Goygol District () is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the west of the country and belongs to the Ganja-Dashkasan Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Goranboy, Kalbajar, Dashkasan, Shamkir, Samukh, and the city of Ganja. Its capital and largest city is Goygol. As of 2020, the district had a population of 64,600. History Formerly known as Khanlar, the region was renamed "Göygöl" after Lake Göygöl, the famous blue lake, by the decision of the Parliament of Azerbaijan on April 25, 2008. The administrative centre of the district, Goygol city was established in 1819 by German settlers who came from Kingdom of Württemberg and was called Helenendorf. Houses were built in German style, streets were laid down, a school, a kindergarten and a music school were established. The main building of the current Agrarian Industry Plant was constructed as a winery by the Fohrer brothers who were dealing with wine and cognac production there. In the area of Goygol district, Narimanov district was established in August 1930 of which centre was Helenendorf. Narimanov district was renamed Khanlar district and its centre Helenendorf was called Khanlar city since November 1938. The territory of the district was divided into 2 districts - Samukh district was created in addition to Khanlar district in February 1992. The names of the district and its centre were changed again in 2008 according to the Presidential Decree dated 7 May 2008 and have been called Goygol district and Goygol city respectively. Access to the southern portions of the rayon is restricted due to its proximity to Nagorno-Karabakh and the armistice line there. Geography Location Goygol district is located on the mountainous and foothill zone in the west of Azerbaijan, 364 km away from Baku. Its highest point is 3724 metres above the sea level. Goygol raion borders on administrative districts of Samukh to the north, Goranboy to the east, Kalbajar to the south, Dashkasan to the west, Shamkir to the north-west and Ganja city to the north. It has an area of 920 km2 and population of 63,400. Climate Administrative divisions There are 27 administrative territorial units in Goygol district including a city (Goygol city), 5 towns (Khanlar, Gizilgaya, Hajimelik, Ashaghi Zurnabad and Firuzabad) and 39 villages such as Balchili, Gushgara, Chayli, Mollajalilli, and Topalhasanli. Culture There are 15 cultural centers, 15 cultural clubs, 41 libraries, 2 music schools (in