Tourist route of Nakhchivan - Alinjagala

The fortress is located in Julfa district, on the right bank of the Alinja River, on the top of the Mount of the same name. In the oldest sources, it is written as “Erinjag”, “Erinjik”, “Alanjik”, “Alinja”, “Alanjug”, and etc.

There are various assumptions about the construction date of Alinjagala. Basing on historical sources, some researchers claim that the fortress dates back to 2 thousand years ago. Alinjagala is described as a strong fortification in the epos of “Kitabi-Dede Korkut”.

In the Middle Ages sources, the name Alinja is considered as a fortress, a mountain, and a river. The historians Nasavi (XIIIc.), Sharaf ad-Din Ali Yazdi (XVc.), Turkish traveler Evliya Chelebi (XVIIc.), and others gave information about the fortress. Alinjagala, with its unique nature is a symbol of mightiness and bellicosity of these lands. The fortress, first of all, astonishes people with its extraordinary appearance. The walls of Alinjagala start from the feet of Mount Alinja and rise upwards as steps.

Strong walls of fortress and steepness of the hill turned this place into an invincible defense fortification. Even in the literature of XIX century, the remnants of beautiful palaces and buildings belonging to the feudal lords in Alinjagala are mentioned. It was possible to keep a herd of horses and cattle and accommodate up to 600 fighters with their horses and ammunition there. During the reign of Atabegs state of Azerbaijan – Eldiguzids, an importance of “Alinjagala” significantly increased, and the fortress which was an important military fortification became a shelter for keeping the security of the family of rulers.

According to the Decree by the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic “On restoration of the historical monument “Alinjagala” located in Julfa district” signed on February 11, 2014, Alinjagala was restored, and the “Alinjagala” Historical and Cultural Museum was established.