Goygol

Göygöl, also spelled Goygol, is a city and the administrative center of Göygöl District in western Azerbaijan. The name means Blue Lake in Azerbaijani, a reference to nearby Lake Göygöl. The settlement was renamed from Khanlar in 1992.

The city lies in the Lesser Caucasus foothills near Lake Göygöl, a glacial-tectonic lake that serves as the centerpiece of Göygöl National Park. The park, established in 2008, protects the lake, its surrounding pine forests, and related habitats. It is a popular destination for hiking, birdwatching, and ecotourism, contributing to the region’s appeal and conservation efforts.

Historically, the area has been inhabited for centuries and developed significantly during the Soviet era as an agricultural and industrial center. As the district capital, Göygöl hosts district government institutions, educational facilities, and cultural services, serving as a hub for the surrounding rural communities. The local economy is based on agriculture, forestry, and services, with tourism linked to the lake and park playing an increasingly important role.

Administration and outlook: Göygöl operates under Azerbaijan’s municipal framework as the seat of the district government. The town is part of Göygöl District, which borders several western districts and lies near Azerbaijan’s border regions. The combination of natural beauty, protected areas, and a growing tourism sector positions Göygöl as a notable regional center in the country’s western area.