Nakhchivan, an isolated exclave located approximately 260 miles west of Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, boasts a rich array of historical attractions, ranging from towers and castles to tombs and enchanting wish-making caves. Among these treasures, the prominent centerpiece is the Duzdag salt mine, aptly named “Salt Mountain,” standing out as the largest medical tourism facility in the region.
Nestled 360 feet (110 meters) beneath the earth’s surface, this extraordinary destination offers unconventional yet complementary treatments for respiratory ailments within chambers carved out almost five millennia ago. Despite its subterranean location, Duzdag has become a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from respiratory diseases.
A mere seven-mile drive from Nakhchivan city, the salt caves are perched atop mountains at an elevation of 3,848 feet (1,173 meters). The modern Physiotherapy Center, established in 1979, was built on the foundations of salt mines excavated by archaeologists in the 1970s. Historical evidence suggests that salt mining has taken place here since the third millennium BCE, with exports reaching the Middle East.
The origin of the caves’ renowned healing properties remains shrouded in mystery, with various legends offering competing explanations. Local lore attributes the restorative powers of Duzdag salt to its sacred nature, while 20th-century archaeologists reportedly found relief for bronchitis and asthma during excavation works.
Another captivating tale tells of a local boy with severe respiratory issues who frequented the caves to play and adorn the walls with animal drawings. Legends claim that the boy’s disease was miraculously cured, leaving his drawings as a testament to the healing aura of the salt caves.
The therapeutic use of salt is not a recent phenomenon. In mid-19th century Poland, physician Feliks Boczkowski observed that miners in a salt mine rarely suffered from respiratory diseases, leading to the founding of halotherapy. This involves inhaling air infused with tiny salt particles to enhance breathing. While halotherapy has gained popularity, scientific consensus on its benefits remains elusive.
Duzdag’s uniqueness lies in its horizontal layout, allowing patients to acclimate gradually to the cave conditions as they traverse nearly 900 feet (300 meters) from the entrance. The road into the mine leads to the Physiotherapy Center, a wooden structure standing in stark contrast to the sparkling walls within the tunnel.
Even before entering the caves, the distinct aroma of Duzdag salt permeates the air, differentiating itself from the gentle salty breeze from the nearby Caspian Sea. The glistening salt layers, measuring 8.2 meters thick (nearly 27 feet), create a spacious tunnel with benches, a rest area with TV, and an atmosphere free from claustrophobia.
The potent scent of salt takes time to get used to, but the cave’s natural ventilation prevents the accumulation of harmful gases. The combination of factors, including location above sea level, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, ionic composition of oxygen, and bacteriological composition, contributes to the successful treatment of respiratory diseases.
Maintaining a consistent microclimate, the caves boast 20-25% humidity and a pleasant temperature of 18-20°C (64-68°F). The Physiotherapy Center, accommodating 474 patients, expanded to include the Duzdag Hotel in 2008, located just over a mile from the caves. The complex facilitates patient examinations and acclimatization.
Though quiet, with an average of 3,500-4,000 patients visiting annually, Duzdag has developed a specialized post-Covid rehabilitation program. The alleged healing powers extend beyond respiratory issues, with claims of immune system strengthening, improved circulation, skin condition enhancements, and stress relief.
While independent verification of these claims may be lacking, the caves exude a unique ambiance. Sitting within this serene environment, surrounded by walls believed to possess healing properties, visitors find solace, leaving behind their worries at the entrance of this subterranean health sanctuary.