We study geography: where is Derbent?

Caspian Derbent, one of the most attractive and ancient cities of the North Caucasus. Where is Derbent, in which country of the Caspian region can you admire the UNESCO World Heritage, historical legend and architecture of 5,000 years old? A small town, drowning in the abundance of sunny days, sea breezes, warm sea and centuries-old secrets, keeps for all its unique appearance.

Geography and climate

There was a historical legend on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan of the Russian Federation. Where is Derbent - there are opened the western expanses of the great Caspian Sea, and the ridges of the Caucasus go to the sea, wrapping the most southern Russian city with its picturesque beauty. A small village with a great history stands between the mountains and the sea, greeting tourists from the east, and escorting them to the west. A mild climate, warm sea, velvety sand attract tourists from all corners of the country to plunge into the comfort of the temperate zone.

Steppe Derbent is a dry June and wet October, hot August and almost cold January (-1C). The Caspian Sea has a huge influence 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, the precipitation reaches 260 mm, which positively affects the holiday season of the settlement.

City `s history

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. The oldest inhabited locality of the state for thousands of years served as a defensive fortress of the peoples of Transcaucasia, protecting them from attacks by nomads. The strategic importance of the fortification is great because it was the gateway to the Near East.

This tidbit was desired by the Roman Empire, Byzantium, Iran, the Arab Caliphate and the Golden Horde, Turkish Sultans and Seljuk commanders. The Caspian Gate, the so-called Derbent city, was called in the 5th century. Where is the fortification structure of the Naryn-Kala stronghold, there was opened a transition between Asia and Europe along the Silk Road route. Here the point of payment for the passage by land was established. Such a favorable location promoted prosperity and turned the city into a major center of the Western Caucasus.

Attractions of Derbent

The centuries-old history of the seaside resort has accumulated so many amazing architectural monuments that after visiting here, I want to repeat the viewing of what I saw. The main highlight of the area where Derbent is located is the old fortress structure of Naryn-Kala, which is part of the citadel.

The architectural structure rises on the slope of the mountains with a powerful stone fortification, as if it shows its importance and strategic purpose. Walls of 10-meter height are lined with huge stone blocks of two meters in thickness. Entrance to the city merchants and merchants, whose way went to the west, opened 14 gates. All of them had their name and purpose, distinctive architectural signs and opening time, so Derbent is translated as "locked gates".

The main temple and shrine of Muslims of Dagestan is the Juma Mosque. More than 1,000 years of religious architectural monument unites all representatives of Islam. On its territory is a Muslim theological seminary and living quarters. Decorate the shrine in the corners of four centuries-old plane tree, covering the mosque from the scorching summer sun. The sanctuary was restored and expanded after a strong 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. The Friday mosque is of special value for the country where Derbent is located.

Recreation and entertainment

Streets of the Caspian citadel are green and cozy, walnuts, lemons, figs and pomegranates are feeling great here. The city is buried in fruit trees and ancient fountains, and the coast line in velvet sand and noise of waves. The beach of the city "Breeze" is well-groomed, has a developed infrastructure. Private beaches attract tourists and guests of Derbent more than the city - next to the hotel, the use of beach paraphernalia is included in the payment. The sea is very warm, and the waters can not cool down during the year.

Derbent, where the country's hottest beach is located, is also proud of the beauty of the peaks of the Caucasus. Having visited the city, be sure to go to the mountains. The beauty of the slopes of the Caucasus and the 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 on you.

Memorable will be visits to cultural institutions of the city. Among them is the Museum of Nature Protection, the 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, beliefs.

Interesting Facts

• The settlement is so compact that it has no division into districts.
• The Caspian city was the first in the country to start producing paper, soap and silk fabrics.
• The old fortress is an underestimated architectural heritage of the peoples of the Caucasus. It is included in the list of cultural heritage of UNESCO.
• Afanasy Nikitin, who opened the land route to India, stayed 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.