(MENAFN- AzerNews) By Aygul Salmanova
The number of tourists visiting Barda, one of the most significant and ancient cities of the country, is has significantly increased.
Hikmet Heydarov, Head of the Tourism Information Center told Azernews that the number of tourists visiting the region increased by 65 percent compared to the same period of last year.
During the 11 months of this year, 7,250 tourists from different cities and regions of the country visited Barda while the number of foreign tourists was 1,233.
He noted that one of the reasons of this increase is joint promotional work carried out by Barda Tourism Information Center with Regional Cultural Administration department of the Tourism and Culture Ministry.
Heydarov also noted that one of the main reasons for the rising number of tourists visiting Barda is the introduction of a simplified visa regime and the overall rise of the tourist flow to the country. If earlier a little was known about Barda and its historical sites, nowadays more information about the city can be found thanks to media and various tourism information websites on internet, he said.
The city is mostly visited by the tourists coming from CIS countries, Heydarov told. 'In addition, high number of tourists coming from Arab countries and Iran come to see the city. Tourists from countries such as India, England, the U.S. also pay a visit to Barda, he said.
Heydarov noted that a number of measures are taken to develop the city's tourism sector: 'Printed brochures and information cards, the map of the city are presented to tourists in order to facilitate their visit to the city. In addition, this summer a concert program was held in the H. Aliyev complex every each.
Various exhibitions reflecting the customs and traditions of the city, including art and tourism exhibitions, are organized in Barda. The tourism potential of Barda was demonstrated at the 17th International Tourism and Travel Fair, Heydarov said. In summer, an informational tour was organized in Barda with the participation of 25 tourism companies and representatives of various state organs.
He also said that tourists visiting Barda are more interested in the historic sites of the region.
Barda Tomb, also called as Allah-Allah or Nushaba tomb, is one of the most important monuments reflecting the history of the city. Heydarov noted that the local people call this monument Nushaba Tomb while its formal name is Barda Tomb. Some people, however, call it Allah-Allah due to more than 280 inscriptions read as Allah-Allah and written in Arabic.
Tourists also visit Torpaggala of 18-19 centuries, one of two existing monuments of its type in the world, Hamam located in the village Shirvanli, Juma Mosque built in 20th century, bridge on the river Tartar, tomb located in the village Gulallah, etc.
Another monument, according to Heydarov, that makes the city one of the most developed zones of faith tourism is Imamzade. He noted that every day nigh number of tourists coming from Iran and some Arab countries visit this monument. Although Imamzada was mostly visited by Syrian tourists before, nowadays due to some political problems in Syria, no such visitors are able to come to the city.
Heydarov also noted that he strongly recommends the visitors of the city to come and see the house of Bala Bey. 'The house has the modern heating system that most of houses have nowadays, he said. This marvelous house, built in 18th century in accordance with the plan that was made in England, was constructed in gothic style. However it needs repairing, he noted.
Barda, one of the oldest living centers not only in Azerbaijan but also in the Middle East, is rich with many cultural monuments covering a vast period from the second millennium BC to the Middle Ages.
Through the city, located to the east of the Murovdag ridge, in the western part of the Shirvan plain, flows the river Terter. The city was the key point in which many arteries forming the Great Silk Road converged. With such a favorable geographical position characterized by a location at the intersection of all caravan routes, the ancient Barda was the largest commercial and artisan city.
--
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
MENAFN1812201701950000ID1096244855
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.