The Ismayilli region, located to the north of the country, was part of Caucasian Albania from IV c. B.C. Here, on the top of the highest mountain, there are the ruins of a medieval fortress. Its construction is attributed to Dzhavanshir, the 7th century ruler of Caucasian Albania.

The most famous and important historical monument of this area is the Maiden Tower (VII-XII centuries) – a defensive structure located on the top of the steep mountain near the village of Khanagah.

Besides the Azeries, other nations and ethnic groups also live here.  For example in the well known Azerbaijani village of Ivanovka, live the Molokan descendants of those resettled here from Russia.  And in the village of Lahij located on the banks of the Girdimanchay River at 1200 meters above sea level, live ethnic Tats.

Lahij copper art as well as the art of producing kyalagai, are both included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.