Khinalug

 village, place with historical importance, UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic district

Population 1,500. Region Quba. Alternate names Xınalıq, Khinalug, Xinalug, Khinalugi Dialects The most divergent Lezgian language. Classification North Caucasian, East Caucasian, Khinalugh Language use All domains. 30% to 50% of children speak Khinalugh. Positive language attitude. Azerbaijani is used as the literary language. An ancient Greek scholar Heredot said, "There were 26 tribes speaking different languages in ancient Caucasus Albania (northern Azerbaijan). One of theose tribes was the Xinaliq tribe - an ancient Albanian Manuscribpt was even found in Xinaliq. Xinaliq is an ancient and remote Caucasian village high up in the mountains of Azerbaijan. It is the highest village in Azerbaijan and is nestled in the middle of the Greater (or High) Caucasus mountains that divide Russia and the south Caucasus. Before converting to Christianity in the 4th century, and Islam in 7th century, the people of Xinaliq were devoted follows of the prophet Zoroaster. There are are several wonderful spots in Xinaliq that were considered holy places (Pirs) in Zorastrism. There are some other historical places such as a 12th century mosque, a 15th century mosque, and several ancient cemeteries. An ancient Zoroastrian (often incorrectly called fire-worshippers') temple dated by the 9-th century A.D. is preserved in the village of Xinaliq, outside Quba.