The Ismayilli State Reserve, covering 5,778 hectares of area was established in 1981, to preserve and study endangered plants and animals.

Located in the central parts of the south hang of the Great Caucasus at an altitude of 600-2250 m, the national reserve consists of 2 parts: the Topchu located at a height of 800-2250 m above sea-level and Galinjag, which is a place of preservation for chestnut - leafy oak forests of Alazan-Ayrichay valley. This area of reserve is located at a height of 600-650 m above sea-level.

The area is characterized by cold climate with humid winter and mild-warm climate with equal distribution of rainy days.

The reserve boasts with its enriched flora- 40 species of trees, more than 200 species of herbs, as well as sparse woods, shrubbery, oak beech, ash tree, hornbeam forests, including the wood-surrounding area environed by cherry - plum, hawthorn, cornet-tree, dog rose, medlar and other bushy trees.

About 170 kinds of mammals such as wolf, jackal, grey bear and wood cat have chosen the reserve as their dwelling place. The reserve’s rivers also enriched with all kinds of river fish, including trout, barbell and comb.

Swampy and Mediterranean turtles, river snakes, and other kinds of reptiles can also be found in the reserve.