The hydronymic fund of the khojavend district: classification and ethnographic traces

Abstract

Toponyms of Azerbaijan do not merely denote geographical locations; they are important historical-linguistic monuments that preserve the historical memory, ethnographic values, and linguistic characteristics of our people. Hydronyms, a significant branch of toponyms – i.e., the names of water bodies such as
rivers, lakes, springs, and canals – constitute a distinct research subject of considerable importance for linguistics, history, and geography. Through hydronyms, it is possible to trace the natural-geographical structure of certain areas, uncover linguistic traces of ancient tribes, and obtain information about the economic
activities of the population.
The study of Azerbaijani hydronyms has historically developed in several stages. Traditional approaches
primarily focused on the etymological explanation of hydronyms, whereas modern research emphasizes their
systematic classification, semantic features, historical-geographical development, and connection with folklore. In this context, the Karabakh region, and specifically the Khojavend district as one of its key administrative units, stands out with its rich hydronymic fund.
The Khojavend district is located in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. Its territory combines both mountainous and lowland relief elements. This geographical diversity has influenced the number
and types of water bodies formed in the area, including rivers, springs, canals, and lakes. The majority of the
district’s hydronyms have a simple semantic structure, deriving directly from natural characteristics (water
color, taste, coolness), local flora and fauna, as well as the names of settlements. Additionally, some hydronyms reflect linguistic layers of ancient Albanian, Iranian, and Turkic ethnoses, which further enhances their
historical significance.
The study of Khojavend hydronyms is also relevant in the contemporary period. From the late 20th century,
many hydronyms in the district, which was under prolonged occupation, fell out of use, and some were distorted. After the district returned to Azerbaijani control in 2020, the process of restoring these hydronyms
and their inclusion in maps and official documents began. This development is significant not only for the
advancement of toponymy but also for the revival of historical memory.
Thus, the study of Khojavend’s hydronyms carries both scientific-linguistic importance and historicalcultural value. This article investigates the classification, etymological and semantic features, historicalgeographical aspects, and folklore connections of the hydronyms, determining their place within the system
of Azerbaijani toponyms.
Keywords: hydronyms, etymological analysis, semantic features, toponymic memory