Madrasa

Madrasa is a village in Shamakhi Rayon, central Azerbaijan, located in the Greater Caucasus foothills. The name suggests a historical connection to Islamic education (madrasa meaning school). The village is small and rural, with agriculture and forestry as the main activities. Its forested surroundings offer a peaceful escape from the lowlands. The best time to visit is June to September.

By Plane

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, about 140 km east, is the nearest major airport. Travel to Shamakhi (1.5–2 hours), then onward to Madrasa by taxi (35 minutes).

By Car / Road

From Shamakhi, head northeast on a mountain road for about 22 km. The road is unpaved in stretches. A taxi from Shamakhi costs 15–25 AZN.

Madrasa is walkable in minutes.

• Mountain scenery — Forested hills and open meadows.

• Village mosque — A small mosque at the village centre.

• Caucasus panoramas — Views of the Greater Caucasus range.

• Hiking — Walk the forest trails and hills around the village.

• Photography — Mountain landscapes and rural village scenes.

• Madrasa shop basics — Bread, cheese, drinks.
• Shamakhi restaurants — Return to Shamakhi for meals (5–12 AZN).

Bring bottled water.

• Shamakhi accommodation — Madrasa has no lodging. Stay in Shamakhi (30–100 AZN per night).

A small shop for basics. For a full market, go to Shamakhi.

• Shamakhi (22 km southwest, 35 min) — Historic mosques, mausoleums, and the bazaar.
• Chukhuryurd (8 km west, 15 min) — A neighbouring mountain village.
• Pirgulu (15 km west, 25 min) — The Pirgulu Astrophysical Observatory.
• Baku (140 km east, 2.5 hours) — The capital with the Old City, Flame Towers, and coastline.