Castles of "Azerbaijan" CHIRAG GALA vs SHABRAN DISTRICT

Chirag Gala (Azerbaijani: Çıraqqala), also spelled Çiraq Qala or Çirax Qala, which means lamp castle in Azerbaijani is a ruined ancient fortress overlooking the Caspian coastal plains north of Baku in Azerbaijan. It is located on the top of a mountain, in the Guba Forest. It was constructed by the Sassanid Persians in the 5th century, it was used as a defense for the khanate of Quba in the 18th century. Today the Chirag Gala is a historic site and is frequently visited by tourists. Because of the large rocks and rough road, the Chirag Gala is almost impossible to reach with any vehicle. Most tourists and people travel by foot to the top of the mountain. Chirag gala was built in 4-5th century AD and its function is stated as a lookout post. The location allows to easily warn if sudden enemy invasion occurs by lighting the torches. That's why it's called "Chirag Gala" which means "lamp fortress". Chirag gala was part of the Gilgichay defensive system, which also included Baku and Derbent fortresses. Chirag gala has stopped its defensive functions in the 18th century. In the middle of the 20th century, the fortress was partially renovated.

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Shabran District (Azerbaijani: Şabran rayonu) is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the north-east of the country and belongs to the Quba-Khachmaz Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Khachmaz, Quba, Khizi and Siyazan. Its capital and largest city is Shabran. As of 2020, the district had a population of 59,900. The district was formed as Davachi District on August 8, 1930. It was abolished and included into Absheron District in 1963, however, two years later, the district was re-established. In 1992, the new Siazan District was formed south of modern Shabran District by the order of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, which included part of Davachi District's territory. In 2010, the district was renamed Shabran District. The greater part of the district is mountainous. The Caspian Sea is located 12 km from Shabran city. The district borders upon Quba, Khachmaz, Shamakhi and Siazan Districts. Forests occupy 27000 ha in mountainous territories and plains near the Caspian Sea and they are of great importance with their climatic and natural resources for the district. The Shabran and Davachi Rivers flow through the district's territory, and the Valvalachay and Gilgilchay Rivers flow in northern and southern borders directly to the Caspian Sea. Samur-Davachi lowland has an altitude of −28 m below the world ocean level.

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