Azerbaijan's Top Attractions: A Traveler's Guide To The Country's Gems

Azerbaijan, a country that straddles both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, is a fascinating place to visit. From flaming mountains and mud volcanoes to ancient mosques and modern architecture, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. Baku, the capital city, offers a unique mix of old and new, with its walled city of Icheri Seher and modern skyscrapers. Beyond Baku, there are many other must-see places in Azerbaijan, including the Flame Towers, the Gobustan National Park with its prehistoric rock art, and the Absheron National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife. The Land of Fire, as it is known, also boasts impressive historic sites such as the Palace of Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, as well as the Naftalan Oil Resort, famous for its healing crude oil. With its rich culture, stunning nature, and friendly locals, Azerbaijan is a must-see destination that will leave a lasting impression.

Baku: A mix of old and new, from the walled city of Icheri Seher to modern skyscrapers.

Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating mix of old and new. The city's rich history and cultural heritage blend seamlessly with its modern developments, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. Here is a more detailed look at what Baku has to offer:

The Walled City of Icheri Seher

The historic core of Baku, Icheri Seher, also known as the Old City, is a must-visit destination. Encased within protective walls, Icheri Seher transports visitors back in time with its grand palaces, mosques, and the sunken ruins of old hammams and caravanserais. The narrow alleys and curving roads of this oval-shaped city within a city evoke a sense of ancient charm. Icheri Seher was first settled between the 7th and 12th centuries, and most of its major landmarks, including the Palace and Maiden Tower, date back to this period. In 2000, it became the first place in Azerbaijan to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Modern Skyscrapers and Developments

In stark contrast to the Old City, Baku boasts soaring skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, and ultramodern civic buildings. The Bulvar, soon to be the world's largest public park, is a perfect example of Baku's modern amenities. The city also has a vibrant waterfront promenade, the Baku Boulevard, established in 1909, offering stunning views of the Caspian Sea. The recent extension, Yeni Bulvar, has doubled the length of the promenade, making it an ideal spot to enjoy sunsets and take in the city's skyline.

A City of Contrasts

What makes Baku truly unique is the way it blends its ancient past with a modern, forward-thinking vision. Flash hotels, restaurants, and high-end boutiques sit alongside traditional carpet vendors and silver merchants in the Old City. The city's architectural styles range from Baroque and Gothic buildings constructed during the Russian occupation to futuristic structures like the Flame Towers, which have become a symbol of the city. Baku truly embodies the best of both worlds, offering visitors a diverse and captivating experience.

Other Must-See Attractions in Baku

• The Palace of the Shirvanshahs: This medieval complex served as the seat of power and residence of northeastern Azerbaijan's ruling family. It features exquisite stonework and intricate Islamic designs.
• Maiden Tower: Baku's most recognisable landmark, the Maiden Tower, is shrouded in mystery. It is believed to have been a fire temple and site for sky burials and now houses a museum on Baku's history.
• Muhammad Mosque: Built in the 11th century, this mosque symbolises Baku and features a minaret damaged during the Russo-Persian War, left unrepaired as a marker of the city's courage.
• Bazaar Square: An impressive archaeological site, Bazaar Square offers a glimpse into Baku's vibrant past with its stone cloisters and perfectly symmetrical archways.
• Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center: This iconic trio of buildings, located on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the old city centre, showcases the country's rich culture in music, arts, and fashion.
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: One of the largest carpet museums in the world, this museum displays a wide range of weaving styles and materials from various periods, along with pottery and metalworks dating back to the 14th century.
• Bibi-Heybat Mosque: A historic mosque originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 1990s, holding significant religious and cultural importance for Azerbaijani Muslims.

Absheron National Park: Home to Caspian seals, gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers and more.

Absheron National Park is a unique natural sanctuary in Azerbaijan, situated on the southeastern tip of the Absheron Peninsula. Covering 783 hectares, the park was established in 1969 as the Absheron State Nature Preserve to protect Caspian Seals and gazelles. In 2005, it was revitalised with a focus on conservation and eco-tourism development.

The park is characterised by semi-arid steppe and dunes, with a rich variety of wildlife. It is home to over 50 species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot gulls, terns, ducks, waders, and raptors, with the short-eared owl being a highlight during autumn.

The park is also inhabited by mammals such as foxes, jackals, badgers, and rabbits. Reptiles are another feature, with several snake species present, including the non-poisonous dice snakes. The park also boasts 25 species of plants, contributing to its unique ecosystem.

Historically, Caspian Seals visited the park's shores between May and August, offering a rare opportunity to observe these small, endangered seals. However, recent reports suggest that the gazelles and seals are no longer present in the park.

