASSR (1924–1990) and the Nakhichevan Khanate (18th–19th centuries).

- **What are Nakhchivan's key cultural sites?**  
  Notable landmarks include the Juma Mosque, the Momuna Khatun Mausoleum, and the Yusuf ibn Kuseyr Mausoleum, highlighting its Islamic architectural heritage.

## Why It Matters
Nakhchivan holds immense historical and geopolitical significance as a crossroads of civilizations, with archaeological evidence of habitation dating to the 2nd century BCE. Its autonomous status within Azerbaijan underscores its unique cultural identity, blending Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences. The city's preservation of ancient monuments and its role as a regional administrative center make it vital for understanding the Caucasus region's complex history and Azerbaijan's national heritage.

## Notable For
- **Ancient Origins**: One of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan, founded in 150 BCE.
- **Autonomous Status**: Capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic since 1990, with self-governing privileges.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Home to UNESCO-recognized monuments like the Momuna Khatun Mausoleum.
- **Strategic Location**: A historical trade and military hub connecting Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
- **Linguistic Diversity**: Officially Azerbaijani-speaking, with historical Armenian and Persian influences.

## Body

### History
Nakhchivan's history spans over two millennia, with written records from the 2nd century BCE. It was a major center of the Kingdom of Armenia (1st century BCE–428 CE) and later fell under the rule of the Seljuks, Mongols, and Safavids. By the 19th century, it became part of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union, gaining autonomous status in 1924. Since Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, Nakhchivan has remained a symbol of national resilience.

### Geography
The city is nestled in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, covering 15 km² at 39.2089° N, 45.4122° E. It is traversed by the Nakhchivan River and sits at 873 metres elevation. Its arid climate and mountainous terrain have shaped its historical role as a fortified settlement.

### Demographics
As of 2016, the population is 95,100, up from 8,790 in 1897. Census data shows steady growth, from 25,340 in 1959 to 93,700 in 2017, reflecting urbanization trends. The majority are ethnic Azerbaijanis, with a strong tradition of Azerbaijani culture and language.

### Administration
Nakhchivan has served as the capital of multiple administrative entities:
- **Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic** (since 1990)
- **Nakhchivan ASSR** (1924–1990)
- **Nakhichevan Khanate** (1747–1828)
- **Nakhichevan Uezd** (1840–1920)

### Culture & Economy
The city is renowned for its medieval Islamic architecture, including the 12th-century Yusuf ibn Kuseyr Mausoleum. Its economy relies on agriculture, mining, and tourism, with a focus on preserving traditional crafts like carpet-weaving. The official website (http://www.nakhchivan.az/) promotes cultural and economic initiatives.

### International Relations
Nakhchivan maintains twinning agreements with cities like Batumi (Georgia) and Brest (Belarus), fostering regional cooperation. Its strategic location near Iran and Turkey enhances its role in South Caucasus diplomacy.

### Infrastructure
Key identifiers include postal code AZ 7000, ISO code AZ-NV, and licence plates 70, 85, and 75. The city operates on UTC+04:00 and is linked to global databases via Geonames ID 147429 and VIAF ID 148947356.

### Legacy
Nakhchivan's enduring significance lies in its ability to preserve ancient traditions while adapting to modern statehood. Its status as a "city-museum" of Azerbaijani history solidifies its role as a national and regional cultural anchor.

## References

1. [Source](https://batumi.ge/ge/?page=show&sec=5)
2. [Source](http://e-kitab.nakhchivan.az/QezetSekilleri/PDFQezet%2031.10.2015.pdf)
3. [Source](http://www.dmfa.nakhchivan.az/index.php/en/english-news/98-013-2017en)
4. [Source](https://city-brest.gov.by/ru/pobratim-ru/)
5. [Source](http://turizm.nakhchivan.az/en/index.php/2017-03-31-08-48-01/104-gennady-akhramovich-we-are-interested-in-exportation-of-the-products-to-belarus-produced-in-nakhchivan)
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. MusicBrainz
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. Russian Empire census
10. 1926 Soviet census
11. 1939 Soviet census
12. 1959 Soviet census
13. 1970 Soviet census
14. 1979 Soviet census
15. 1989 Soviet census
16. [Source](http://www.azstat.org/region/az/001.shtml)
17. [Source](https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/en/001_18en.xls)
18. [Source](https://nakhchivan.preslib.az/az_a3-1.html)
19. [Source](http://imp.nakhchivan.az/index.php/nax-van-haqq-nda/h-r-v-rayonlar)
20. [Source](http://virtualnakhchivan.az/naxcivan-seheri)
21. [Kavkazskiy kalendar](https://www.prlib.ru/item/417321)
22. [Kavkazskiy kalendar](https://www.prlib.ru/item/417320)
23. GeoNames
24. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)