Climbing to a mountain fortress and eating like a Khan in Nakhchivan

What is there to do in the world’s largest landlocked exclave? We discover the history, famous hospitality and a magnificent mountain fortress in the remote region of Nakhchivan.

In this episode of Explore Azerbaijan, Euronews reporter Anca Ulea gets a taste of Azerbaijan’s famous hospitality in what might be its most unique region – Nakhchivan.
Defined by the formidable Zangezur mountain range, including the region’s legendary Mount Ilandagh, Nakhchivan is considered the world’s largest landlocked exclave. It shares no common land border with the rest of Azerbaijan.
Anca learns more about the region’s history by visiting the Khans’ Palace in Nakhchivan City, which was home to Nakhchivan’s rulers from the 18th to 20th centuries. She tours the recently-restored residence, which is richly decorated with original artefacts from the Khanate period.
To try a traditional dish that was once served to the Khans themselves, Anca heads to Nakhchivan’s second-largest city, Ordubad. The city is known for its hospitality, with many locals eager to welcome travellers into their homes.
Anca is invited to share the traditional dish of Arzuman Kufta with a local family. Home cook Banu explains that this giant meatball was historically reserved for royalty; it’s now prepared for special occasions and very dear guests.
Anca ends her trip by climbing the 1,500 steps to the top of Alinja castle. Perched on a mountain crag 1800 metres above sea-level, the medieval fortress was known as the “Invincible Castle”. It even survived the attacks of notorious conqueror Tamerlane.
Today, it’s a peaceful getaway where travellers can admire the impressive panoramic view, which is how Anca spends the final moments of her trip to this peculiar pocket of Azerbaijan.
For more on this story, watch the full episode in the player above.