What to visit in Azerbaijan
We say the sea, but ... Although salt and of an extremely large area, the Caspian "body of water" remains nevertheless a lake which was isolated from the Parathetys sea several thousands of years ago.
The coast is populated by hotels and beaches, and some nautical activities are also possible there (fishing, water skiing, climbing…). It is a country with a Muslim majority, women sometimes frequent other beaches than men and their dress code differs greatly from European.
The composition of its soil associated with various geographical factors, make that Azerbaijan has many natural resources, and in particular significant quantities of oil, which was also noticed by Russia which gradually integrated the country into its confederation.
Its capital, Baku, is evolving economically and joins the world's largest oil producers. Finally, in 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The country is at the intersection of multiple cultures and religions, diverse traditions have their origins there, while Muslims, Orthodox and Apostolics coexist peacefully.
Its lands have seen many peoples pass during its stormy history! The Slavs, the Romans, the Arabs, the Mongols and other Asians, all crossed this land of great tolerance. Note that this country was also the first Democratic Republic of the East and that it gave the right to vote to Azerbaijani women in the year 1920.
Today, its territory is divided into thirteen parts: eleven Azerbaijani cities, an autonomous republic (Nakhichevan) and a de facto republic (Nagorno-Karabakh). It is this last entity which is at the origin of the current political temptations with its neighbor Armenia. For travelers who like to think outside the box, this destination is ideal.
Unique natural beauties, warm welcome, picturesque and unusual landscapes, a rich history with vestiges from all eras… in short, an exotic getaway in Azerbaijan offers a vast repertoire of visits for a curious westerner, eager for new discoveries. The inhabitants, the majority (almost 90%) of Azeri origin, speak a language of the Altaic family (like Turkish), but many are those who also master English or understand Russian.
The country has a relatively developed bus and train network, but the roads are not always in a very good condition. Car rental in Azerbaijan is nevertheless possible and the capital also has a metro. The best time for a stopover in Azerbaijan is from April to October. The climate, mild in general, differs a little from one end to the other of the country, the capital nevertheless benefits from hot summers, suitable for swimming on its multiple beaches.
Located on the Abşeron peninsula in the east of the country, Baku is one of the main seaside resorts on the Caspian Sea. Since 2000, the old center with winding alleys has been part of the Unesco world heritage. After the earthquake in that same year, the city of Baku is in constant reconstruction.
The general view of the capital is now disrupted by ubiquitous cranes. The extremely modern buildings thus join the old town and veil the old architectural styles. The modern part overflows from the ramparts and settles on the neighboring hills. The capital is equipped with Heydar Aliyev from Baku, an international airport.
The second city not to be missed, Gadnja, is in the west of the country. Its town hall is a very beautiful building. Also visit its carpet market, or the Shah Abbas mosque. Outside the cities, venture on the paths of the Little and Greater Caucasus, meet the authentic villagers and admire the exceptional views offered by the mountains.
What to visit in Azerbaijan
Visit the capital Baku and in particular the Shirvanshah Palace, the Synyk-Kala Minaret, the Tower of the Virgin (Qiz Qalasi) and Young Girls, Azneft Square, the sumptuous gardens, the Heydar Aliyev Palace and the Azerbaijani Philharmonic Society. Go to the Icheri-Shekher district and notice its fortress. On the cultural side, don't miss the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Dzhuma Mosque. On the nature side, you have to go to the Apcheron peninsula to Hirkan national park and the Absheron oil fields.
Art and culture in Azerbaijan
Thanks to the diversity of religions and ethnic groups that make it up, Azerbaijan is a high place of culture. For example, go to Absheron to visit a magnificent temple of the Zoroastrian religion. To find beautiful souvenirs, visit the markets and the many traditional souks that are present in all cities and tourist sites. Take with you ceramic, wrought iron or copper objects, spices, caviar (much cheaper than in Europe) and sumptuous rugs of all sizes. You will notice that the locals are dressed in light clothing. Because of the omnipresent sun, think too of equipping yourself with large cotton clothes.
Gastronomic specialties in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan awaits you with its long culinary tradition which is a mixture of traditional Azerbaijani practices and gastronomic habits of neighboring countries. Meat is the main player in this oriental cuisine. Lamb, beef and poultry go well with various vegetables. No waste in this kitchen, all parts of the animal are used there ranging from offal to fat. Spices also play a key role, especially mint, saffron and coriander. Pilaf rice is the basis of all dishes. Otherwise, they produce many varieties of bread (yukha, tender, lavach, etc.).
