Visit
How to reach Lerik and what to see in the land of mountains and longevity.
The road into the mountains
Lerik lies in the mountains of southern Azerbaijan, in the Lankaran-Astara region. People usually come here through the coastal town of Lankaran, from which a scenic road climbs into the mountains with breathtaking views. The town of Lerik itself is small, but serves as the gateway to the whole mountain district and its 162 villages.
Mountains, the museum and villages
Lerik's main impressions are its nature: panoramas of the Talysh Mountains, the yaylags, forests and springs. It is worth visiting the Museum of Longevity in the town, driving through the mountain villages, tasting the local water and cuisine and simply breathing the very air the long-livers here breathed.
The essentials, briefly
In the Talysh Mountains of southern Azerbaijan, in the Lankaran-Astara region, near the border with Iran. People usually come here through Lankaran.
Above all for its long-livers: from here came Shirali Muslimov, said to have lived 168 years. The Museum of Longevity works here.
A shepherd from the village of Barzavu who became a symbol of longevity. According to the Guinness Book of Records he lived 168 years (1805–1973), though his exact age is not documented.
It is most often linked to the clean mountain air, the spring water, simple natural food and an active, unhurried way of life.
Most of the inhabitants are Talysh — the indigenous people of the Talysh Mountains, with their own language, folklore and traditions.
Mountain landscapes and the yaylags, the Museum of Longevity, ancient castles and mausoleums, Talysh villages and the famous springs.
Climb to Lerik — and you will understand why people here are in no hurry to live.