Xınalıq (also known as Khinalug or Khinaliq) is an ancient mountain village in northern Azerbaijan, located in the Quba district. It is known for its isolation, unique culture, and breathtaking landscapes in the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Key features of Xınalıq:
Highest village: It is considered the highest and most remote village in Azerbaijan, and one of the highest inhabited villages in the Caucasus. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,350 meters above sea level.
Cultural heritage: The village and its associated cattle migration route, the "Köç Yolu," were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023. The inhabitants, the Xınalıq people, have a unique culture and speak their own language, Xınalıq, which belongs to the North Caucasian language family. History: The village's history dates back to the period of the Kingdom of Caucasian Albania (1st to 9th century AD). The population is deeply religious and practices Shafi'i Sunnism.