Exploring Azerbaijan: How Many Days Are Sufficient?

Azerbaijan is a country that can be explored in as little as 3 days or as long as 3 weeks. The capital Baku itself can be explored in 3 days. However, if you want to explore the countryside, you can spend 5 days exploring the northern villages of Quba and Xinaliq, and the historic town of Sheki. If you have more time, you can explore the southern city of Lankaran, the exclave of Nakhchivan, and the second-largest city of Ganja.

Baku: The capital city of Azerbaijan is a mix of ancient and modern architecture

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern architecture. The city boasts a unique mix of Eastern and Western influences, with ultramodern, glass-and-steel high-rises standing alongside centuries-old buildings.

The ancient architecture of Baku includes masterpieces such as the 12th-century Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Maiden Tower, designed by Masud Ibn Davud, stands at 29 metres tall and offers breathtaking views of Baku Bay and the old town. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, with its sandstone walls and intricate artefacts, provides a glimpse into the Azeri dynasties of the middle ages.

Baku also showcases the classic architecture of the Russian Imperial era, with educational institutions and buildings constructed during this period. Additionally, the oil boom in the 19th century brought a wave of Western influence to the city. The influx of foreign cash and ideas led to the development of eclectic architecture, fusing Eastern and Western styles. This can be seen in the Black City and White City, two industrial districts created during this time.

In recent years, Baku has undergone a transformation, with the rapid development of the country. Futuristic buildings, such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center, have become new symbols of the city. The Flame Towers, designed by HOK architecture firm, feature LED lights that create a fire-inspired display at night. The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, stands out with its fluid, sweeping curves, departing from the traditional Soviet design aesthetic.

The city also offers a mix of modern and traditional Eastern architecture. The Government House, designed by Lev Rudnev, is an example of ornate Eastern architecture with its magnificent archways. Baku Crystal Hall, constructed for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, combines modern dynamic lighting installations with a multifaceted structure that serves as both a concert hall and a sports stadium.

Baku's new business districts feature high-tech buildings and postmodern architecture, such as the SOCAR Tower and the Port Baku Towers. The city's skyline continues to evolve, with projects like the Caspian Waterfront Mall adding to the mix of ancient and modern influences that characterise Baku's architectural landscape.

Qobustan: Located 50km south of Baku, Qobustan is famous for its ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes

Qobustan, located 50km south of Baku, is famous for its ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. The site is a fascinating mix of natural wonders and historical artefacts, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric life of the Caucasus region.

The Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve was established in 1966 to preserve the area's rich archaeological heritage, which includes prehistoric rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and musical stones. The reserve acquired national status in 2006, and in 2007, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The petroglyphs at Qobustan provide a unique window into the past, with over 6,000 carvings depicting ancient life, including scenes of hunting, dancing, and camel caravans. These carvings are believed to date back thousands of years, with some estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. The site also features the remains of caves and settlements, indicating that this area was inhabited from the Upper Palaeolithic Era through to the Middle Ages.

In addition to the petroglyphs, Qobustan is known for its mud volcanoes. These strange geological formations are created by water and soil mixtures being forced out of the Earth's crust by gas field pressure. Azerbaijan is particularly renowned for its mud volcanoes, with an estimated 300 of the world's 700 mud volcanoes located in the country. While most of these volcanoes are not easily accessible, the ones near Qobustan offer a unique experience for visitors. Unlike typical volcanoes, the mud here is usually cold, but it is believed to have medicinal properties, and some tourists even bathe in it.

A tour to Qobustan also provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture and history. The nearby town of Qobustan is home to ancient petroglyphs, offering a glimpse into the artistic expressions of prehistoric humans. Additionally, the area showcases the impact of the oil industry, with oil rigs and other installations visible along the Caspian Sea.

Qobustan is an excellent day trip from Baku and can be combined with a visit to the historical site of Qobustan and its petroglyphs. The drive from Baku takes about an hour, and tours are readily available. Visitors can also opt for a guided tour with a competent English-speaking guide, which can enhance the experience and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the region.

Quba: A small city and a great base for exploring the Caucasian villages around it

Quba is a small city in the northeastern region of Azerbaijan. It is a great base for exploring the Caucasian villages around it. The city is situated on the northeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, on the right bank of the Kudial River. Quba has a rich history, having been mentioned in the works of various European geographers and ancient Arabic and Albanian sources. The city was once the capital of a khanate founded in the 18th century. Today, Quba is known for its fruit-growing industry, particularly its apples, and its long history of carpet-making. The carpets produced in Quba are considered the best in Azerbaijan.

Quba has a population of around 47,000 people and is home to various ethnic groups, including Azerbaijanis, Tats, and Lezgians. The city's suburb, Qırmızı Qəsəbə, is notable for being home to the country's largest community of Mountain Jews.

When it comes to cuisine, Quba has been influenced by its multicultural history. Signature dishes include Quba tıxması, spicy kebabs, sac, Quba baklava, and tandir kebab.

