Azerbaijan

The Republic of Azerbaijan

On the border between Eastern Europe and Western Asia there is a lovely ancient country – Azerbaijan. It is attractive due to exotic oriental traditions, unique urban architecture and local colour. The uniqueness of Azerbaijan is primarily associated with its unique nature, as the Caspian Sea coast, green flowering valleys and meadows, as well as snow-capped mountain peaks are located on the territory of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus. It borders with the Russian Federation and Georgia in the north, with Iran in the south. Its west neighbour is Armenia and in the east the country has got access to the Caspian Sea. The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a landlocked exclave of Azerbaijan and is separated from the country by the territory of Armenia. A lot of natural monuments and protected areas are located on the territory of Azerbaijan, covered by ridges of the Caucasus and the Talysh Mountains, as well as by the Kura-Aras and Lankaran lowlands.

Eastern principalities with their unique customs and beliefs have once been located on the territory of modern Azerbaijan. This fact has been reflected in the modern Azerbaijani culture. It was with the advent of Islam that local people have started uniting within one eastern state.

The Great Silk Road has once led through such ancient Azerbaijani cities as Baku, Barda, Ganja, Kabala, Nakhchivan, Sheki and Shamakhi. Eastern castles, mosques, temples and fortresses of ancient times have been preserved in these cities till the present day. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, offers you to learn the culture, customs and history of the Azerbaijanis. The city’s old part is an ancient architectural complex today often referred to as the Acropolis of Baku. The central architectural attraction is a huge fortress divided into two parts Icheri Shahar (Inner City) and Bayir Shahar (Outer City). At the southern wall of the fortress you can see the Maiden Tower, locally known as Giz-Galasi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful coastal architectural creations in the world.

The ancient city of Barda is located on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan; however, in former times it used to be the capital of Caucasian Albania, an ancient kingdom. Thus, this unique city is rich in places of interest, including medieval mausoleums and mosques Ahmad Zocheybana, Akhsadan Baba, Imamzade and others have been built since the 14th century.

The Ganja Khanate, an ancient principality, has once been located on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan. Remains of fortifications and mosques being part of the Gei-Imam Architectrual Complex C15th-17th can be noted by you in Ganja, a former Khanate’s capital. Djuma Mosque and many colourful houses within the old part of the town will attract your attention as well. The city is also famous due to the fact, the greatest poet Nizami Ganjavi used to live there. Today, thousands of pilgrim-poets come to see his burial place.

In Sheki, you can visit Sheki Khan’s Palace, which is one of the best examples representing the Persian palace architecture of the 18th century. A beautiful caravanserai, which is now used as a hotel complex, is located in Sheki as well.

Ecological tours in Azerbaijan have become quite popular recently. Once you have taken such tour, you’ll have a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and fresh fragrance of pine forests. Here you can take lessons of mountain climbing, go trekking through the mountainous areas of Goygol, Zagatala, Ismayilli, Kyzylagach reserves. Hiking tours through the territory of national parks and protected areas can be ordered in Baku.

Azerbaijan is also known for its mineral springs: Badamly, Shikhov, Khaltan, Sirab, Arkivan, Darrydag and others used as basis of many spa sanatoriums. Naftalan, an oil treatment produced only in this country, has gained worldwide fame thanks to its curative properties.

The climate conditions in Azerbaijan favour summer and winter rest in the country. In the east, the country is washed by the Caspian Sea, where you can go fishing. Shahdag Winter Complex located on the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains attracts tourists to the west of the country. The resort offers tracks of various length and difficulty. Those to be fond of skiing should visit Pirkuli resort located in the reserve of the same name. You’ll be impressed not only with great ski tracks, but also with mountainous sunsets and sunrises. And cosy little cafes offer you to warm up, taste dishes of national cuisine and drink hot cocktails.

Incidentally, one of the oldest traditions in Azerbaijan is the ritual of tea drinking. Be sure to visit one of local tea houses, where you will be offered to drink the favourite drink of the Azerbaijanis served in armudu, a 100 grams glass resembling a pear. Tea is brewed very strong and is served in an armudu, which shape doesn’t allow tea to be cooled fast.

The Azerbaijani people are renowned for their distinctive culture. The best souvenir brought from Azerbaijan will be a handmade carpet. The art of carpet weaving has been developed here since the 3th-4th centuries. Fine carpets of those times were woven of silk silver and gold threads. In the 16th- 17th centuries, woven carpets adorned with precious stones became traditional.

You are well advised to visit eastern country Azerbaijan with its secrets of antiquity, rich traditions, and charming scenery.