Publications
Analyses on the chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) plant distributed in the Sheki-Zaqatala region
A severe decline in European chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) stands across the Sheki-Zaqatala region of Azerbaijan, driven by chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica) and root/collar rot (Phytophthora spp.), has resulted in 65% mortality and 30% progressive dieback of surviving trees. The study, covering 71 villages at altitudes of 600–1,600 m, found that older trees (50–100 years) were most vulnerable, leading to a 60–70% drop in regional chestnut yield since the 1990s. While C. parasitica was prevalent, Phytophthora was also identified as a significant contributor, particularly in southern villages. The research highlights the need for a combined phytopathological approach to restore these culturally and economically vital stands.
Classification of Landscape Facies Types (Based on the Example of the Sheki–Zagatala Region of Azerbaijan)
Researchers have identified 14 distinct landscape facies types in the Sheki–Zagatala region of Azerbaijan, highlighting significant variations in soil chemistry and biogeochemical processes across elevations from 500 to 2000 meters. The study reveals that high-altitude eluvial systems experience intense leaching, leading to nutrient depletion and accelerated desertification on carbonate-rich substrates. Conversely, subaquatic and waterlogging-prone facies exhibit hydromorphic conditions that promote organic matter accumulation, enriching soils with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This classification integrates lithological-geomorphological, hydrological, and biological factors, applying V. V. Kovalsky's biogeochemical methodology to map chemical element distribution. The findings underscore the interplay between microclimatic variations and tectonic influences in shaping landscape dynamics within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modeling Humus Stocks and Introducing a Saturation Coefficient to Assess Soil Organic Carbon Capacity in Forest Soils of the Sheki-Zagatala Region, Azerbaijan
A novel saturation coefficient, representing the ratio of actual to maximum theoretically attainable humus content based on cation exchange capacity (CEC) or clay content, was introduced to assess soil organic carbon capacity. This coefficient revealed significant variability linked to soil type, forest composition, and land-use history, averaging 0.33-0.34 across all soils studied in the Sheki-Zagatala region of Azerbaijan. The study also demonstrated that humus content decreases exponentially with depth, accurately described by a specific mathematical model (Y = α × e-ß×10⁻²×(X -3)). Humus reserves in the 0-20cm layer averaged 95.1±2.7t/ha, with notable differences among soil types such as leached kastanozems and sodpodzolic soils. The integration of empirical models, the saturation coefficient, and GIS mapping provides a robust toolset for evaluating humus dynamics, guiding reforestation efforts, and improving regional carbon inventories.
Patterns of the influence of seismic activity in the Sheki-Zagatala zone on the hydrogeochemical regime of groundwater (2018–2025)
A seven-year study reveals that seismic activity in the Sheki-Zagatala zone significantly alters groundwater hydrogeochemistry, with anomalies emerging alongside tectonic processes. These changes vary based on local geology and hydrology, underscoring the potential of long-term groundwater monitoring as a tool for earthquake precursor detection. Researchers analyzed seismic events from 2018 to 2025, comparing them with geochemical data to identify distinct patterns linking earthquakes to groundwater composition shifts.
Sheki – Ossika. An Ancient City of Caucasian Albania
A new hypothesis links the ancient city of Ossika, documented by Ptolemy in the 1st–2nd centuries AD as part of Caucasian Albania, with the historic city of Sheki. This proposal challenges traditional assumptions about the region's urban landscape, suggesting that Ossika may have been an earlier incarnation of Sheki, now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study relies on historical cartographic and linguistic evidence to support this connection, offering fresh insights into the continuity and transformation of Caucasian Albanian settlements over centuries.
Anthropology linguistics of Sheki toponyms
A groundbreaking analysis of Sheki toponyms reveals their deep-rooted ethnolinguistic and cultural significance, uncovering how these place names reflect the region's historical, social, and economic evolution. The study employs a novel ethnolinguistic framework to trace the origins of toponyms linked to ethnic groups in Sheki, highlighting the role of anthropological linguistics in mapping out ethnogenetic relationships. It identifies the factors behind the naming of settlements, objects, and water bodies, while also noting the presence of archaic and dialectal features within these toponyms. Additionally, it explores the phonetic and morphological variations in toponyms during their development, providing insights into the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and environment.
Ecological state of modern soil cover in agrocenoses of the Greater Caucasus Sheki region
Azerbaijan's Sheki region, renowned for its tourism and agricultural significance, faces ecological challenges from deforestation and intensive farming. A recent study reveals that virgin gray forest soils here harbor exceptionally high levels of actinomycetes—up to 360 thousand CFU/g—5 times more than in natural depressions and 30 times more than in fallow lands. This microbial richness, dominated by species like Penicillium notatum and Trichoderma viride, underscores the ecological value of preserved forests. Researchers analyzed soil moisture, humus content, nitrogen, and microbial indicators using innovative methods, providing baseline data for Azerbaijan's first such study. The findings also quantify organic matter reserves in secondary spruce forests (21.5–32.7 kg/m²), offering critical insights for forest restoration efforts and sustainable land management.
