Lahij Ancient Sewer System Tourism

The Lahij Ancient Sewer System is one of the most remarkable feats of engineering in the ancient world, located in the historic town of Lahij, Azerbaijan. This small mountainous settlement, nestled in the Greater Caucasus, has a history that dates back more than 1000 years, and the sewer system is thought to be around 1500 years old. Lahij became well-known for its sophisticated craftsmanship in copper and brassware, and this expertise is mirrored in their approach to urban planning. The sewer system, built with cobblestone and lined with lead, represented a significant achievement in sanitary infrastructure. It was designed to protect the town from frequent floods and to maintain good hygiene levels. The canals were cleverly laid out to utilize the natural slope of the streets, enabling waste and stormwater to be effectively channeled away from residential areas. Such a system was quite advanced for its time and is still recognized as an exceptional example of early urban sanitation. Its maintenance was a community effort, showing the historical importance of collective responsibility for public works.