Azerbaijan is the only country in the world which has managed to become a transcontinental hub without having access to an ocean.
Azerbaijan is a unique country with centuries old history, unmatched culture, customs and tradition also have very fine variants of cuisines. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and its name means ‘the city of winds’ or ‘the city of hill’. The sunset view of Baku city is stunning. Each building in Baku shines out like radiant stars in the sky. This city is the home of beautiful museums, theatres, opera houses, cinemas and libraries.
Top places in Azerbaijan
Baku
Nizami Street, Baku Boulevard, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Flame Towers, Icheri Sheher, The Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s Palace, Miniature Book Museum, Little Venice of Baku, Boat Ride, Carpet Museum, Fountain Square
Absheron
Fire temple, Surakhani town, Burning Mountain- Yanar Dag, Ganjlik Mall
Gobustan
Rock Art Museum, Mud Volcano, National Park, Shooting Club
Gabala
Gabala Shooting Club, New Mosque, Gabaland, Cable Car, Nohur Lake, Caucasus Mountains, Archaeological Center
Azerbaijan is a unique country with centuries old history, unmatched culture, customs and tradition also has a very fine variants of cuisines. The legend speaks about “Ateshgah” temple was built by Indian fire worshippers, who arrived here after learning about the eternally burning fire, emitted from the ground. They were so amazed by what they had seen, that they decided to build a temple there. These lands are considered to be sacred and throughout the history the followers of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism worship here. Thus, it referred as ‘The land Of Fire” because majority people here are fire worshippers.
Baku is largest and oldest cosmopolitan cities in the world. It is also the capital of Azerbaijan and its name means ‘the city of winds’ or ‘the city of hill’. It is located in the south of the Caspian Sea in the south of the Absheron peninsula. The sunset view of Baku city is stunning. Each building in Baku shines out like radiant stars in the sky. Baku is the home of beautiful museums, theatres, opera houses, cinemas and libraries. The touring in Baku isn’t only about shopping or visiting historic place but has a vibrant night life which mainly includes clubs and restaurants. The warmth and genuineness of people of the capital creates a remarkable impressions on everyone.
Old City is filled with great workmanship and craftmen works which takes us back to the past. This city demonstrates the works of architecture of Icherisheher. The old city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. There are few universal monuments like Madien tower, “Shrivanshahs” Palace Complex and Mohammed Mosque.
Location
It is located in the continent of Asia, Europe. It covers 82629.00 square km of land and has a population of 9,493,600.
Best time to travel
April-June is the best time visit, the lowland of Azerbaijan, is filled with greenery and flowers which blooms at this time. July, is a perfect time for trekking in the mountains. In summers, Baku turns extremely hot and humid. October is the good time to venture out in Baku comfortably.
National Emblem
It symbolises an image of a shield against the backdrop of the arch, woven from the branches of oak and wheat ears. In the centre of there is an emblem of a fire, which symbolizes the “Land of Fires”. This emblem was approved in 19th January, 1993.
National Flag
The flag of Azerbaijan is a horizontal tricolour which are blue, red, and green, with a white crescent and an eight-pointed star in the centre.
National Symbols
National Tree
Parrotia persica is a delicious tree, which belong in the family of Hamamelidaceae.
National Animal
Red Karabakh horse.
National Day
18 October is the Independence Day of Azerbaijan.
National Dress
Men’s wear Arkhalig, Gaba, Chukha and Kurk and women wear “chadra” and a veil “rubend”.
National Sports
Football.
Currency
Azerbaijani manat.
Food
The cuisines here is a blend of both Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors. The remarkable taste of Azeri cuisines is due to the state of weather and it is locate near Caspian Sea. There are various Azeri dishes such as plov, variety of kebabs and shashlik, sea food, fresh fruits and vegetables. There are also other dishes cooked with fresh herbs and spices.
Living Culture
The best way to define the art and cultural life in Azerbaijan is to visit Baku. To witness the art of Baku you will see many museums, private exhibitions, art galleries and historic monuments. Evening time is filled with a series of amazing cultural entrainment and performances in theatres. The Old City is a complete cultured city, you will also find small street shop and narrow roads. The feeling when you walk on the narrow road of this city is like you have enter into a different dimension.
Arts & Crafts
Handmade souvenirs, arts and crafts by Azerbhaijan artisan are sold. In stores, you will find jewellery. Pottery, traditional Azerbaijan dolls and many other works which can be taken as souvenir from Azerbaijan.
Getting To Azerbaijan
By Air
The national airline, “Azerbaijan Airlines” operates from Baku, Heydar Aliyev International Airport and from the country’s other airports (Ganja, Qabala and Nakhchivan with both domestic and international flights offering connections worldwide. Direct flights to and transit flights via Azerbaijan are also provided by numerous international airlines. Flight schedules are available on the airlines’ official websites.
By Road
You can cross the border of Azerbaijan with Russia, Georgia, Iran and Turkey by your personal vehicle. It is easy to travel across Azerbaijan by car that you hold an international driver’s license. The country has well-maintained roads in the capital. There’s also an intercity highways connecting to Baku with many other regional cities, towns and villages and settlements.
By Rail
Azerbaijan has railway connections to a number of Post-Soviet cities. In the train station always carry you passport with you. You can travel to Baku and back by train from such cities as Tbilisi, Makhachkala, Moscow, Tyumen, Rostov, Kharkov etc.