Tovuz, Azerbaijan

Tovuz ((listen)) is the capital of the Tovuz District in Azerbaijan.

Tovuz
Tovuz, Heydar Aliyev Park
Seal
Tovuz
Coordinates: 40°59′32″N 45°37′44″E
Country Azerbaijan
DistrictTovuz
Elevation
422 m (1,385 ft)
Population
 (2010)[1]
 • Total13,699
Time zoneUTC+4 (AZT)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+5 (AZT)
Area code(s)+994 231

In July 2020 Tovuz became the main site for the clashes with Armenia.[2]

Etymology

Tovuz means peacock in the Azerbaijani language, and comes from Persian. Tavush is the modern name of the neighbouring Armenian city and region. The city itself, however, takes its name from an Oghuz tribe.[3]

Economy

The economy of Tovuz is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation.

Winemaking

The history of wine production in Tovuz seems to have begun before the 7th century and according to the archaeological findings, which included vessels for wine storage and remains of tartaric acid, proves that the winemaking was apparent in the Tovuz and Ganja region during early stages of social development.[4]

Winemaking industry was boosted in the city after German settlement. Led by Christopher Froer and Christian Gummel, many vineyards were establish. Furthermore, Tovuz became famous for producing brandy, under the name cognac, which supplied the entire Russian market.[4]

In addition to German influence in the Caucasus, Russia also played a significant role in the development of winemaking, especially in the Tovuz region in the 19th century. Russian influence was also formative in the development and production of aromatic wines.[4]

Sports

The city has one professional football team competing in the top-flight of Azerbaijani football - Turan Tovuz, currently playing in the Azerbaijan Premier League.

Archaeology

The ancient village of Goytepe (Göy Tepe) is one of the largest archaeological monuments in Ganja – Gazakh region. It is located to the right of the Kura river, 10 km east of Tovuz. The site extends over 2ha, at a maximum altitude of c. 420m.

Starting in 2008, “Tovuz Archaeological expedition” is conducting new archaeological investigations at Goytepe, and also at the Mentesh tepe ancient settlement nearby. This is a joint investigation of archaeologists from Azerbaijan, Japan and France.

In this same area of Azerbaijan are also located the ancient sites of Shomu Tepe, Soyuq Bulaq, and Boyuk Kesik. Shulaveris Gora is just across the border in Georgia.

Sister cities

References
  1. The state statistical committee of the Azerbaijan Republic
  2. Harutyunyan, Sargis; Danielyan, Emil. "Armenia-Azerbaijan Border 'Calm' After Deadly Clashes". azatutyun.am. RFE/RL. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020. ...the border between Armenia’s northern Tavush province and the Tovuz district in Azerbaijan, the scene of the clashes.
  3. Ministry of Culture and Tourism: Tovuz
  4. Cuisine and Wine of Azerbaijan
  5. Tovuz in Azerbaijan, Cognac in France become sister cities retrieved 22 May 2015
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