Mountain salt mines Duzdag: what attracts the health resort of Azerbaijan
Nakhchivan is an exclave and the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in Azerbaijan. It is one of the oldest cities in the country, dating back over 3000 years, and is rich in various cultural monuments such as towers, castles, and tombs.
However, the most interesting attraction in this region is the Duzdag Salt Mine, or "Salt Mountain," which functions as the largest medical tourism facility in the region. Here, travelers can receive treatment for respiratory diseases in salt chambers that were hollowed out almost 5,000 years ago. CNN Travel reported on what these mines, located 110 meters underground, conceal and what kind of vacation Duzdag offers travelers.
Local legends and the peculiarities of salt therapy
Salt has been mined in Duzdag since the third millennium BC, and in 1979, a modern physiotherapy center was founded here, where visitors can restore their health and even help treat respiratory diseases.
There are some legends about the healing properties of these mines. It is noted that during excavations in the 20th century, archaeologists suffering from bronchitis and asthma felt significant relief. Others say that once upon a time, a sick boy who came to the caves to play and draw animals on the walls was able to completely heal. Indeed, some of the drawings have remained on the walls.
Back in the 19th century, Feliks Boczkowski spoke about the healing properties of salt mines, noting that Polish miners rarely suffered from respiratory diseases. Based on his observations, he hypothesized that small salt particles had a positive effect on the respiratory system.
Speleotherapy is a preventive treatment carried out below the earth's surface using natural conditions and the salty air of caves. People with asthma seeking to improve their health visit salt caves found all over the world, including Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Germany, and Switzerland.
About the Duzdag mines
The Duzdag complex invites visitors to slowly and gradually adapt to the terrain as they make their way to the rooms, located nearly 900 feet (or 300 meters) from the main entrance. On the way to the rooms, visitors can admire the shiny walls of the 8.2-meter-thick tunnel and inhale the specific smell of salt.
Additionally, there are benches with seating areas equipped with TVs and tables to help prevent possible claustrophobia attacks. It takes some time to get used to the strong smell of salt, but breathing in the tunnel is not difficult due to the natural ventilation of the caves, which prevents the accumulation of harmful gases.
Microclimate
The microclimate inside the caves remains fairly constant throughout the year: humidity is 20-25%, and the temperature ranges from 18-20°C (64-68°F). Thanks to this climate and natural conditions, diseases such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, pollinosis, and allergic rhinitis can be treated in the mines. Additionally, it is believed that the caves also strengthen the immune system, improve blood circulation, skin condition, and relieve stress.
Given the popularity of this wellness center, the Duzdag Hotel was added in 2008. It is located just over a mile from the caves and is part of the Duzdag physiotherapy complex. Here, you can undergo an examination and spend a few days for acclimatization. On average, 3500-4000 patients visit this place per year.
