a rural reveriearound Gabizdere
Did you know that Zagatala District is home to a particularly exquisite village?
Gabizdere is nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, on the right bank of the River Katekh. Located 8 km from the city of Zagatala, the village has around 50 houses, and about 98% of the residents are Avars. The village is quite old, with landmarks dating back to the 19th century, including a mosque and a tower. Nearby is the Gabizdere Waterfall, also known as Katekh Waterfall, located at the confluence of the rivers Katekh and Kilsechay, one of the most voluminous waterfalls in Azerbaijan. Due to safety concerns, access to the waterfall is currently restricted.
The village of Gabizdere is rich in history and traditions. Every year, locals celebrate a traditional holiday known as Hedik Bayrami, also sometimes called Movlud Ayi. Hedik Bayrami is usually observed in March and April, when the earth and its vegetation reawaken with the coming of summer. The celebration takes its name from the dish ‘hedik,’ made from several types of legumes and cereals and often prepared for traditional ceremonies. According to tradition, if someone is cooking hedik in their yard, anyone can join without invitation and share the meal together. The village is also known for its hospitality, local dishes like surhullu, maxara, girs, ispiri (pickles made with cherry plums) and dairy products like megesh (salted cottage cheese) and the traditional ovens tandir and kure. Visitors can experience tranquillity while enjoying these delicious dishes at the array of well-known restaurants nestled in the surrounding nature. Those wishing to stay overnight in historic Gabizdere can contact locals who offer their homes as guesthouses.
