Zagatala District (; ; Tsakhur: Закаталайни район) is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the north of the country and belongs to the Shaki-Zagatala Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Balakan, Qakh, and the Russian Republic of Dagestan. Its capital and largest city is Zagatala. As of 2020, the district had a population of 129,800. Overview The Zagatala district has not suffered the intense environmental damage of other, nearby areas. Zagatala is famous for its hazelnuts and walnuts. Mulberry trees are well adapted to the area, allowing Zaqatala to preserve the ancient tradition of silkworm breeding, brought with the hordes of Timur. North of the town there is an important wildlife and nature preserve, the Zagatala Nature Reserve, which is home to brown bears, boars and west Caucasian tur. The Caucasus Mountains provide it with natural protection from the north winds. The wooded mountainsides, with frequent waterfalls, offer great hiking opportunities. Due to its climate, the town became a mountain health resort. The Zagatala District is also of historic interest, particularly around the main city, built in the 1830s by the Russians, which only became famous in the early-20th century. The villages of Aliabad and Mosul have interesting 19th-century mosques. Ancient fortifications are to be found in the villages of Kebeloba, Matsekh, Ekhedi Chardakh, Shaitan-kala and Jar. The economy of the Zagatala District has an agricultural base - mainly cash crops and sheep. There is a tea factory, a tobacco transformation plant, a large food combine and a silk cocoon drying plant. The local honey is known across Azerbaijan. Zagatala newspaper is published in the region. Geography Zagatala district is situated in the north-west of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Ganykh Ayrichay valley of the southern slopes of the Major Caucasus. It borders on Kakheti, Georgia in the south, Dagestan, Russia in the north and Balaken and Gakh districts in the west and east. Zagatala city is the centre of the district. The city is located at a height of 535 meters above sea level, 445 kilometres away from the capital of Azerbaijan. Municipalities Zagatala has 31 municipalities. Zagatala municipality embraces Zagatala, Aliabad municipality covers Aliabad settlement. A number of municipalities embrace more than one village For example: Makov municipality includes Makov, Yolayrydj, Pashan, Vohtala, and Abaali villages; Goyem municipality comprises Goyem, Chokek, Sumayly, Dardoggaz villages; Dombabina municipality includes Dombabina, Mamgabina, Bozbina,