Lahij — The Mountain Village of Coppersmiths

Lahij is a mountain village in the Ismayilli district, about 180 km from Baku. Legend says it was founded by settlers from Persia in the 5th century, though archaeologists have found traces of much earlier life. Locals still speak their own dialect, close to Persian.

A village of craftsmen

For centuries Lahij was famous for its crafts: copperware, weapons, leather and carpets. Its main street, Gunashli, is still lined with workshops, and coppersmiths hammer away by the door so you can watch a jug or tray take shape.

What to see

• Cobbled lanes and river-stone houses with wooden balconies.
• A centuries-old water and sewage system.
• The local history museum and old mosques.
• Coppersmith and blacksmith workshops and souvenir stalls.

Getting there

The road leads from Baku via Shamakhi towards Ismayilli, with the last stretch through the Girdimanchay river gorge. Expect 3–3.5 hours each way.

Lahij is part of our Ismayilli and Lahij tour, with waterfall stops and lunch in the mountains.

Tips

• Buy copper directly from the craftsmen to get genuine handmade pieces.
• The village is cooler than Baku, so bring a light jacket.