Development of cultural tourism in the mountainous parts of the Sheki-Zagatala economic region (on the example of Gabala and Oghuz regions)

Abstract

Problem statement and Purpose. The article examines cultural tourism and its resources that contribute to the development of some types of tourism related to cultural tourism - archaeological, ethnographic, historical and educational tourism in the Gabala and Oghuz regions. The main objective of this study was to examine the cultural potential of the Gabala and Oghuz regions and assess this potential for tourism development. To achieve this goal, theoretical approaches to cultural tourism were reviewed, statistical data on cultural sites, hotels, and transportation from 2015 to 2023 were analyzed, and tourist routes were developed, covering cities and villages with the highest concentrations of archaeological monuments, local cuisine, museums, ethnic festivals, and folk crafts.

Research methods. The study drew on literary sources from various authors, historical and cultural monuments of national and international significance, the legislative framework governing tourism, and statistical data from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan. Systematic, evaluative, and cartographic methods were also employed.

Research results. As a result of the study, it was determined that both regions have great potential for the development of cultural tourism. In comparison with Gabala region, Oghuz region, although has various cultural tourism resources, but these prerequisites are not sufficiently used. Historically, tourists visit Gabala region in the Sheki-Zagatala economic region, which results in the underdevelopment of other regions in the economic region in terms of tourism. The cultural tourism routes we propose will create conditions for the development of cultural tourism in Oghuz region, and like other types, will open up opportunities for the further expansion of this type of tourism in Gabala region.

Conclusion. The samples discovered during archaeological research in the Gabala and Oghuz regions create significant opportunities for the development of archaeological tourism in the area. The use of numerous architectural and historical monuments in these regions for organizing historical and educational tourism will play a decisive role in the future development of this field. The traditional holidays of the ethnic groups living in the Oghuz and Gabala regions, along with local cuisine, and folk crafts such as carpet weaving, jewelry making, pottery, and blacksmithing, contribute to the development of ethnographic tourism. Gabala region has been more strongly promoted among local and foreign tourists, and it is appropriate to apply this tool to Oghuz region. Because Oghuz region is not inferior to Gabala and other regions in the Sheki-Zagatala economic region in terms of cultural tourism resources, and it is appropriate to use this potential in the general socio-economic development of Oghuz region, which lags behind in terms of its level of economic development. The fact that automobile transport is the only means of transport in Oghuz region makes the issue of constant repair and restoration of roads relevant. In terms of the development of cultural tourism, it is important to reconstruct inter-village highways of local importance in the Oghuz region, and to further improve modes of transport such as air and railway in the Gabala region.