Travel Azerbaijan with UnCrushedLeaves
Azerbaijan, formally known as the Republic of Azerbaijan, is a transcontinental nation bordering West Asia and Eastern Europe. It is surrounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, Iran to the south, and the Russian Republic of Dagestan to the north. It is a part of the South Caucasus area. The largest capital city is Baku.
Besides its diverse and frequently stunning landscape, Azerbaijan presents a fusion of customs and contemporary advancements. While many unique folk traditions are still practiced by the people in the isolated areas, the rapid modernization of the region—which is typified by industrialization, the expansion of power resources, and the expansion of cities, where over half of the population now resides—has had a significant impact on the lives of its citizens.
The economy is dominated by industry, with the extraction of oil—of which Azerbaijan was the world’s top producer at the start of the 20th century—being complemented by more varied endeavors. Caviar and fine horses are two of the republic’s more notable traditional exports.
Capital city – Baku
The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku. It is the nation’s largest city as well. The city, the world’s lowest national capital, is tucked away in the Caucasus area and the Caspian Sea, approximately 28 meters below sea level.
Almost one-fourth of the nation’s population lives in the city’s metropolitan area, located on the southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula next to the Bay of Baku.
The city serves as Azerbaijan’s industry, science, and culture hub. There are also several sizable Azerbaijani organizations with their main offices situated there. In light of all of this, Baku’s position in trade and commerce as well as its economic significance is clear.
Mythology in Azerbaijan
The mythical land of Azerbaijan is as hazardous as its trees. For instance, you should avoid sleeping or sitting beneath a tree after dusk as this may enrage the tree’s “master.” The location is also a gathering place for some malevolent wood ghosts.
Because djinns reside in nut and fig trees, it is especially risky to sleep under them. Those aren’t your typical lamp-light djinns, or genies as they’re called in the West; those are little, evil djinns. Nothing compares to how “close to people” they are. If something eerie darted by a tree, you have undoubtedly encountered djinns. They dislike being seen, therefore no one is quite sure how they look.
Things to do in Azerbaijan
1. Breakfast in the Old City of Baku
Enjoy a typical Azerbaijani breakfast while exploring Baku’s Old City on its cobblestone streets to start your touring day. Savor egg-based meals like pomidor chigirtma, a mouthwatering combination of scrambled eggs and cooked tomatoes, which is best enjoyed with warm bread baked in the tandoor, sweet honey, yogurts, farmer’s cheeses and creams, and an abundance of tea. This magical combination is enhanced when shared with loved ones.
2. See the ancient town of Sheki
Discover the newest UNESCO World Heritage site in Azerbaijan, nestled in the verdant Caucasian countryside in the northwest! Take an afternoon to leisurely meander through alleyways reminiscent of the Silk Road, taking in the distinctive gabled roof architecture and elaborate brickwork of Sheki, which reflects this city’s history as a significant hub for trade and crafts. Visit museums and mosques, caravanserais and palaces, and indulge in baklava that is specific to this region of the Caucasus.
3. See Historic Churches
Christianity was common throughout Azerbaijan and remained strong in some regions throughout the Middle Ages, long before the Arab conquest introduced Islam to the country in the seventh century. An old Christian community known as the Udis still resides in the town of Nij. They meet on Sundays at a quaintly preserved 17th-century church. One of the best ways to learn about Azerbaijan’s history and culture is to explore the numerous old churches that are dotted throughout the countryside.
4. Unwind near the Caspian Sea
More than 500 miles of the Caspian Sea coast are in Azerbaijan. Only a 30-minute drive from Baku, you’ll find an abundance of sun-kissed beaches and picturesque landscapes spanning from north to south. Every summer, the Absheron Peninsula’s golden sands come to life with upscale hotels and water parks, neighborhood fish markets, and picturesque beaches.
5. Shahdag Travel
In Azerbaijan’s Greater Caucasus region, Shahdag is a magnificent mountain resort that offers travelers a singular fusion of luxury, adventure, and the natural world. Shahdag, which is 230 kilometers from Baku in the Gusar area, is a year-round destination due to its breathtaking scenery, alpine climate, snow-capped mountain peaks, and variety of outdoor activities. Shahdag’s snow-covered landscape turns the area into a winter wonderland. Providing the ideal setting for those seeking a peaceful mountain getaway, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
6. Gobustan Travel
A fascinating archaeological site in Azerbaijan is called Gobustan. It is well known for merging magnificent natural scenery with a historic past. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, which includes the Petroglyphs, is the focal point of the region. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. It spans three rocky boulder sections and is home to an amazing collection of over 6,000 rock engravings that shed light on 40,000 years of human history. These petroglyphs give an intriguing look into the past civilizations that once flourished in the region, illustrating anything from everyday scenes to representations of animals, soldiers, and camel caravans.
There are also traces of abandoned communities, graveyards, and caverns in the area. Aside from seeing the items found in the area, you can also learn about the history and significance of the place by visiting the Petroglyph Museum.
7. Lankaran Travel
Discover a wealth of historical and architectural treasures right in the center of Lankaran. Ancient mosques, classic homes, and narrow lanes in the city’s Old Town provide a window into its illustrious past. The Lankaran Fortress, an ancient fortress that has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city’s resiliency, is one of the most noteworthy sites. The Khan’s Palace, which is close by, features stunning wood carvings, vibrant murals, and elaborate tilework that displays the masterful Azerbaijani craftsmanship.
Azerbaijani customs are strongly ingrained in Lankaran’s dynamic scene. With aspects of Persian influences, Talysh customs from the area, and Azerbaijani mugham music, the city’s art and music reflect its rich background.
8. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center is currently one of the most recognizable architectural icons in the entire globe and a symbol of modern Baku. The structure was created by Pritzker Prize-winning and internationally renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The Center aims to convey the sensibility of Azeri culture and the optimism of a nation that looks to the future. It is intended to serve as the main structure for the country’s cultural programming, breaking away from the strict and frequently grandiose Soviet architecture that is so common in Baku.
9. Visit Flame Towers
The highest skyscraper in Azerbaijan is the Flame Towers in Baku, which is 182 meters tall. The south, east, and west buildings are these three. Flame towers house hotels, workplaces, and apartments. With over 10,000 high-power LED luminaries, the facades of the three Flame Towers are transformed into enormous display screens, and the illumination is regarded as some of the greatest in the world. Even from the furthest reaches of the city, flame towers are visible.
10. Visit Ateshgah Temple of Fire
Situated in Surakhani, close to Baku, is the renowned Atashgah Fire Temple. The Azeri President proclaimed this castle-style temple a historical-architectural reserve in 2007 after it was submitted in 1998 for World Heritage Site classification. Given that the temple has inscriptions in Punjabi or Sanskrit, it is thought that this was a Hindu house of worship. Ateshgah is a beautiful spot to visit nowadays.
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