The Ismayilli region, located to the north of the country, was once part of ancient Caucasian Albania. Here, on the top of the highest mountain, are the ruins of a medieval fortress whose construction is attributed to Javanshir, the 7th-century ruler of Caucasian Albania. The most famous and important historical monument in this area is the Maiden Tower (7th-12th centuries) – a defensive structure located on the top of a steep mountain near the village of Khanagah. Besides Azerbaijanis, other ethnic groups also live here. For example, in the well-known village of Ivanovka, live the descendants of Russian Molokans that were once resettled here from central parts of Russia. And in the village of Lahij, on the bank of Rover Girdimanchay at 1,200 metres above sea level, live ethnic Tats. This village's coppersmithing traditions, as well as the art of producing colourful kelaghayi headscarves practised mainly in the village of Basqal nearby, are both included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
