Azerbaijan – The Land of Fire

Fascinating country

Once upon a time the people of this amazing country with ancient history and culture used to worship fire. The Turkic word ‘Azer’ means fire and, hence, the country got its name from those primordial Turkish fire-worshipping tribes who used to inhabit this area.

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country steeped in history and saw the growth of different cultures and civilizations. Its people formed their own distinct identity and built beautiful structures that, after many centuries, still bear the testimony of their superb architectural skills. Tourism wasn’t allowed to grow during the Soviet regime but it is flourishing now and Azerbaijan has again become a popular destination for international travelers.

Foreign invasions

Long before you are being lured to come here as tourists, hordes of invaders – who were the original globetrotters – were attracted to this country’s abundance of natural resources. They made aggressive moves to plunder these, as was the norm in those ancient times. These plunderers came from the Roman and Parthian empires, Arabian Caliphete, mighty forces of Chengiz Khan and Tamerlane, and neighboring Turkey and Russia. Many of them left their enduring marks in the forms of archeological monuments and cultural heritage.

Traditions and culture

Azerbaijan is an interesting country to visit because of its ancient culture, interesting history and the lifestyle of its warm-hearted people that is a unique blend of old traditions of many different cultures.

Baku, the capital

Baku is an ancient city and the country’s most important cultural, trade and political center. Its strategic geographical location on historical trade routes has helped the city’s exceptional economic growth. The material prosperity of its people has helped this historic city to grow as an attractive tourist destination and find a place in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Site.

Exploring Baku

Start your excursion from the fire-worshippers temple at Atashgakh – about 20 km from the city center. After returning to the city, explore this fascinating place that has many historical monuments, including the symbol of the country – the Maiden Tower with wonderful shops selling hand-made intricately designed carpets. Have your dinner, and then begin your exciting evening tour of the Old City, known as Icheri Shekher. Walk around The Maiden Tower and the 15th century Palace of the Shirvanshkhs with its wonderfully preserved old mosques, bathhouses and medieval gates.

Nightlife

Baku has a vibrant nightlife with varieties of pubs and restaurants. One pub is named after William Shakespeare! A stylish nightclub called Neon is in the heart of the city. Drinks aren’t expensive. There are regular performances of theatre, opera and ballet organized both by local clubs as also performers from neighboring countries.

Hotels
It is easy to find a good hotel. Choose one from relevant websites that suits your taste and budget. The Crown is a good 5-star hotel costing some US$ 170 a night and located near the Old Town and close to the Caspian Sea.

Shopping

Souvenir shops abound in the Fountain Square and Nizami Street. Shops in the Old Town mostly sell carpets. Hand-made items with Azeri touch are metal cup-holders, silk scarves, miniature dolls with ethnic clothes, small daggers and swords.

If you aren’t an avid animal lover like Brigitte Bardot, you can buy fur in Azerbaijan at a reasonable price, and also leather garments from raw material brought from Turkey.

Welcome to Azerbaijan

Come to this fascinating country. It isn’t big but most attractive indeed. The Absheron peninsula, the historical areas of Shirvan and Ganjabasar with ancient ruins and the hospitality of its wonderful people will give you an unforgettable travel experience that you will cherish for ever.