Qabala, Azerbaijan
Museums
If you're in Qabala and interested in visiting museums, I suggest checking out the Qabaland Amusement Park Museum. It's a unique museum that showcases a collection of old amusement park rides and attractions from the Soviet era. If you're looking for other museum options in the area, you might consider visiting the Sheki Khan's Palace or the Sheki History Museum, both located in the nearby city of Sheki.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Qabala and Azerbaijan, according to local people, are:
1. Plov or Pilaf: A rice dish made with saffron, various meats such as lamb or chicken, and vegetables like onions and carrots.
2. Dolma: Stuffed vegetable dish made with minced meat and rice wrapped in grape leaves or other vegetables like eggplant or peppers.
3. Kebabs: Grilled meat skewers made with beef, lamb or chicken that are seasoned with various spices and herbs.
4. Lavangi: Baked chicken dish stuffed with walnuts, onions, raisins, and aromatic herbs.
5. Qutab: A type of Azerbaijani pancake filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or pumpkin.
6. Dushbara: Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a flavorful broth.
7. Pakhlava: A sweet pastry made with layers of thin dough and filled with nuts and honey syrup.
8. Shekerbura: Another sweet pastry filled with ground almonds, sugar, and cardamom.
9. Ayran: A refreshing yogurt drink mixed with water and sometimes salt.
10. Black tea: Azerbaijanis love their tea and it is usually served strong and hot with sugar or jam on the side.
Activities
There are several fun activities that locals and visitors alike enjoy in Qabala, Azerbaijan. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Go skiing or snowboarding at the Tufandag Ski Resort during the winter months.
2. Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful forests surrounding Qabala, such as Yeddi Gozal Waterfall or Nohurgol Lake.
3. Visit the nearby amusement parks, including the Qabaland Amusement Park and the Gabaland Theme Park, which offer a variety of rides and attractions for all ages.
4. Take a dip in one of the many natural hot springs located in the area, such as the Afurdja Hot Springs or the Istisu Hot Springs.
5. Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Kabalaka, which date back to the 4th century AD and are located just outside of town.