From the history of the study of Sheki toponyms
A comprehensive analysis of Sheki's toponyms reveals the region's rich linguistic heritage, with a focus on its Azerbaijan-Turkish origins and historical significance. The study synthesizes findings from previous research by historians, geographers, and linguists, examining the structure, semantic features, and artistic aspects of place names in literature. Key insights include the layered history of Sheki's toponyms, which have attracted scholars across disciplines, and their role in reflecting cultural and linguistic evolution. The research employs a critical review of existing scholarly works to highlight patterns and unique characteristics of this toponymic system.
Inventory of the gene pool garden of the Sheki RSC of ANAS: Assessment of structure, species, biodiversity, and agro-biodiversity
Azerbaijan's northwestern regions, including Sheki, harbor a rich agro-biodiversity of folk-selected fruit and berry species, with significant potential for sustainable agriculture, food security, and plant breeding. A 50-year inventory at the Gene Pool Garden of the Sheki Regional Scientific Center (RSC) of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences revealed diverse genetic resources, assessed through biomorphological, ecophysiological, and phenological traits. The study identified strategic donor materials for breeding programs while contributing to global conservation efforts, aligning with FAO and CBD priorities. These findings underscore the region's importance in preserving national gene pools for nutritional and pharmaceutical applications.
The role of the community in the development of tourism in Azerbaijan: the example of Sheki and Zagatala regions
Local communities play a pivotal role in shaping tourism development, significantly influencing its growth and sustainability. A study focusing on Azerbaijan's Sheki and Zagatala regions revealed that the engagement of local populations—through services like rural guesthouses—directly impacts tourist experiences and regional tourism prospects. While Sheki, closer to the capital, benefits from higher tourist numbers, Zagatala, with its natural beauty, faces challenges in leveraging its potential. The research, involving 21 community representatives, identified key issues in hospitality services and proposed solutions to enhance quality. Comparatively analyzing community attitudes and expectations in both regions, the study underscores the importance of stakeholder collaboration—including local entrepreneurs, governments, and residents—in fostering sustainable tourism development.
Development of an ethnotopomonic dictionary of the Shirvan-Sheki region
A comprehensive ethnotoponomic dictionary for the Shirvan-Sheki region, covering administrative districts including Balakən, Qax, Qəbələ, Oğuz, Sheki, and Zaqatala, reveals critical insights into the ethnic history of Azerbaijan. This study demonstrates that toponyms serve as invaluable sources for understanding ethnic genealogy, language evolution, and historical geography, particularly in regions with limited written records. By analyzing place names across multiple historical periods, researchers identified patterns of ethnic composition, linguistic shifts, and genetic relationships among ancient tribes. The findings highlight the significance of toponymic research in addressing gaps in historical ethnography, offering a unique lens to explore the complex ethnogenesis of Azerbaijan's diverse populations.
Historiography of the research of the burial sites of the Sheki region, belonging to the classical antiquity period
A comprehensive historiography of burial sites in the Sheki region, Azerbaijan, reveals significant gaps and unaddressed questions in their study since classical antiquity. The analysis highlights a lack of systematic research on these sites, despite their cultural and historical importance. The study employs a critical review of existing literature, archaeological reports, and historical records to map the evolution of research methodologies and identify key challenges in the field. Findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the burial practices, societal structures, and chronological frameworks of this region during antiquity.
Place and role of toponyms in Azerbaijani ethnolinguistics Sheki
Azerbaijani toponyms, particularly those rooted in Sheki's ethnic history, serve as critical markers of cultural identity and linguistic heritage. This study reveals that etnotoponyms—place names tied to tribal origins—reflect deep-seated ethnolinguistic patterns, offering a lens through which to reinterpret the complex ethnogenesis of Azerbaijan's Turkic populations. By analyzing Sheki's toponymic landscape, researchers demonstrate how these names encode historical narratives, bridging gaps between linguistics, anthropology, and geography. The approach integrates onomastics (the study of proper names) with ethnolinguistic theory, drawing on frameworks established by pioneers like Franz Boas and Wilhelm von Humboldt to unpack the semantic layers of place names. Findings underscore the significance of Sheki's toponyms in reconstructing Azerbaijan's ethnic history, challenging conventional narratives and highlighting their role as living archives of cultural memory.
