Lahich Village: The Copper and Blacksmithing Town in the Mountains of Azerbaijan

In the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, about 170 km northwest of Baku, the village of Lahich has resisted the passage of time for centuries with the same tenacity that its craftsmen hammer copper. This picturesque medieval village in the Ismailli region is famous throughout the Caucasus for its tradition of blacksmithing and blade-making, a craft that its inhabitants have passed down from generation to generation for over 500 years and that still thrives today in workshops open to the street.

aldea artesanal Azerbaiyán — taller cobre herrería tradicional Lahich montaña
Lahich's workshops produce copper and handcrafted iron objects sold throughout the Caucasus as souvenirs and everyday items.

Lahich Craftsmanship: Copper, Iron and Tradition

Walking down Lahich's main street, the metallic ring of hammers on copper greets you before you even see the workshops. Lahich's craftsmen produce everything from copper jugs and pots to steel-bladed knives, spurs, wrought-iron padlocks, and decorative objects with geometric motifs. Each piece is handcrafted using techniques unchanged since the medieval period, when Lahich was a waypoint on the Caucasus caravan routes.

The Craft Street

The village's main street — cobblestoned and flanked by workshops and shops — is the heart of the Lahich experience. Here you can watch craftsmen at work, communicate with them through gestures, and buy unique copper or steel pieces directly from the workshop at very reasonable prices.

Architecture and History of Lahich

The houses of Lahich display a unique blend of Persian and Caucasian influences: slate roofs, carved wooden beams, lattice windows, and doors with wrought-iron fittings produced in the village's own workshops. The village preserves a 17th-century historic mosque and several traditional bathhouses (hamam) whose domes are perfectly intact.

aldea Lahich Azerbaiyán — arquitectura medieval persa caucásica calle adoquinada
Lahich's main street, with copper craftsmen's workshops on both sides and Persian-Caucasian architecture.

Natural Setting: Hiking in the Greater Caucasus

Lahich sits at about 1,500 meters above sea level, in a forested valley of the Greater Caucasus that offers hiking trails for all levels. The paths leading out of the village wind through beech and oak forests, cross streams, and offer views of the snow-capped Caucasus peaks. The best hiking season is May to October.

Lahich pairs perfectly with a visit to the Albanian Church of Kish in Sheki and the Khan's Palace in Sheki on a two-day route through northwestern Azerbaijan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get to Lahich from Baku?

Lahich is about 170 km from Baku. The most common route goes along the highway to Ismailli and then via mountain road to the village (about 40 km more). The last few kilometers require a vehicle with good suspension. Many travelers book a tour from Baku that includes 4x4 transport.

What crafts can you buy in Lahich?

The most popular items are copper vessels, engraved trays, handcrafted knives, wrought-iron padlocks, and copper spoons. Prices are very reasonable when buying directly from the village workshops.

Is there accommodation in Lahich?

Yes, there are some family-run guesthouses offering bed and breakfast in the village itself. It is also possible to visit Lahich as a day trip from Ismailli or Baku, although staying overnight allows you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village after dark.