The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Azerbaijani: Naxçıvan Muxtar Respublikası, az) is a landlockedexclave of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The region covers 5,502.75 km2 (2,124.62 sq mi)[2] with a population of 459,600[3] bordering Armenia (border 221 km [137 mi]) to the east and north, Iran (border 179 km [111 mi]) to the south and west, and Turkey (border 8 km [5.0 mi]) to the northwest.
Name
"Nakhchivan" is believed to have Persian origins, with "Nakhjavan" meaning "place of descent" or "landing." The name could be associated with geographical features or historical events in the region.[4]
History
Nakhchivan has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was part of various empires, including the Persian and Ottoman. In the 20th century, it became an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union. Today, it's an integral part of Azerbaijan, maintaining its unique cultural and historical significance.[5]
Districts
Subdivisions of Nakhchivan.
Nakhchivan has eight administrative divisions. Seven of these are districts, while the capital city is separate.
Split from Nakhchivan (Babek) during Sovietization[7] Territory roughly corresponds to the Čahuk (Չահւք) district of the historic Syunik region within the Kingdom of Armenia[8]
Formerly known as Bash-Norashen during its incorporation into the Soviet Union and Ilyich (after Vladimir Ilyich Lenin) from the post-Sovietization period to 1990[7]
