The remote village of Xinaliq lies along the Qudvalcay River, reaching a hill walled by high Caucasian peaks in the northern region of Guba, Azerbaijan. Situated over 2300 meters from the sea, it faces extremely cold winters, while the villagers wait in their stone houses for the summer to cultivate their fields and tend their livestock. Sheep, goats and cows head for the pastures in the morning, to return at dusk. Wool and healing herbs are well known throughout the region and the rest of the country.

This settlement has survived more than 5,000 years since the first inhabitants arrived, one of the 26 tribes that lived in Caucasian Albania and that the Greek philosopher Strabo mentioned in the Geography. The inhabitants of Khinaliq or Xinaliq are related to the Shahdagh ethnic group and still preserve a unique and unwritten language called "Ketsh mitsl". The natives are mostly short and stout, with brown hair and brown and blue eyes on the skin of their frost-cracked faces.

Rituals and traditions are a central part of village life. Before Islam was adapted, fire was worshipped following Zoroastrianism and still present in many rites. Weddings and other ceremonies are celebrated in strict accordance with the rites inherited from one generation to the next. The bride and groom celebrate separately until the women sing and bless the groom before leaving with their spouse and starting family life.

In 2006 a new road was built which has allowed almost permanent access to the village. In addition, the Internet is already present in the area. Tourism seems to be arriving as a new industry for this weak ancient and remote place. Adding other trends of globalization and climate change, shall the ancient, remote and resilient place of Xinaliq and its people remain immutable?