“The Land of lights and winds”: a trip to Azerbaijan

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For the past two years, it has been extremely difficult to go on vacation to Europe because of covid restrictions, political disagreements or the huge price of tickets. 

Therefore, we propose to make a small trip to the largest country in the Transcaucasian region — Azerbaijan. 

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Azerbaijan is located on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, bordering Russia, Turkey, Georgia, Iran and Armenia. 

The country is a democratic legal secular unitary republic, part of the CIS.

The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku. It is the largest city in the Caucasus, the largest economic and industrial center in Transcaucasia, and also the largest port on the Caspian Sea.

History of the former Soviet Republic 

On April 28, 1920, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic fell as a result of a military attack, and on the same day it became known about the establishment of the Republic of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic (Azerbaijan SSR).

During the Great Patriotic War, Baku oil played an important role in the victory of the Soviet Union over fascism; moreover, the people of Azerbaijan showed great courage and dedication in the fight against Nazi Germany. 

After the collapse of the USSR, namely on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan gained independence and declared itself the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic again. After some time, the state symbols of the pre-Soviet period were restored.

Since 2003, the post of President of the republic has been occupied by Ilham Aliyev to this day.

Azerbaijan as the best country for tourism

Azerbaijan is a state with an ancient history and traditions, fascinating nature and memorable people. 

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You can visit the fiery country in order to see ancient petroglyphs, museums, swim in the warm sea, dance at numerous festivals and light up at concerts.

The main attraction of the country is the old center of Baku.

There is a Maiden Tower and the Baba-Kuhi-Bakuva Mosque, which are part of a complex of ancient buildings called Icheri-Sheher. The oldest monument of the region is Gobustan, a complex of tombs, the age of which reaches more than 10 thousand years.

Mud volcanoes are an interesting natural attraction. Natural geological formations are associated with the location of oil and gas, which, as we remember, Azerbaijan is famous for. 

Under the pressure of gases, volcanoes spew a cold mixture that can be touched without harm to health and take interesting photos. 

If we talk about volcanoes, from time immemorial Azerbaijan has been referred to as the “land of lights” due to the fact that one of the country’s famous attractions, Mount Yanardag, is located not far from the Caucasian capital. It spews fire, because there is a gas field under it, which feeds the mountain.  

If you are a fan of mysticism, then it is worth visiting one of the most mysterious and sad sights of Azerbaijan — Nargin Island, or Boyuk-Zira. 

The rocky island is remarkably visible from the Baku Boulevard. 

The history of the island is cruel: during the two world wars, the island of Boyuk-Zira served as a camp for prisoners of war, who were massively shot here.

Ganja is the second most important and largest city of Azerbaijan after Baku, located on both banks of the Ganja Hay River. 

Since the XII century, Ganja occupied the leading economic and strategic position of the medieval khanate, being at the intersection of caravan routes. The city is worth it to come and walk through its colorful streets and parks. 

You can also have a snack

The cuisine of Azerbaijan is notable for a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

The main dishes are prepared mainly from lamb, also from poultry, game, vegetables and rice. 

One of the most common dishes in Azerbaijan is, of course, pilaf. But besides rice, Azerbaijanis also like kebabs, kebabs, dushbara and dolma — a dish of minced meat wrapped in grape or quince leaves. 

Бакинский бульвар

There are not as many sweet dishes in Azerbaijani cuisine as there are meat dishes. This is the well-known baklava, kozinaki, halva, Turkish delight (with various additives), aspic figs and sorbet.

Бакинский бульвар

But still, the traditional sweetness is sheker-bura – sweet pies are very simple to make and are a favorite dessert for Azerbaijani children. This delicacy is prepared for the Novruz holiday (the holiday of the arrival of spring according to the solar calendar).

Well, where can I get some tea? 

In Azerbaijan, tea is only black and only in glass cups. 

Interesting things about an interesting country

  1. Before the arrival of Islam, local residents worshiped fire, and Zoroastrian temples and temples (places of worship) were built at the same time.
  2. Azerbaijan is the birthplace of the first modern oil well, the oldest oil platform at sea, which, by the way, is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
  3. This is the first Muslim country where women have received equal political rights with men.

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4. There is a real erupting mountain in Azerbaijan — Yanar Dag is located not far from Baku, and a gas field feeds the flame that is erupting under it.

5. On January 30, Azerbaijan celebrates the day of customs service employees.