Derbent: Today we will talk about the ancient city of Derbent, known in history as the Iron Gate. Every stone a chronicle of eternity, every fortress a living history - the ancient land of Derbent is today considered a tourism center located on the Caspian Sea coast of our northern neighbor, Russia. The Derbent Fortress, the Gates of the Forty, Dashkapi, Naryn-Kala, and the 'Mahallar' district - populated solely by Azerbaijanis - are among the most visited sites by local and foreign tourists.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, with a history dating back 5,000 years and still preserving its national identity, where the Azerbaijani language echoes through its streets, we present a report from the Iron Gate Derbent by APA's special correspondent in Russia, Farid Akbarov. The city, historically inhabited by Azerbaijanis, is located between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus mountain range. It is the southernmost settlement with city status in the Russian Federation, part of the Republic of Dagestan, and located 258 km from Baku and just 65 km from the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The media tour, organized by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Dagestan, highlighted Derbent's rich history, including mentions in the epic of Kitabi-Dede Gorgud, a monumental literary heritage of Azerbaijani Turks and the entire Turkic world. Derbent is said to be the burial place of Dede Gorgud himself and was once ruled by Fatali Khan, the Khan of Quba. The city is also the birthplace and final resting place of his wife, Tutu Bike Khanum.
Huseynbala Huseynov, an honorary resident of Derbent, asserts that it is an ancient Turkic settlement, citing the tomb of Dede Qorqud and the Derbent dialect of the epic as evidence. The fortress, a monument from the 6th century, and its famous six gates-Charji, Kyrkhlar, Yeni, Bayat, Dashgapi, and Naringala-are iconic symbols of this historical city.
Solmaz Heydarova, a native expert and chief specialist at the Derbent City Tourism Development Center, explains that the name "Derbent" is derived from the Persian words "Dar" and "band," meaning the lock of gates. Out of the original 14 gates, only 9 remain today. The fortress walls, spanning 42 kilometers, once served as a formidable defensive structure.
The neighborhoods, or "mahallas," populated exclusively by Azerbaijanis, offer a glimpse into the city's cultural tapestry. Resembling Baku's 'Icheri Sheher,' these districts are where elders gather, speaking Azerbaijani and playing dominoes, with street signs in Azerbaijani using the Latin alphabet.
Huseynbala Huseynov, who served as the head of Derbent's executive authority for seven years, speaks of the pride in their Azerbaijani heritage and the significance of the 44-day war, which has instilled a sense of pride and dignity among the city's residents.
In a conversation with Sergey Melikov, head of the Republic of Dagestan, it was noted that Azerbaijanis are considered one of the indigenous peoples of Dagestan. The mayor of Derbent is an ethnic Azerbaijani, and representation in government bodies reflects the titular peoples, including Azerbaijanis.
Derbent's religious landscape is marked by the presence of mosques in every neighborhood, including the Derbent Juma Mosque, a historical monument dating back to the 8th century and one of the world's oldest mosques. Restoration efforts are underway with Russian government funding, progressing rapidly after a visit from President Vladimir Putin.
The Girkhlar Cemetery, a significant historical site, is believed to be the resting place of 40 companions of the Prophet Muhammad and other notable figures, including Tutu Bike khanum. The cemetery, established in the 7th century, is a testament to Derbent's early Islamic heritage.
As evening falls in Derbent, the call to prayer echoes, and the streets bustle with activity. Local handwoven carpets and souvenirs are sold, with residents expressing their deep connection to Baku and sending greetings and prayers to Azerbaijan.