Beshbarmag Mountain State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve

Beshbarmag Mountain, located in the territory of Galashikhi village in the Siyazan district, is regarded as a site of considerable natural, historical and cultural significance for Azerbaijan.

Situated near the Caspian Sea coast, the mountain is traditionally associated with the Prophet Khidr, and the shrine at its summit has been revered by Azerbaijanis as a sacred place for centuries.

Viewed from the east or west, the mountain’s rocky outcrops resemble the five fingers of a human hand, hence the name “Beshbarmag”, meaning “Five Fingers”.

The area is home to traces of ancient settlements, the Beshbarmag defensive wall - attributed to the 5th–6th centuries and believed to have been built by the Sasanians to guard against northern tribes - as well as medieval fortress remains, a Bronze Age necropolis, archaeological monuments and historic cemeteries featuring distinctive gravestones.

Beshbarmag Mountain also lies along a key migratory route used by birds travelling from north to south, making it a site of particular interest to ornithologists. The narrow plain between the mountain and the Caspian Sea forms a natural bottleneck for migrating species, creating favourable conditions for birdwatching. Taken together, these features make the area an attractive destination for both eco-tourism and archaeological tourism.

In recognition of its outstanding value as a site of cultural heritage and national history, the “Beshbarmag Mountain” State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve was established in 2020, encompassing the mountain and its surrounding areas.

The site is regarded both as a place of spiritual pilgrimage and as an appealing destination for nature-based tourism.