Azerbaijan's Gazakh, Kazakhstan's Taraz become sister cities — envoy

During the state visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Kazakhstan, a protocol was signed establishing sister city relations between the cities of Gazakh in Azerbaijan and Taraz in Kazakhstan, said Kazakh Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel.

“Gazakh is one of the picturesque cities of Azerbaijan, located near the borders with Georgia and Armenia. We conducted a brief study on the etymology of its name and discovered some interesting historical facts,” Bayel said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

He explained that in the early 16th century, the Azerbaijani-Persian ruler Shah Ismayil clashed with Khan Muhammad Shaybani. As Muhammad Shaybani was the maternal cousin of Kazakh Khan Kasym, the latter sent troops to assist him. Captured Kazakh warriors were sent by Shah Ismail to the Caucasus, and the area where they were settled became known as Gazakh.

“Today, the Gazakh district and city still reflect this history. Anthropologically, some local residents bear a strong resemblance to Kazakhs. The district is unique in Azerbaijan for preparing traditional ‘kurt’ and is known for its warrior spirit. Residents also cherish horses and honor their folk poets, the ashigs,” the ambassador added.

Bayel noted that linking Gazakh with ancient Taraz, the historical centre of the Kazakh Khanate in the 15th century, is a highly symbolic step that strengthens the bonds between the two brotherly peoples.

He further emphasised that many place names in Azerbaijan, such as Kypchak and Jalayir, reflect a shared historical heritage, illustrating that contemporary strategic partnerships and fraternal relations are built on a solid historical foundation.

By Khagan Isayev