In 1909 in his book, "A German Colony in the Caucasus", Count Schweinitz wrote a description about a German settlement called Helenendorf [now Khanlar]. Here's the picture he painted of the little town in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan nearly 100 years ago.

"From every corner of Helenendorf, there's a wonderful view of the snow-covered mountains that forms the magnificent background of this beautiful village. Towards the south, you can see the Small Caucasus Mountains, towards the north lies the mighty chain of the North Caucasus. To the east lies cultivated land as far as the horizon.

"When you walk along the western-most street of Helenendorf-the Talstrasse-you can enjoy the view of a gorge and then of a hill with graves from the past, dating back a few thousand years, There is little water in the Ganja River now and seeing this small stream, it's hard to believe that once it swept away an impressive stone bridge. The entire valley is covered wit vineyards-a beautiful scene, even in winter. Two buildings can be seen in the gorge in the area of Helenendorf, one of which is a modern mill supplied by electrical power owned by the Vohrer brothers; the other, an electric power station built by the Baku branch of foe Berlin Electricity Company.

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