Nakhchivan

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, commonly known as Nakhchivan, is an autonomous republic of Azerbaijan. It is an exclave, separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenian territory, and bordered by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. The capital and largest city is Nakhchivan City. The republic covers about 5,500 square kilometers and has an estimated population of around 450,000.

Historically part of the Caucasus region, the area was the center of the Nakhichevan Khanate before being incorporated into the Russian Empire after the 1828 Treaty of Turkmenchay. In 1924 it became the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic within the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it remained an autonomous republic within independent Azerbaijan. Since the early 1990s, its land connection with the rest of Azerbaijan has been largely cut off by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with access typically via Iran or Turkey.

Geography and economy: Nakhchivan is largely arid and mountainous, with the Aras River shaping its border with Iran. The economy is based on agriculture—fruit, grains, and vegetables—and livestock, supported by light industry, including carpet weaving and food processing. The region also has mineral resources and related industries.

Culture and notable sites: Nakhchivan has several historical monuments, including the Momine Khatun Mausoleum (13th–14th centuries) and the Alinja Fortress. It preserves traditional crafts and a distinct regional culture within Azerbaijan.

Administration: It has its own regional government and parliament under the constitution of Azerbaijan. The main international airport is in Nakhchivan City, and the territory maintains road links to Iran and Turkey, with limited overland access to the rest of Azerbaijan.