We say the sea, but ... Although salt and of an extremely large area, the Caspian "body of water" remains nevertheless a lake which was isolated from the Parathetys sea several thousands of years ago.
The coast is populated by hotels and beaches, and some nautical activities are also possible there (fishing, water skiing, climbing…). It is a country with a Muslim majority, women sometimes frequent other beaches than men and their dress code differs greatly from European.
The composition of its soil associated with various geographical factors, make that Azerbaijan has many natural resources, and in particular significant quantities of oil, which was also noticed by Russia which gradually integrated the country into its confederation.
Its capital, Baku, is evolving economically and joins the world's largest oil producers. Finally, in 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The country is at the intersection of multiple cultures and religions, diverse traditions have their origins there, while Muslims, Orthodox and Apostolics coexist peacefully.
Its lands have seen many peoples pass during its stormy history! The Slavs, the Romans, the Arabs, the Mongols and other Asians, all crossed this land of great tolerance. Note that this country was also the first Democratic Republic of the East and that it gave the right to vote to Azerbaijani women in the year 1920.
Today, its territory is divided into thirteen parts: eleven Azerbaijani cities, an autonomous republic (Nakhichevan) and a de facto republic (Nagorno-Karabakh). It is this last entity which is at the origin of the current political temptations with its neighbor Armenia. For travelers who like to think outside the box, this destination is ideal.
Unique natural beauties, warm welcome, picturesque and unusual landscapes, a rich history with vestiges from all eras… in short, an exotic getaway in Azerbaijan offers a vast repertoire of visits for a curious westerner, eager for new discoveries. The inhabitants, the majority (almost 90%) of Azeri origin, speak a language of the Altaic family (like Turkish), but many are those who also master English or understand Russian.
The country has a relatively developed bus and train network, but the roads are not always in a very good condition. Car rental in Azerbaijan is nevertheless possible and the capital also has a metro. The best time for a stopover in Azerbaijan is from April to October. The climate, mild in general, differs a little from one end to the other of the country, the capital nevertheless benefits from hot summers, suitable for swimming on its multiple beaches.
Located on the Abşeron peninsula in the east of the country, Baku is one of the main seaside resorts on the Caspian Sea. Since 2000, the old center with winding alleys has been part of the Unesco world heritage. After the earthquake in that same year, the city of Baku is in constant reconstruction.
The general view of the capital is now disrupted by ubiquitous cranes. The extremely modern buildings thus join the old town and veil the old architectural styles. The modern part overflows from the ramparts and settles on the neighboring hills. The capital is equipped with Heydar Aliyev from Baku, an international airport.
The second city not to be missed, Gadnja, is in the west of the country. Its town hall is a very beautiful building. Also visit its carpet market, or the Shah Abbas mosque. Outside the cities, venture on the paths of the Little and Greater Caucasus, meet the authentic villagers and admire the exceptional views offered by the mountains.
What to visit in Azerbaijan
Visit the capital Baku and in particular the Shirvanshah Palace, the Synyk-Kala Minaret, the Tower of the Virgin (Qiz Qalasi) and Young Girls, Azneft Square, the sumptuous gardens, the Heydar Aliyev Palace and the Azerbaijani Philharmonic Society. Go to the Icheri-Shekher district and notice its fortress. On the cultural side, don't miss the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the Dzhuma Mosque. On the nature side, you have to go to the Apcheron peninsula to Hirkan national park and the Absheron oil fields.
Art and culture in Azerbaijan
Thanks to the diversity of religions and ethnic groups that make it up, Azerbaijan is a high place of culture. For example, go to Absheron to visit a magnificent temple of the Zoroastrian religion. To find beautiful souvenirs, visit the markets and the many traditional souks that are present in all cities and tourist sites. Take with you ceramic, wrought iron or copper objects, spices, caviar (much cheaper than in Europe) and sumptuous rugs of all sizes. You will notice that the locals are dressed in light clothing. Because of the omnipresent sun, think too of equipping yourself with large cotton clothes.
Gastronomic specialties in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan awaits you with its long culinary tradition which is a mixture of traditional Azerbaijani practices and gastronomic habits of neighboring countries. Meat is the main player in this oriental cuisine. Lamb, beef and poultry go well with various vegetables. No waste in this kitchen, all parts of the animal are used there ranging from offal to fat. Spices also play a key role, especially mint, saffron and coriander. Pilaf rice is the basis of all dishes. Otherwise, they produce many varieties of bread (yukha, tender, lavach, etc.).
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