The first national park in Azerbaijan is Zangezur National Park, originally established in 2003 under the name Ordubad National Park and renamed in 2009. Located in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, it was created to protect the diverse ecosystems of the Zangezur Mountains. The park is home to rare species such as the Caucasian leopard and Armenian mouflon.
Azerbaijan National Parks
About Azerbaijan National Parks
Azerbaijan, nestled at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, boasts a remarkable array of natural landscapes, reflected in its diverse national parks. Azerbaijan has 10 national parks, each showcasing the nation’s rich ecological and geographical diversity, ranging from lush forests and alpine meadows to arid deserts and the vast Caspian Sea. These protected areas not only preserve the country’s unique biodiversity but also provide a glimpse into its cultural and historical heritage.
One of the most renowned national parks is Göygöl National Park, celebrated for its breathtaking alpine scenery. Located in the Lesser Caucasus, the park is named after Göygöl Lake, an azure gem created by an earthquake in the 12th century. The pristine lake, surrounded by dense forests, is home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species like the East Caucasian tur and brown bear. The park also offers hiking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil beauty.
Shirvan National Park, another iconic destination, lies in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan and is distinguished by its semi-desert ecosystem. It serves as a critical habitat for the endangered Goitered gazelle, which has seen population recovery thanks to effective conservation efforts. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with wetlands attracting migratory species like flamingos and pelicans.
Absheron National Park, located on the Caspian Sea coast near Baku, provides a striking contrast to the mountainous regions. Its arid, coastal environment is home to rare species such as the Caspian seal, one of the smallest and most endangered seal species in the world. Visitors often enjoy the combination of wildlife observation and panoramic views of the Caspian shoreline.
Hirkan National Park, in the Talysh Mountains, represents a unique relict forest ecosystem. This UNESCO-listed park is home to ancient Hyrcanian forests, which date back to the Tertiary period. The park supports an incredible diversity of plant species, including the endemic ironwood tree, and is a sanctuary for the elusive Persian leopard. Hirkan is a testament to the region’s ancient natural history and ecological significance.
Zangazur National Park, Azerbaijan’s largest, is situated in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Its dramatic landscapes encompass snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and grasslands. The park shelters numerous rare species, such as the Bezoar goat and Caucasian snowcock. Conservation initiatives here have led to the stabilization of several vulnerable species populations.
Azerbaijan’s national parks face challenges such as poaching, habitat loss, and the effects of climate change. However, conservation successes, particularly in Shirvan and Zangazur, demonstrate the country’s growing commitment to protecting its natural heritage. These parks not only preserve biodiversity but also contribute to ecotourism, fostering a deeper appreciation for Azerbaijan’s natural treasures.
Below is an Alphabetical List of National Parks in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan National Parks
Absheron National Park
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Ag-Gel National Park
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Altyaghach National Park
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Gizilaghaj National Park
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Goygol National Park
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Hirkan National Park
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Samur-Yalama National Park
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Shahdag National Park
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Shirvan National Park
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Zangezur National Park
Explore NowFAQ’s
1. What was the first national park in Azerbaijan?
2. What is the largest national park in Azerbaijan?
Shirvan National Park is the largest national park in Azerbaijan, covering an area of about 213 square miles (552 square kilometers).
Established in 2003, it is located in the southeastern region of the country and is characterized by semi-desert landscapes, saline lakes, and wetlands. The park is known for its large population of goitered gazelles and offers a key habitat for various bird species.
3. What is the smallest national park in Azerbaijan?
The smallest national park in Azerbaijan is Absheron National Park, covering just 31 square miles (78 square kilometers).
Located on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, this park was established in 2005 to protect its coastal ecosystems and unique Caspian Sea biodiversity. The park is known for its sandy beaches, sea life, and populations of Caspian seals.
4. What is the most popular national park in Azerbaijan?
Among Azerbaijan’s national parks, Göygöl National Park stands out as the most visited. Established in 2008, it encompasses the picturesque Lake Göygöl and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
5. What percentage of Azerbaijan's land area is protected through official National Parks?
Approximately 10.3% of Azerbaijan’s land area is protected through national parks and reserves, covering around 4,600 square miles (12,000 square kilometers). Azerbaijan’s national parks safeguard its diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal areas along the Caspian Sea to mountainous regions in the Lesser and Greater Caucasus.
6. What other protected areas are there in Azerbaijan?
In addition to its national parks, Azerbaijan has several important nature reserves and sanctuaries that protect its biodiversity. The Zaqatala State Reserve in the northwestern part of the country is a significant protected area known for its pristine forests, rivers, and wildlife, including brown bears and lynxes.
Shirvan State Nature Reserve, located in the southeastern part of the country, is crucial for the conservation of gazelles and other steppe wildlife.
Gizil-Agaj State Reserve, located along the Caspian Sea coast, is a Ramsar-listed wetland area that is important for migratory birds.
7. What nature attractions does Azerbaijan have apart from National Parks?
Apart from its national parks, Azerbaijan offers several other natural attractions. The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, is a key feature of the country’s geography, providing opportunities for beach tourism and fishing along its coastline.
The Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its prehistoric rock carvings and mud volcanoes, which are among the most active in the world.
Azerbaijan’s Caucasus Mountains, particularly the Greater Caucasus, offer stunning landscapes for trekking and climbing, including the popular Mount Shahdag.
8. What species are endemic and unique to Azerbaijan alone?
Azerbaijan is home to several species that are regionally significant, although few species are endemic to Azerbaijan alone. The Caucasian leopard, though critically endangered, is found in Azerbaijan’s mountainous regions.
The Caspian turtle and Caspian seal are unique to the Caspian Sea region, making Azerbaijan one of their critical habitats. The country’s forested and mountainous regions also support a variety of plant species, including rare and endemic flora such as the Eldar pine.
9. What is Azerbaijan's main international airport?
Azerbaijan’s main international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA code: GYD), located near the capital city, Baku. It is the largest and busiest airport in Azerbaijan and serves as the primary gateway for international travelers.
10. What international airline companies fly into Azerbaijan?
The following international airline companies fly into Azerbaijan:
- Aeroflot
- Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) (national carrier)
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Lufthansa
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
11. Who manages the national parks of Azerbaijan?
The national parks and protected areas in Azerbaijan are managed by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The ministry is responsible for the conservation of biodiversity, the management of natural resources, and the protection of national parks.
Additionally, international organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and BirdLife International work in collaboration with the Azerbaijani government on various conservation initiatives.
For more information, visit the Ministry’s official website: http://www.eco.gov.az.