Exploring Leisure Activities In Azerbaijan's Vibrant Culture

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country with a unique blend of cultures from Europe, the Middle East, and the former Soviet Union. Baku, its capital, is a modern metropolis with a rich history, combining the old and the new. From extravagant luxury buildings to ancient temples and pubs, Baku has something for everyone.

Azerbaijan offers a variety of experiences, from the scenic coastline of the Caspian Sea to the majestic Caucasus Mountains. The country is known for its delicious cuisine, a mouthwatering blend of eastern and western influences. The people of Azerbaijan are friendly and welcoming, making it a super safe destination for travellers.

Azerbaijan has something for everyone, whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or a party animal. You can hike in the Caucasus Mountains, explore the medieval walled capital of Baku, or party in its fancy nightclubs. With its diverse attractions and affordable prices, Azerbaijan is a great choice for travellers seeking unique experiences.

Exploring Baku's old town

Baku's Old City, also known as Icherisheher, is a must-visit when in Azerbaijan. This walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its rich history and architectural beauty. Here are some things to do when exploring Baku's Old Town:

• Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Baku's most important historic landmark. The complex includes burial vaults, mausoleums, gates, bathhouses, reservoirs, and a mosque, all adorned with exquisite stonework.
• Climb the Maiden Tower, Baku's most recognisable landmark. This mysterious structure, thought to be a former Zoroastrian fire temple, offers panoramic views of the Old City, the Bulvar, and the Caspian Sea.
• Visit the Muhammad Mosque, also known as the Siniggala Mosque. The minaret, damaged by a Russian shell during the Russo-Persian War, was never repaired, serving as a symbol of the city's courage and defiance.
• Discover the excavated Bazaar Square, one of the most impressive archaeological sites within the Old City. Climb down the stairs to walk through the stone cloisters with their symmetrical archways, housing tombs, sculptures, and other artefacts.
• Wander through the Caravanserais, ancient buildings that served as inns for traders on the Silk Road. Two of these structures remain: the Multani Caravanserai and the Bukhara Caravanserai, now housing restaurants and cafes.
• Marvel at the Dervish Takyeh, a 13th-century building used as a mosque and a school, where members of the Dervish sect performed their rituals.
• Get lost in the back alleys of the residential quarter, where you'll find hidden courtyards, cafes, and local shops. The vintage streets are filled with art galleries, traditional craft workshops, and stores offering unique souvenirs.
• Shop for carpets, silver items, antiques, Soviet memorabilia, ceramics, and traditional Azerbaijani clothing.
• Indulge in some delicious Azerbaijani cuisine, including plov, dolma, kebabs, dushbara, and pakhlava.

The best time to visit Baku's Old Town is during the peak season, from April to June, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this period.

The Old City is easily accessible by metro; simply take the Red Line to the Icherisheher station, located right next to the city walls.

Hiking in the Caucasus Mountains

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country that combines influences from Europe, the Middle East, and the Soviet Union. The country's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for travellers seeking adventure and unique experiences.

When to Go

The best time to visit the mountains is from April to October, especially during the summer if you plan on doing some trekking. The climate in Baku and its surrounding areas is continental, with hot summers and extremely cold winters. Therefore, mid-spring and mid-autumn are the ideal times for backpacking and hiking in Azerbaijan.

Where to Go

Quba

Quba is a small city located about 180km north of Baku. It serves as a gateway to the Greater Caucasus Mountain range and offers a great base for exploring the surrounding Caucasian villages. The city has a local vibe with a bustling bazaar. From Quba, you can visit the villages of Xinaliq and Laza, which are popular hiking destinations.

Xinaliq

Xinaliq is a picturesque village located at an elevation of 2,350 meters above sea level, making it the highest village in Europe if counted as part of the continent. The village is surrounded by stunning scenery and is home to people of a distinct ethnicity and language. Xinaliq offers plenty of day treks, with trails that can be completed in 2 to 3 hours.

Laza

Laza is another beautiful Caucasian village located in the Greater Caucasus region. In the winter, it transforms into the most popular ski resort in Azerbaijan. Laza offers numerous day-trek opportunities, allowing hikers to explore its untouched natural surroundings.

Sheki

Sheki is a city nestled in the heart of the Caucasus and is known for its rich cultural heritage. It was once an important marketplace on the Silk Road. Sheki boasts awesome day hikes, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful medieval architecture. The Palace of Sheki Khans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see attraction.

Lahij

Lahij is a medieval-looking town located along a spectacular road that winds through jagged cliffs. It is known as the Azerbaijani capital of handicrafts and offers a unique blend of mountain landscapes and traditional crafts.

Practical Information

Transcaucasian Trail

An exciting development for hikers is the Transcaucasian Trail, an ambitious project to create a 1,500km long-distance hiking trail connecting the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea via the Caucasus Mountains. The trail aims to provide easy access to the diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes of the region. While still in its early stages, some sections in Armenia and Georgia are already complete, and the trail is expected to open up new hiking opportunities in the coming years.

Visiting the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, often described as the world's largest lake. It is an endorheic basin, meaning it has no regular outlets, with about 130 rivers and waterways flowing into it. It is located between Europe and Asia, east of the Caucasus and west of Central Asia, and is bounded by Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkmenistan.

