KHINALIQ

Nestled within Azerbaijan, a remarkable cultural landscape unfolds. High in the north, the mountain village of Khinalig clings to the slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Here, the semi-nomadic Khinalig people have thrived for centuries, adapting their lives to the dramatic shifts in climate. Summer finds them grazing livestock on high-altitude pastures with their distinctive agricultural terraces. Winter brings a descent to the lowland plains of central Azerbaijan, where lush pastures provide sustenance. This seasonal migration, known as Köç Yolu (Migration Route), stretches for 200 kilometers along an organically evolved network of ancient routes, temporary campsites, and even mausoleums and mosques. This enduring tradition reflects a remarkable harmony between people and environment, showcasing a sustainable eco-social system that has flourished for generations.