Twin-city relations established between the cities of Taraz and Gazakh

Twin-city relations established between the cities of Taraz and Gazakh Twin-city relations established between the cities of Taraz and Gazakh https://innews.media/en/news/id-53409

During the state visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Kazakhstan, a protocol was signed to establish twin-city relations between the cities of Taraz and Gazakh.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, shared the history behind the Azerbaijani city that bears a name particularly resonant for Kazakhstanis.

“Gazakh is one of the most picturesque cities in Azerbaijan, located near the borders with Georgia and Armenia. We conducted a small study into the etymology of its name and discovered some fascinating details.

In the early 16th century, the Azerbaijani–Persian ruler Shah Ismail was at war with Khan Muhammad Shaybani. Since Muhammad Shaybani was the maternal cousin — böle — of Kazakh Khan Kasym, the latter sent an army to support him. The Kazakh warriors captured during these battles were sent by Shah Ismail to the Caucasus. From that time on, the area where the Kazakh batyrs (warriors) were settled became known by this name.

Even today, in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan, there is a Gazakh district and the city of Gazakh. In this region, one can still meet people who anthropologically resemble Kazakhs. Just look at the photograph of the first Azerbaijani military pilot, Farrukh Agha Gaibov. Gazakh is also the only region in Azerbaijan where kurt (dried cheese curd) is made. Its residents are known for their warrior spirit, their love of horses, and their deep respect for their akyns — or ashiqs (folk poets).

That is why we decided it would be most appropriate to establish twin-city ties between Gazakh and the ancient city of Taraz. After all, Taraz is located in the region where the Kazakh Khanate was founded in the 15th century. This highly symbolic step will further strengthen the bond between our brotherly nations.

In general, Azerbaijan has many toponyms that point to our shared past. For example, there are settlements named Kypchak and Jalair — names associated with the Saka tribes. So, our modern strategic partnership and fraternal relations rest on a very solid historical foundation. I believe our historians should pay professional attention to studying these fascinating pages of the past.”