Famous Mentions of Naftalan Since the 12th Century
Naftalan oil has been known to humanity for more than 800 years. It is not a modern discovery but a natural лечебный resource mentioned by world-renowned poets, explorers, scientists, and writers.
🖋 Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1201)
The great 12th-century poet was among the first to describe лечебный oil from the village of Safi-Kurd, located near modern Naftalan.
He wrote about caravans transporting oil in leather containers across mountains and deserts — essentially one of the earliest exports of Naftalan oil.
Nizami also mentioned the use of “mountain oil” to treat wounds after hunting.
🌍 Marco Polo
In the 13th century, the famous explorer left written evidence describing an unusual oil with unique лечебный properties and no equivalent elsewhere.
His accounts introduced European readers to the existence of Naftalan oil.
📚 Alexandre Dumas
During his journey through the Caucasus, Dumas was astonished by the oil fields of the region. He described burning seas, fiery rings on water, and spectacular scenes unlike anything he had seen in Europe.
These impressions increased European interest in Caucasian oil resources.
🔬 Dmitri Mendeleev
In the 19th century, the great scientist emphasized the strategic importance of Caucasian oil. He opposed restrictive industrial systems and advocated scientific development of the oil industry.
Naftalan oil was considered a valuable natural resource of national importance.
🧪 Global Recognition in the Late 19th Century
By the end of the 19th century, Naftalan ointment gained worldwide recognition:
- used by physicians in Germany, France, Austria, and Japan
- applied in military medicine for burns, wounds, and frostbite
- sold in Paris, London, Tokyo, and Cairo
This international adoption confirmed its therapeutic value.
🌿 A Natural Remedy with Centuries of History
Today, Naftalan in Azerbaijan is a modern medical spa destination combining natural ресурсы with contemporary treatment methods.
However, its true strength lies in more than eight centuries of history.
Naftalan is not a trend — it is a time-tested natural remedy proven by generations, science, and global experience.