Workshops Lahich

Workshops in Lahij: Copper Craft Visits

Check official advice before you go. The UK FCDO and the US State Department both warn against areas along Azerbaijan’s border with Armenia and in the former Karabakh districts, and the US rates the country Level 3 (reconsider travel). Lahij, in Ismayilli district, is outside those areas. See gov.uk and travel.state.gov .

Lahij (Lahich) is a Tat village in Ismayilli district, Azerbaijan, known as the copper craft capital of the Caucasus.

Workshops: Coppersmith shops line Bazar Street, also called Great (Böyük) Street. Visitors can wander in and watch hammering, tinning and chisel work. The Aliyev workshop opened in 1725 and still works, with Kebleyi Aliyev shaping and tinning the copper and Haji Aliyev chiselling the decoration. There are no set classes. If you hope to try a technique, ask in person.

Shopping: Pieces are sold in the shops. Engraved plates are heavy, and copperware must be tinned (qalay) before it is used for cooking. Decorative patinated pieces are display only. Ask at the shop for prices.

Getting there: About 180 km from Baku, 3 to 4 hours by car via Ismayilli. The last 20 to 22 km is a narrow, steep gorge road.

Accommodation: Family guesthouses take overnight guests, including Rustam Rustamov’s, Abbasov’s Guest House and Evim. Book ahead in busy seasons and ask about prices.

Best time to visit: Spring to autumn. Winters are cold and snowy.

Photography: Ask before photographing a person or their work.

Culture and history: The copper craft is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list (2015). The village is a State Historical-Cultural Reserve with 103 monuments. The small history museum at the entrance charges about 2 to 3 AZN.

Read more: Attraction tours in Lahij covers guided visits.