The Caspian Sea is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea and is the largest city in the Caspian Sea region. The Caspian offers a scenic coastline, with excellent beach clubs and water sports centres. Baku also offers windsurfing sessions at some of its beaches.

For those seeking a tranquil escape, there are less crowded beaches such as Bilgah, Mardakan, Pirshagi, Nardaran, and Zagulba. The Caspian Sea is also a great place to take a yacht trip or go kitesurfing and windsurfing.

The Caspian Sea is famous for its caviar and oil industries, and ancient written accounts perceive it as an ocean, likely due to its salinity and large size. The sea stretches 1,200 km from north to south, with an average width of 320 km, and has a surface area of 371,000 km2, nearly five times the size of Lake Superior.

The Caspian Sea is a must-visit destination when in Azerbaijan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures.

Touring ancient temples

Azerbaijan is known as the "Land of Fire" due to its vast supplies of oil and natural gas. Fire holds a sacred place in Azerbaijani culture and mythology, stemming from its ancient Zoroastrian roots. Fire temples were built across the country to keep the sacred flames of Zoroastrianism burning. Today, two fire temples remain in Azerbaijan: the Ateshgah of Baku and the Surakhani Fire Temple.

The Ateshgah of Baku

The Ateshgah of Baku, often called the "Fire Temple of Baku", is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhany, a suburb of Baku. The pentagonal complex has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetrapillar-altar in the middle. The temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. The temple's name, "Atashgah", means "home of fire" in Persian. The natural eternal flame in the temple went out in 1969 due to the heavy exploitation of the area's natural gas reserves. However, the flame was later reignited, and it continues to burn today, fuelled by gas piped in from Baku.

The Surakhani Fire Temple

The Surakhani Fire Temple, also known as the Ateshgah of Surakhani, is located just east of Baku. This temple is Azerbaijan's most famous fire temple and a popular tourist destination. The structure, which dates back to the 17th century, has four arches that open to an altar topped by a dome. Zoroastrian architectural elements blend with Sanskrit engravings dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha.

Other Ancient Temples in Azerbaijan

While the Ateshgah of Baku and the Surakhani Fire Temple are the most well-known fire temples in Azerbaijan, there are also several other ancient temples in the country. Here are a few notable examples:

• The Temple of Fire in Takhta-Suleyman: Mentioned in the "Avesta", this temple was one of the most ancient and revered fire-worship temples. Sasanid Shahinshahs were crowned here, even though they had their own highly recognised fire-worship temples.
• Mozdait Temple in Zakatala: A unique rock temple dating back to the beginning of the common era.
• Christian temples in Garabag, Sheki-Zakatal, and the Kazakh region: Numerous Christian temples have survived from ancient times in these regions.
• Agoglan Temple in Kosalar: This temple is an example of Alban architecture dating back to the 4th-16th centuries.
• Amaras Monastery in Sos: Another ancient monastery from the Alban period.

These ancient temples are a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of Azerbaijan, which has been influenced by various civilisations throughout the ages.

Enjoying the nightlife

Azerbaijan's nightlife is centred around its capital, Baku, which has been described as the "hub of nightlife in the country". Baku has something for everyone, from rooftop bars to intimate jazz cafes, and energetic dance floors to sports bars.

Rooftop Bars

Baku has several rooftop bars, including the 360 Bar on the 25th floor of the Hilton Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea. The seating platform rotates very slowly, adding a unique experience to your drinks.

Another rooftop bar is the Latitude & Longitude Bar Lounge, located in The Merchant Hotel, which has both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor lounge has a glass ceiling, allowing you to enjoy the night sky while you sip on cocktails.

Jazz Cafes

If you're a jazz fan, Baku has several spots to enjoy live music. ETUD Cafe and Bar is an underground hub for local jazz, with live gigs and a vibrant crowd. The lighting is warm, and the drinks are blended with a Spanish touch.

Pera Lounge & Karaoke is another vibrant bar, offering an impressive karaoke experience with separate seating areas for karaoke and gaming.

Dance Floors

For those who want to dance the night away, Baku has plenty of options. IN Club is known for its Techno music and crazy electronic music parties, with a young, enthusiastic crowd.

For a more luxurious experience, try the Buddha-Bar, owned by the Saffron Group, which is believed to be the most beautiful bar in Baku. Entry to this bar is expensive, but they offer free entry for couples.

Sports Bars

For a more relaxed evening, Baku has several sports bars. William Shakespeare is a sports bar serving Mexican food and beer, with live bands and a pool table.

Finnegan's Irish Pub will transport you to the authentic Irish bars of Ireland, with sports, live music, and Irish beer.

Other Options

For a true taste of Germany, head to Paulaner Bräuhaus, part of a popular bar chain found all over the world. Mondays are dedicated to 'Unlimited Beer' night, and they have their own microbreweries to preserve the authenticity of German flavours.

For a quiet drink and intimate ambiance, try Madrid Bar, which offers outdoor seating and is known for its drink mixes with a Spanish touch.

Baku Night Tours

If you want to explore Baku's landmarks illuminated at night, you can take a nighttime tour. These tours, led by local guides, offer insights into the city's history, culture, and traditions. The Flame Towers, Old City, Baku Boulevard, Highland Park, and Flag Square are particularly captivating when lit up at night.

Frequently asked questions