Bazarduzi Mountain: description, features, photo

Bazarduzu Mountain is the peak of the watershed ridge of the Greater Caucasus and is located on the border of Dagestan and Azerbaijan; It is widely known as the southernmost point of Russia. The height reaches 4466 meters. Bazarduzu is the last node of the ridge of the Main Caucasus, after which a gradual lowering of the relief is already observed. On the slopes of this peak, a large number of reservoirs, including some tributaries of Samur, are emerging. Bazarduzu Mountain (coordinates below) has a specific surface, which is nival-glacial and erosion-denudation. In the northwestern parts of this massif there are clearly visible traces of modern ice cover. Also there are weathering processes, which play a significant role in the creation of the relief. It is associated with the formation of depressions on the slopes, deep placers and nival niches. The valleys of this massif are characterized by great depths (up to 1500 m), as well as U-shaped gorges. Trough valleys are an exception, since their slopes are relatively shallow, about 400 m and have a length of up to 9 kilometers. The width of these valleys is more than 200 m. Bazarduziu Mountain has a huge area of glaciation: according to some data - about 4 km ² .

Glaciers

Bazarduzu glaciers are an eastern group of formations not only of the Dagestan region, but also of the Main Caucasus. To the north of this peak there are two more - Tikhicar and Murkar, which have five hanging lobate tongues. The most accessible is the Tihitsar glacier, less than a kilometer long and about 200 meters wide.

Flora and fauna

Despite the harsh conditions for life, the animal world of such a peak as Bazarduziu mountain remains rich and unique. In this massif, roe deer, chamois and large herds of the Dagestan tour were preserved. In hard-to-reach places, mountain glaciers meet mountain turkeys. At the foot of this mountain are green meadows, where local shepherds graze livestock. Light-chestnut and sandy loam soils prevail in the lowland part, mountain forest and chestnut soils in the foothills . The climate in this region is moderately cold, with manifestation in annual temperature amplitudes, both on the lowland and on the elevation. Also on the hillside are the sharp daily fluctuations and the deficit of moistening, such as climatic conditions at a peak such as Bazarduziu Mountain. Location coordinates explain this. The maximum temperatures of this region do not exceed 20 ⁰ C, in low-lying areas the absolute maximum is 35-40 degrees Celsius. Precipitation in low-lying areas fluctuates around 350-400 mm, in the mountains, at an altitude of about 3 kilometers, this figure is more than 1000 mm.

Geographic coordinates of Mount Bazarduziu

For many, Bazarduzi is the extreme point of Russia. However, of course, given the official data on its location (41 ° N and 47 ^° E), it immediately becomes clear that the summit is not located on the border of a great power. Moreover, it can be seen on any satellite map. Most likely, this error was due to the fact that long ago the mountain was a clear landmark in a similar area. And in order to find out for sure where Bazarduzu is located, precise topographic maps should be used.

Reservoirs

Thanks to the mountains of the Caucasus, and first of all Bazarduzi, the construction of 3 hydroelectric power stations on the Samur River and its main tributaries coming from this peak is planned on the territory of Dagestan. Also over the past 100 years, a large number of new lakes have appeared in this region, located in the lowland part of the foothills. On the territory of the Caucasus, all lakes are of lagoon-marine origin and are located in arid regions. The reservoirs in the mountain part of the massif are flowing, in the lowland - inland and shallow waters. In many of the lakes in this region, mineral springs flow.

Name

Because of its location, between the two states, this area has long been known as the boundary sign, which is why in this place in ancient times there was a huge market area at the foot of this peak. Even the name "Bazarduzi" from the Turkic and Azerbaijani languages is translated as "market square". Large multinational fairs were held every year in the Shahnabad valley, not only the local population of the two neighboring countries came here, but also the neighbors: Armenians, Georgians, Persians, Arabs, Jews, Tsakhurs, Kumyks, Indians and many other peoples. Local Lezgins called the summit "Kichensuv", which in translation means "mountain of fear".

Since Bazarduzu mountain is the dominant one among fellow-peaks, it can be seen even for tens of kilometers. In the Middle Ages caravaners in these places were guided only by it.

The Conquest of the Mountain

The first official and documented ascent to this mountain, the highest point of Azerbaijan, is the ascent of Russian topographers in 1847, headed by K. Alexandrov, whose main task was to install a triangulation tower on top. After 50 years, the mountain was conquered by two Englishmen. The famous historian G. Anokhin also overcame this route. North-east of the mountain is the pass "Karanlig". Because of its relief, it allows you to overcome the path much easier, since it has a predominantly gentle slope.

Nowadays Bazarduzu mountain (photo is in the article) is an excellent place for mountaineering, attracting this feature a large number of tourists. Near the foot there is a large number of alpine camps, which also provide climbing training services.