Relationships between the peoples of the Sheki khanate and Dagestan in the field of material culture in XVIII - XIX centuries (historical and cultural approach)
A study reveals significant cultural exchanges between the peoples of the Sheki khanate and Dagestan during the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in material culture. The research identifies shared artistic motifs, craftsmanship techniques, and decorative elements across pottery, textiles, and metalwork, suggesting robust trade and diplomatic ties that transcended ethnic boundaries. By analyzing historical records, archaeological artifacts, and ethnographic data, the authors demonstrate how these interactions shaped regional cultural identity and economic dynamics. This interdisciplinary approach integrates historical analysis with material culture studies to offer new insights into the complex relationships within the Caucasus during this period.
The role of sericulture in the formation of capitalist relations in the Sheki region after the Russian conquest
Sericulture played a pivotal role in the rapid formation of capitalist industrial relations in the Sheki region of Northern Azerbaijan following Russia's conquest, outpacing other sectors and regions. This study reveals that by the 19th century, Sheki's silk industry had transitioned to large-scale factory production earlier than elsewhere, setting national benchmarks for efficiency and output. Analyzing labor conditions, production scales, and economic outcomes in silk factories, the research demonstrates how these factors accelerated capitalist industrialization in the region. Unlike traditional agricultural models, Sheki's sericulture sector adopted early mechanization and division of labor, providing a microcosm for understanding broader socio-economic transformations during this period.
Zoning of the mountain regions of Azerbaijan for tourism and recreation: the case of Sheki-Zagatala, Guba-Khachmaz and Mountain-Shirvan economic and geographical regions
Azerbaijan's mountainous regions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace, hold significant potential for tourism and recreational development. This study introduces a new tourist-recreational zoning framework based on economic indicators, identifying four districts for hotels and similar accommodations, and three for travel agencies and tour operators. Building on previous zoning efforts by Soviet and Azerbaijani scientists, this research provides actionable insights for balancing territorial proportions, fostering regional economic growth, and leveraging the rich natural, historical, and cultural heritage of these areas. The proposed zoning model serves as a practical tool for socio-economic development programs in Azerbaijan.
Agricultural production characteristics of soils in the south slope of the great Caucasus on the example of the Sheki district of Azerbaijan
Soils along the south slope of the Great Caucasus, exemplified by the Sheki district in Azerbaijan, exhibit distinct agricultural production characteristics shaped by vertical zoning from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study identifies key diagnostic indicators and natural conditions influencing soil properties across these zones, providing critical insights for sustainable land use. By integrating soil-ecological and geobotanical analyses, the research offers a comprehensive understanding of how altitude and environmental gradients affect soil productivity in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Agricultural Production Characteristics of Soils In The South Slope of The Great Caucasus On The Example of The Sheki District of Azerbaijan
Research reveals significant soil diversity along the south slope of the Great Caucasus, particularly in Azerbaijan's Sheki District, with distinct agricultural production characteristics across vertical zoning from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study highlights diagnostic indicators of these soils, emphasizing their vulnerability to anthropogenic transformation—a process described as a potential global catastrophe due to uncontrolled population growth, industrial expansion, and energy demands. This work underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Sheki's Historic Centre, where natural landscapes face increasing human pressure. The findings integrate soil-ecological and geobotanical analyses to map soil properties and their agricultural potential, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
Agricultural Production Characteristics of Soils in the South Slope of the Great Caucasus on the Example of the Sheki District of Azerbaijan
Soils in the Sheki district of Azerbaijan exhibit distinct agricultural production characteristics that vary significantly with elevation, from intrazonal landscapes to subalpine meadows. The study identifies key diagnostic indicators and natural conditions shaping these soils, providing insights into their ecological and geobotanical properties. By analyzing vertical zoning patterns, researchers reveal how soil composition and fertility change across the south slope of the Great Caucasus, offering valuable data for sustainable land management in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ekolojik Problemler of Hydrologik Monumentler of Şeki-Zagatala Region
Environmental challenges threaten the hydrological monuments of the Sheki-Zagatala region, including rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, which are integral to its ecotourism sector. The study highlights how modern ecological issues, such as pollution and habitat degradation, significantly impact these natural landmarks. By analyzing current environmental pressures, researchers identify key threats to both biodiversity and tourism sustainability in the area. This work underscores the need for targeted conservation efforts to preserve these hydrological treasures while supporting regional economic growth.
Endangered Species of Sheki-Zagatala Nature
The Sheki-Zagatala region, home to the UNESCO-listed Historic Centre of Sheki with its Khan’s Palace, faces significant biodiversity threats that jeopardize both its ecological integrity and potential for ecotourism. Research reveals a critical decline in local flora and fauna, with numerous species already extinct or listed in regional Red Books due to habitat destruction. The study highlights how this degradation not only endangers biodiversity but also undermines sustainable tourism, which relies on the region’s unique natural heritage. To mitigate these risks, the research suggests targeted conservation measures aimed at preserving remaining ecosystems while promoting responsible ecotourism practices.
