Ismayilli District () is one of the 66 districts of Azerbaijan. It is located in the north of the country and belongs to the Mountainous Shirvan Economic Region. The district borders the districts of Qabala, Quba, Goychay, Kurdamir, Agsu, Shamakhi, and the Russian Republic of Dagestan. Its capital and largest city is Ismayilli. As of 2020, the district had a population of 87,400. It is believed that this district was named after a highly respected elder and philanthropist in the community, Ismayil Baghiyev. History Ismayilli district was created with the centre in the Ismayilli village on November 21, 1931. Before the establishment of the district, one of its parts was in Goychay province, another one in Shamakhy province and the smallest part within Sheki province. The territory, like all the northern lands of Azerbaijan, was part of the Albanian state in the 4th century B.C. Mehran Gyrdyman from the dynasty of Sasanies even created his own kingdom at the territory. Albanian rulers Varaz Grigor and his son Djavanshir (616-681) were also from the dynasty of Mihranids. The Gyrdyman state was ruled by the most prominent ruler of Albania Djavanshir in 638–670. The ruins of the residence built by him on the Aghchay river 4 km from Talystan village is still famous as the Djavanshir tower. A number of settlements, especially Lahydj and Basgal settlements, Ivanovka, Galadjyg, Talystan and Diyarly villages are notable for their ancient history and special beauty. Lahij and Basgal were declared the reserves of history and culture. Ismayilli district has a number of ancient historical monuments. Significant measures are taken for the development of tourism. The Ismayilli city had been a village until 1959, a settlement until 1967, and after that, it was transformed into a city. Geography The district covers an area of 2074 km2. It borders Guba in the north, Shamakhy in the east, Aghsu in the southeast, Kurdemir in the south, Goychay in the southwest and Gabala in the west. Ismayilli district includes one city, two settlements and 106 villages. These settlements are controlled by 34 territorial representations and 67 municipalities. The landscape is mainly composed of mountains. Altitudes vary between 200 and 3629 meters (Babadagh) above sea level. The area is passed by the Goychay, Gyrdyman, Akhokh, Ayrichay, Sulut and other rivers, Yekekhana and Ashygbayram artificial ponds. The district covers 2,158.75 km2 with 220.58 km2 of winter and 135.55 km2 of summer pastures.