The park can be challenging to reach due to a lack of road signs and limited public transportation. Visitors are advised to rent a vehicle or join an organised tour, with guides providing valuable navigation and translation services.

Despite its small size compared to other national parks, Absheron National Park offers a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts visiting Azerbaijan.

Mud Volcanoes: Azerbaijan has the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world.

Azerbaijan is home to the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world. Of the 700 mud volcanoes on Earth, 350 are located in Azerbaijan. The local people refer to these volcanoes as "yanardagh" (burning mountain), "pilpila" (terrace), "gaynacha" (boiling water), and "bozdag" (grey mountain). These volcanoes are spread across the country, with several in the Gobustan National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gobustan National Park is also home to ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs, some of which date back to 10,000 B.C.

The mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan are associated with oilfields, and eruptions from these volcanoes are used as raw materials in various industries, including construction, chemical, and pharmacology. The eruptions are accompanied by strong explosions and underground rumbling, with gases emerging from deep within the Earth and igniting immediately. The Garasu volcano, for instance, has seen flames reach up to 1,000 meters during eruptions.

The activity of these volcanoes can be observed among strata of various ages, and they are believed to have a similar structure to the uplands of Mars, as concluded by NASA geologists. The Ayranteken volcano, located 65 km from Baku, is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Azerbaijan. It has been marked by frequent eruptions, underground explosions, and huge flames.

A visit to the mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan offers a unique and captivating experience. The Gobustan mud volcanoes, in particular, provide insights into prehistoric human life and culture, with thousands of petroglyphs and carvings that date back thousands of years.

Ganja: The Bottle House, made from 50,000 glass bottles, is a must-see.

Ganja, the second-largest city in Azerbaijan, is a must-visit for anyone travelling to the country. The city is known for its pretty vineyards, lakes, and forests. However, one of its most intriguing attractions is the Bottle House, constructed from nearly 50,000 glass bottles.

The Bottle House is a unique private residence, built by Ganja resident Ibrahim Jafarov between 1966 and 1967. The two-storey building is made from glass bottles of various shapes, sizes, and colours, as well as colourful stones sourced from Sochi. The bottles form intricate patterns, with the glass sparkling in the sun. This fascinating structure is a testament to both engineering and artistic creativity.

The Bottle House was built as a memorial to Jafarov's brother, Yusif Jafarov, who went missing during World War II. The house features a large portrait of Yusif underneath the protrusion of the roof at the front. The words "Ganja", the historic name of the city, are written on different parts of the building using the bottoms of bottles. During the time of the house's construction, the city was officially named Kirovabad.

The Bottle House has been recently reconstructed and is now a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Visitors can view the house from the street and are sometimes invited in for tea by the current owners. There is no fee to visit, but guests can contribute to the maintenance of the house by purchasing souvenirs from a stand under the porch.

Gobustan: An ancient archaeological site, featuring over 6,000 rock drawings.

Azerbaijan is a country with a rich history and culture, nestled between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. One of its most fascinating sites is Gobustan, an ancient archaeological treasure trove located about 64 kilometres southwest of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. This site, a designated UNESCO World Heritage area, offers a glimpse into the distant past with its plethora of rock drawings, mud volcanoes, and historical artefacts.

Gobustan National Park is a vast expanse of natural beauty and ancient history, boasting around half of the world's mud volcanoes. While the mud volcanoes are a result of different geological conditions from those found in Yellowstone National Park, the sights, smells, and sounds are strikingly similar. Beyond the volcanoes, Gobustan is home to mysterious petroglyphs that date back to 10,000 B.C., providing a glimpse into the lives and artistic expressions of our ancient ancestors.

The park's diverse landscapes attract visitors worldwide, and its semi-desert terrain is home to a variety of wildlife, including gazelles, birds, jackals, badgers, and Caspian seals. The clear waters are also teeming with life, occasionally revealing the presence of sea snakes. For those interested in ancient history, Gobustan's rock drawings are a highlight. There are over 6,000 rock drawings spread across 537 hectares, offering a dense concentration of ancient art.

The drawings depict a range of subjects, including humans, animals, and various symbols. Some drawings even appear to show people dancing, providing a fascinating insight into the cultural and spiritual practices of our prehistoric ancestors. The drawings are believed to date back to the Stone Age, with some possibly originating even earlier.

Gobustan is not just a collection of ancient rock art; it also provides evidence of human settlements and ancient tombstones. This site truly is a journey back in time, offering a unique perspective on the lives and creativity of our distant forebears.

In addition to its archaeological significance, Gobustan is also known for its natural beauty. The area surrounding the park features lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and charming villages nestled in the majestic Talysh mountains. The region is believed to have medicinal properties, with the water, air, and plants said to possess healing qualities.

Frequently asked questions