Some Biophenological Characteristics of Blossom Feeder Epicometis hirta (Poda, 1761) in Sheki-Zagatala Zone
Research on the shaggy bronze beetle (Epicometis hirta) in the Sheki-Zagatala zone reveals unique biophenological traits critical for integrated pest management. The study found that this agricultural pest, a significant threat to stone fruit trees, develops in one generation annually with diapause occurring during pupation. Unlike previously assumed, its flight dynamics exhibit distinct seasonal and daily patterns: a single peak in spring and two peaks in summer, influenced by temperature variations. Conducted over five years (2017–2021) on stationary fields, the research employed standard entomological methods for species collection, identification, and data analysis. These findings provide foundational insights for refining pest control strategies in this UNESCO-listed region.
The role of mountain tourism in employment and regional development in the border regions of Azerbaijan (Sheki – Zaqatala tourism region)
Mountain tourism, particularly skiing, significantly contributes to employment and regional economic development in Azerbaijan's Sheki-Zaqatala region. The study highlights the potential of mountain tourism as a lucrative industry, leveraging natural resources for sustainable growth. It analyzes existing tourism resources, current state, and economic benefits, emphasizing the role of the Tufandağ ski complex in boosting local economies. The research underscores the necessity of developing this tourism sector to enhance employment opportunities and regional income, offering insights into its broader impact on mountainous border regions.
About flowering phase of local pear sorts and their wild forms spread in Sheki-Zagatala region
A study on the flowering phase of local pear varieties and their wild forms in Azerbaijan's Sheki-Zagatala region reveals that these can be categorized into three groups based on their mass flowering period: quick, medium-term, and late-flowering sorts. Notably, quick-flowering sorts tend to bloom later than expected, while late-flowering sorts bloom earlier. This temporal diversity positively impacts productivity in the region, particularly during early spring when changeable weather poses risks to pollination and fertilization. The research highlights the direct dependence of pear productivity on the level of pollination and the significance of flowering period diversity for agricultural success.
Peculiarities of location of population and settlements on height zones in Sheki administrative region
Research reveals that the distribution of population and settlements in Azerbaijan's Sheki administrative region is significantly influenced by altitude, with higher concentrations observed in plains and middle mountain zones compared to highlands. This pattern emerges from an analysis of census data (1999-2019) and satellite imagery, highlighting how ecological and geographical conditions shape settlement intensity. The study underscores the spatial differentiation of settlements across altitude gradients, providing insights into human habitation dynamics in diverse landscapes.
The Impact of Ecological Factors on Tourism in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's Sheki-Zagatala region, home to the Historic Centre of Sheki with its Khan’s Palace, stands out for its unique ecological and geographical potential to drive tourism. This study identifies the critical role of natural factors in shaping regional tourism development, emphasizing the need for strategic urban planning and infrastructure investments. It highlights a proposed new transportation corridor linking Nakhichevan to western Azerbaijan and Turkey, which could unlock significant tourism opportunities by improving accessibility and connectivity across the region. The research advocates for a revised strategy to optimize recreation and tourism complexes, balancing ecological sustainability with economic growth.
Scientific substantiation of overcoming of existing ecological problems caused by separate impacts and recreational loads on landscape complexes on the south-western slopes of Azerbaijan (On the example of Sheki-Zakatala zone)
Research reveals that landscape complexes in the Sheki-Zakatala zone of Azerbaijan exhibit varying resilience to recreational and anthropogenic pressures, with critical safe load thresholds differing significantly across natural formations. Light forests, such as those in Bunut, show severe degradation under trampling, leading to soil compaction, loss of seedlings, and destruction of grass and moss layers—particularly around springs transferred to private ownership. Grazing exacerbates these issues, especially during rainy seasons, further damaging vegetation and soil structure across basins like Vendam, Damiraparan, Hamzali, Bum, and Karachay. The study underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate ecological impacts while sustaining recreational forest use.
Scientific Substantiation of Overcoming of Existing Ecological Problems Caused By Separate Impacts and Recreational Loads on Landscape Complexes on the South-Western Slopes of Azerbaijan(on the Example of Sheki-Zakatala Zone)
Research on the Sheki-Zakatala zone reveals that recreational and anthropogenic pressures, such as trampling and grazing, significantly degrade forest ecosystems. Safe recreational loads for one natural complex can be detrimental to others, particularly in light forests like Bunut, where oak-maple and oak-maple-hornbeam formations suffer from soil hardening, seedling mortality, and destruction of grass and moss layers. The study highlights that private land transfers around springs exacerbate these issues, leading to increased anthropogenic pressure and ecosystem degradation, especially during the rainy season when animals further damage vegetation and soil surfaces. Field observations indicate critical impacts on large areas around river basins, including Vendam, Damiraparan, Hamzali, Bum, and Karachay, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable management strategies to mitigate ecological damage.
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