Page 6 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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The origin of the word “Nakhchivan” is
explained by scientists in different ways.
According to folk etymology as well as
authoritative historical sources, “Nakh-
chivan” was derived from “Naqsh-e Ja-
han,” which means, “ornament of the
world” or “adornment of the world.”1
Another widespread story says that the
toponym “Nakhchivan” is linked to the
prophet Noah; namely, to the global flood
and the meaning of “Nuhchuvan,” as
"the land of Noah’s followers.” Indeed,
the ancient settlement, “Gamigaya,” lo-
cated 3725 meters above sea level and an
ancient cemetery named "Nabi Yurdu"
(Land of the Prophet) were discovered
near Nakhchivan. In addition, the Prophet
Noah's tomb is in the city of Nakhchivan
(the chairman of the Supreme Assembly
of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
adopted a resolution on the restoration of
the Prophet Noah's tomb in the city of Na-
khchivan, on June 28, 2006 [Y.M., I.H.,
K.Sh.]). In general, the phrase “left from
the prophet Noah” is very popular among
the local people of Nakhchivan, when re-
ferring to ancient monuments and antique
items.
The word “Nakhchivan” is also interpret-
ed as “Nakchuana / Nakhchuan,” “the land
of magical waters,” or “country of healing
mineral waters.”2 Gamigaya Petroglyphs. 4th-1st millenia B.C. Ordubad.