Qabala (rayon)

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Qabala is also an alternative spelling for Kabbalah

Qabala (Azerbaijani: Qəbələ) is a rayon of Azerbaijan. Its administrative center is the historic town of Qabala, which in ancient times was known as the capital of Caucasian Albania.

Located here is a Soviet Era (1985) Qabala Radar — an early warning radar system that is leased by Russia from Azerbaijan for est. $7.5m annually until 2012.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has proposed it as a possible site for the common U.S.-Russian Missile Defense system.

[edit] History

Gabala bears the name of the ancient Gabala, a city which was the capital of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania. The ruins of the old city are located 20 kilometers to southwest of the present center of the district. The remnants of the large buildings, city gates, tower walls and patters of material culture prove that Gabala was one of the most prominent cities at that time.

Ancient Gabala was created as a city in the late 4th-early 3rd century B.C. and survived up to the mid 18th century A.C. A great many of changes occurred in the life of the city through the period of existence. Due to different historical events the city was damaged more than once.

Though the Roman troops attacked Albania in the 60s B.C they were not able to occupy Gabala. During the Sasani period Gabala was a large trade and handicraft center. The situation remained the same in the times of the Arabian caliphate. Though Gabala experienced decline during the Mongolian invasion in the 13th century, it was restored later. Gabala lost its positions in the mid 18th century and the population gradually left the place.

The small feudal state Gutgashyn sultanate was established on the territory of Gabala in the mid 18th century. It was later included into the Sheki khanate and was ruled by the Sheki naibs appointed by the khans of Sheki.

Following the downfall of the Sheki khanate, Gutgashyn was included into the Sheki province. The Gutgashyn district was created in 1930. The district was renamed Gabala in March of 1991.