There are several historic buildings and landmarks in and around Quba, including:

• Juma Mosque: Built in the 19th century from red brick, this mosque is constructed in the typical Quba province style.
• Sakina-Khanum Mosque: Erected in 1854 by the widow of Abbasgulu Bakikhanov, it features a unique faceted cylinder shape and is crowned by a white metal dome.
• Chuhur Hamam: A bathhouse with a beehive-shaped dome made of brick, no longer in use but was once a popular resting place for the locals.
• The House-museum of Abbasgulu Bakikhanov: A museum dedicated to the 19th-century writer, historian, and philosopher Abbasgulu Bakikhanov, located in the building where he once lived.
• The Kudyalchay Bridge: One of the seven bridges that existed in the Quba district in the 17th and 18th centuries, recently restored and protected as an architectural monument.
• Nizami Park: A park with a statue of the Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi and bas-reliefs depicting scenes from his works.
• The Olympic Complex: A recreational and sports centre located about 120 km from Baku, featuring football fields, basketball and volleyball facilities, cottages, apartments, and a conference hall.
• Guba Genocide Memorial: A memorial created to commemorate the victims of the 1918 genocide, located on the site of a mass grave discovered in 2007.

Quba also serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding Caucasian villages and experiencing their unique cultures and traditions. The village of Lahij, for example, is known for its cobblestone streets and craftsmanship in leatherwork, carpet-making, and copperware. The village of Khinalug is home to the Khinalugs ethnic group and offers a glimpse into their traditional way of life.

Overall, Quba offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the Caucasian villages and experiencing the local hospitality and cuisine.

Xinaliq: The highest village in Europe, Xinaliq is surrounded by the most striking scenery in the country

Xinaliq, also known as Khinalig or Xhinaliq, is a remote village in Azerbaijan, 20km from the border with Dagestan. It is the highest village in Europe, surrounded by the most striking scenery in the country.

Xinaliq is not easily accessible. It is a 3-4 hour drive from Baku to Quba, and then a further 2-3 hour drive from Quba to Xinaliq. The route from Quba to Xinaliq is one of the most spectacular drives you will ever experience, with breath-taking scenery that makes up for every pothole on the track.

Xinaliq is a small village, with a population of about 2,000 people. The village is built in the traditional style, with houses stacked on top of each other so that the flat roof of one building becomes the terrace of the building above. The manure of livestock is mixed with hay and dried on these roofs, losing its smell and becoming a source of heat and fire in winter.

The village has a rich history, dating back over 5,000 years. It is closely rooted in Albania (also known as Caucasian Albania), an ancient kingdom in the Caucasus. The language of the local community is completely independent and cannot be understood by most of the Azerbaijani population.

Xinaliq does not have many sights or attractions, and hiking in the region is complicated due to the nearby Russian border. However, the village and its surroundings make a visit an unforgettable experience. Walking around the village, you will be surrounded by a breathtaking backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The village is a glimpse into how people used to live in Azerbaijan and is a truly unique, magical place.

There are a few guesthouses and a hostel in Xinaliq, but life is difficult and modern luxuries are few and far between. If you want a real, back-to-nature experience, you can stay in a homestay in the village. Your taxi driver will usually have a connection to a homestay, or you can stay with Rauf's family, who are wonderful hosts.

Xinaliq is well worth the effort to get there. It is an incredible experience and a real highlight of Azerbaijan.

Sheki: A popular destination on the ancient Silk Road, Sheki is home to a rich cultural heritage

Sheki, a small city off the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is a popular destination steeped in the history of the ancient Silk Road. It is a place where you can follow in the footsteps of ancient travellers and merchants on a scenic route along the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. Sheki is filled with cobbled streets and medieval architecture, making it a green, country retreat—a complete contrast to the oil wells of Baku and the more arid, desert-like plains of southern Azerbaijan.

Sheki's rich cultural heritage is strongly associated with the production of kelaghayi, an important aspect of national women's dress. Made of pure silk, this unique item is considered a symbol of love, beauty, peace, and tranquility. Adorned with bright ornaments, this headdress embodies features of folk life, ancient values, and the resilience of Azerbaijani women. The process of its creation, consisting of several stages, is particularly intriguing. According to tradition, these scarves are exclusively made by men, expressing their feelings and attitudes towards women in the process.

Sheki was already an international centre for silk production by the 18th century. Much of the town's wealth came from sericulture and the trading of cocoons. It had an ideal climate for growing mulberry trees, which silk worms need to develop, and these trees can still be seen around the town. The town also became famous for a distinctive embroidery style, tekelduz, featuring the local flora and fauna.

In 2014, UNESCO recognised the kelaghayi (traditional large square headscarf), also known as a 'chargat' in the western part of the country, as intangible cultural heritage. The colours and patterns of kelaghayi often have meanings and importance for events such as weddings, engagements, mourning periods, and daily life.

Today, the Silk Road links are most visible in and around Sheki. The surviving historic buildings date to the last quarter of the 18th century and relate to the town's rise in importance after Haji Chalabi Khan revolted against the ruler of the Safavid dynasty, Nadir Shah, and Shah of Persia. Sheki is characterised by traditional architecture—tiled-roof houses with high gables.

Sheki's architecture also includes two 18th-century caravanserais: yukhary and ashaghy (lower and upper), linked to the citadel by Sheki's ancient commercial road. The upper caravanserai has returned to its roots, with part of the restored building now housing a hotel, while the other rooms are mainly craft shops.

Sheki, a popular destination on the ancient Silk Road, is indeed home to a rich cultural heritage.

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