Little Russia in the Ismayilli region: Ivanovka village

When someone mentiones Ismayilli, I automatically remember fascinating nature with beautiful mountains, rivers, and colorful forests(https://www.livetheworld.com/post/In the name of Smayilli, many people justify the fascinating nature of those places. Mountains, forests, waterfalls, springs - these resources are very high in Ismayilli. When it comes to Ismayilli, Lahij is also a city of craftsmen, a museum under the open sky.). I also remember the place where a man-made craft meets a natural craft - Lahij. However, in this article, I will talk about little Russia in the Ismayilli region, that is also called the Ivanovka village. Centuries-old traditions of this village distinguish it from all other villages of Azerbaijan Republic.

Picture ©credits to ivanovka.net

The history

Molokan Russians (translated as “milk drinkers”) after being expelled from Russia for refusing to wear a cross and practice the rituals such as fasting and respecting the icons, they moved to the territory of Azerbaijan in the first half of the 19th century. The most famous Molokan village - Ivanovka is located in the Ismayilli region. This village was founded by Russians deported to the Caucasus in 1847. The name of the village is connected with its founder - Ivan Parchin. A distinctive feature of Ivanovka is that it was formerly located in a different region of Azerbaijan. The place from where the village was transferred to Ismayilli was on the bank of the Axox River, located in Gabala.

The beauty of Ivanovka

Ivanovka village is located in the valley of the Acinohur Mountains, at the height of 500-800 meters above sea level, and between the Goychay and Davabatan rivers. The total area of the village is over 8,000 hectares. The population of Ivanovka is more than 3100 people. Along with Molokans, many Lezghins and Azerbaijanians live here. Ivanovka's architecture is amazing. Roadside houses in Ivanovka are classic-style, the old and standard wooden structures decorated with frames and carved ornaments.

Picture ©credits to sputnik.az

In 1930, in Ivanovka,* **there was a "kolkhoz"(a form of collective farm in the Soviet Union*), as it was everywhere at that time, and it continues its activity until today. The kolkhoz is named after Nikolai Vasilyevich Nikitin, who has distinguished himself by his skilful workmanship and predestination. He led the kolkhoz for 41 years until 1994. The population of the village is engaged in the viticulture, grain growing, animal husbandry, cheese, cream and honey production. Ivanovka's bread is also popular and tasty. This bread, whose weigt is 2 to 3 kg, does not ruin for a long time. Ivanovka supplies Baku and other cities of the country with its agricultural and dairy products, cereals, honey, nuts, etc.

The Palace of Culture

A famous Ivanovka Palace of Culture is a monumental building and the main attraction of Ivanovka. It was built by four brigades of builders in four years during 1981-1985. The main chandelier of the palaces hall weighs 600 kg. The rays of 270 lamps illuminate the entire space of the hall. In addition to the theatre hall, in the Palace of Culture Ivanovka, the attraction is a modernly equipped cinema hall, as well as the banquet facilities.

Video vredits to ivanovka.net

Among the interesting and important places of the village Ivanovka are: a museum of local lore, a board building, the house Museum of Nikitin, the collective farm gardens and fields, etc. When you are in the little Russia - Ivanovka village, do not forget to visit the lake Ashigbairamli, that is one of the most beautiful places in the Ismayilli region. No words can describe the beauty of this lake!