What’s the secret to long life in Azerbaijan? The pure mountain air.

Across the globe, there are several places known for the exceptional longevity of their residents.

In Okinawa, Japan, the island's vibrant centenarians have earned the title of 'Land of the Immortals.' Meanwhile, Italy’s Campodimele, or the 'Village of Eternity,' showcases the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. In sunny Loma Linda, California, a community of Seventh-Day Adventists enjoys the perks of a clean, wholesome lifestyle.

But there’s one lesser-known region of the world with a unique claim to fame: it’s home to the only Museum of Longevity. That place is Lerik, located in southern Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is known for producing long-lived residents, particularly in regions like Lankaran and Nagorno-Karabakh. But Lerik stands out, reputed to have the highest concentration of centenarians in the country.

In this lush, cloud-kissed land high in the Talysh Mountains, accessible only by a winding serpentine road, the locals appear to have discovered the secret to a long and healthy life.

The Museum of Longevity

The Museum of Longevity, a small two-room establishment built in 1991 and renovated in 2010, houses over 2,000 exhibits that chronicle the lives and memories of the region’s oldest residents.

The museum showcases the lives of these long-lived locals, with items they have outlived, such as several generations of clothing irons. There are chests brimming with headscarves, shirts, silver pitchers, and bowls, as well as intricately knitted socks and hand-dyed rugs that still retain their vivid colors despite the passage of time.

Also on display are personal letters, written in both Azerbaijani and Russian, with ink that is beginning to fade—testaments to a bygone era.

One of the most striking features of the museum is the collection of portraits depicting centenarians, which adorn the walls. These photographs, taken as far back as the 1930s, were donated by French photographer Frederic Lachop.

The museum, along with official statistics from Azerbaijan, has a broader definition of 'centenarian' than you might expect: it includes anyone over the age of 90.

Back in 1991, more than 200 residents of Lerik were officially registered as being over 100 years old, out of a population of 63,000.

Recent numbers have been less impressive. Locals attribute this decline to factors like radiation from nearby communication towers and environmental degradation, though it could also be the result of stricter record-keeping practices.

Currently, 11 residents of Lerik are over 100 years old, from a population of 83,800.

The story of the 168-year-old man

The oldest living person in Lerik today is Raji Ibrahimova, who is 105. While impressive, her age is dwarfed by that of the area’s most legendary centenarian, Shirali Muslumov. Muslumov, a shepherd, is said to have lived to the astounding age of 168.

His passport claims he was born in 1805, and his gravestone marks his death in 1973. If these records are correct, he would hold the title of the oldest person ever to have lived.

Unfortunately, in the early 19th century, birth registrations were uncommon in remote villages like Barzavu, where Shirali Muslumov was born, so there is no verifiable record of his birthdate.

Numerous letters sent to Muslumov from around the world on his birthdays affirm that he was indeed of extraordinary age, though it’s probably wise to allow for a 20-year margin of error when estimating his true age.

Among those who sent greetings to Muslumov was the Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh, who addressed him as 'Dear Grandpa' in a postcard.

Longevity seems to run in the family. His 95-year-old daughter, Halima Qambarova, shared with Dinogo Travel that while she may not reach 168 like her father, she hopes to live to 150 like her grandfather, or at least 130 like her aunt.

‘Stillness of the mind’

As winter sets in, most centenarians move to the milder coastal climate of Lankaran, but Halima Qambarova remained in the village of Barzavu, in Lerik, when Dinogo Travel visited her father's simple two-story house, which is surrounded by towering apple and pear trees—likely planted during her father’s time.

Sitting by the window, draped in a shawl, she speaks with a slight accent, frequently switching to Talysh, her native language. Talysh is a dialect spoken by only around 200,000 people and is classified as 'vulnerable' by UNESCO.

She proudly displays her passport, which only lists the year of her birth, 1924, without a specific day or month. At 95, she remains active and engaged, interacting with her great-grandchildren and showing a sharp sense of humor. When asked her age, she playfully responds, '15.'

'Stillness of the mind is part of their secret,' says the museum guide. 'They avoid stress, view life philosophically, and take things one day at a time, without excessive worry or plans for the future.'

Good nutrition and natural remedies

Qambarova begins her day at dawn, never allowing herself to sleep in. 'I get up as soon as my eyes open,' she says.

She spends the entire day tending to her garden or taking care of tasks around the house. Her room is small, furnished with a soft carpet and pillows on the floor. Many people in the area prefer sleeping close to the ground with only a thin blanket, believing it to be the healthiest way to support the back.

Contrary to what many believe, the centenarians of Lerik do eat meat. However, they are known for their preference for fresh dairy products, such as shor (cottage cheese), butter, milk, and the yogurt drink ayran. This tradition dates back to earlier generations, for whom the avoidance of meat was more about economic necessity than lifestyle choice.

Qambarova’s daughter-in-law brings in a large platter of pears and apples from their garden, accompanied by some fragrant tea.

The tea is herbal, floral, and soothing. Back at the museum, the guide points out a display of various herbs native to the Lerik region.

'The secret to long life lies in good nutrition, the minerals in spring water, and the herbs we add to our tea to ward off illness, eliminating the need for medicine,' says the guide. Indeed, Qambarova claims she has never taken any medication.

Generations living side by side

From the outside, the village may appear tranquil and calm. But the daily physical labor of the villagers is immense. From dawn till dusk, they work in their gardens and fields, care for large families, and handle sewing, knitting, and household tasks.

Such was the life of Mammadkhan Abbasov, a 103-year-old resident of Jangamiran village. Sitting on a carpet by the window, the centenarian has nearly lost his sight and can barely hear his son telling him that guests have arrived. But once he catches the message, he begins singing, offering prayers, and sending well-wishes.

At Abbasov’s side is his great-grandson – a gap of a full century between the two.

Like Qambarova, Abbasov led a life of hard work, spending years tending the fields until his vision began to fail about seven years ago.

'Whatever God gives,' he says with a peaceful acceptance.

‘He has always been a good man and lived his life the right way,’ his son remarks.

When it comes to food, Abbasov eats whatever is provided by nature, with one exception – he has never touched alcohol.

Abbasov believes that his long life is due to his consistent physical activity, which is enough to keep the body engaged but not to the point of exhaustion.

In addition to a diet rich in farm-fresh produce, he drank liters of ice-cold spring water, known for its mineral content, which is believed to play a role in his longevity.

The high altitudes of the mountains, which can sometimes induce headaches, may also play a role in the area's longevity.

A 2017 study from the University of Navarra in Spain found that living at high altitudes lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Meanwhile, a 2011 study from the University of Colorado Denver revealed that residents of these elevated regions tend to live longer.

While the exact ages of some of Lerik’s famed centenarians may still be debated, their legacy endures in the community. The key to their longevity is simple: regular physical activity, a nutritious diet, plenty of water, and a life philosophy that says, ‘We only live once, but if we do it right, once is enough.’

Museum of Longevity, 22 A. Asadullayev Street, Lerik, Azerbaijan; (025) 274-47-11