Soltanli

Soltanli is a village in the Cəbrayıl district of southwestern Azerbaijan, located approximately 15 km northwest of the district capital Jabrayil. Like much of the district, it was occupied by Armenian forces in 1993 and remained a ghost village until its recapture in 2020. The village was largely destroyed during the conflict, with most residential buildings reduced to roofless shells. Since liberation, it has seen the beginning of reconstruction, with roads being repaired and some buildings being cleared for rebuilding.

The climate is continental: hot summers (30–35 °C) and cold winters (–5 to 5 °C). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the recommended visiting periods.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ganja (GNJ), about 180 km northwest. From Ganja, a taxi to Soltanli via Jabrayil costs 120–150 AZN and takes about 2.5 hours.

By Train

The nearest station is Horadiz, 45 km north. From Horadiz, a taxi to Soltanli costs 20–30 AZN.

By Car / Road

From Jabrayil, take the road northwest toward Füzuli for approximately 15 km. The road is being repaired but is passable. A taxi from Jabrayil costs 10–15 AZN.

Soltanli is a very small village, walkable in its entirety. The surrounding countryside is accessible by foot or taxi.

• War-Damaged Village — The ruins of Soltanli, with collapsed stone houses and overgrown streets, serve as a stark memorial to the 27-year occupation.

• Reconstruction Works — The first restored homes and infrastructure projects visible in and around the village.

• Lesser Caucasus Foothills — The village sits at the edge of the hilly terrain that rises toward the Karabakh mountain range.

• Document the post-war landscape — Soltanli is a powerful subject for photography, capturing both destruction and renewal.

• Hike in the surrounding hills — the area's green, undulating terrain offers good walking opportunities.

• Visit the nearby "Liberation Route" — the road from Horadiz to Jabrayil passes several memorials marking the 2020 military campaign.

No restaurants. The nearest dining is in Jabrayil or Horadiz.

Bring bottled water and supplies. Tea may be available at reconstruction work sites.

• Budget: Reconstruction workers' guesthouses in Jabrayil (15 km southeast), 30–50 AZN per night.
• Mid-range: Horadiz Hotel (45 km north) at 60–90 AZN per night.

No shopping. Basic supplies are available in Horadiz or Jabrayil.

• Jabrayil (15 km southeast, ~20 min) — District centre under reconstruction with memorial complex.
• Horadiz (45 km north, ~50 min) — Railway town on the Araz River with markets and restaurants.
• Füzuli (35 km northeast, ~45 min) — Reconstructed town with historic mosque and airport.
• Gubadlı (40 km west, ~1 hr) — Mountain rayon centre being rebuilt after occupation.