Explore Azerbaijan: Top Attractions And Must-Do Activities

Azerbaijan, or the Land of Fire, is a country of contrasts between the old and the new. Baku, the capital city, is a great place to witness this transformation first-hand. From the hypermodern beauty of the Heydar Aliyev Centre to the ancient Maiden Tower, here are some of the must-do things in Azerbaijan:

- Explore Baku's Old City and its cobbled streets, indulging in traditional Azerbaijani breakfasts and egg-based dishes.

- Visit Sheki's old town, surrounded by lush Caucasian countryside. Spend an afternoon admiring the signature gabled-roof architecture and intricate brickwork of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

- Discover ancient churches and learn about Azerbaijan's history and heritage, including the charming 17th-century church in the village of Nij, home to an ancient Christian community called the Udis.

- Hike between timeless mountain villages in the Caucasus Mountains, shrouded in myth and legend, and meet the multicultural peoples who call this place home.

- Marvel at Baku's modern wonders, including the Heydar Aliyev Centre, Flame Towers, and Carpet Museum.

- Relax by the Caspian Sea, enjoying scenic views and sun-soaked beaches just a 30-minute drive from Baku.

- Go wildlife-spotting in national parks, home to rare fauna and flora in important wilderness zones.

- Sample Azerbaijan's new wines, produced from foreign and native grapes at wineries across the country.

- Embrace the tea culture and experience traditional Azerbaijani hospitality through their tea ceremonies.

- Listen to the singing stone in Gobustan National Park, one of the many unusual attractions in Azerbaijan.

- Climb the legendary Maiden Tower in Baku, steeped in legends and offering a bird's-eye view of the historic quarter.

- Swim in the Caspian Sea, believed to hold healing powers, and enjoy the modern amenities of beachside resorts.

- Explore the Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan, home to a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape with nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes.

- Discover the mysterious Ateshgah Temple, once a place of worship for Zoroastrians and later restored by fire-worshipping Hindu merchants.

- Admire the stunning Sheki Khans' Palace, constructed without a single nail and featuring exquisite stained glass windows and miniature paintings.

- Indulge in qutab, the local equivalent of pizza or croissants, and live like a local by eating with your hands and dipping it in a special sauce.

Explore Baku's Old City

Baku's Old City, also known as the Walled City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination in Azerbaijan. Here are some tips to explore Baku's Old City:

• Start your day with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast in the Old City's cobblestone streets. Indulge in egg-based dishes like pomidor chigirtma, a delicious combination of scrambled eggs and cooked tomatoes, served with hot tandoor-baked bread, honey, cheeses, creams, and yoghurt, accompanied by copious amounts of tea.
• Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century palace complex that includes a palace, burial vaults, and a mosque. You can explore the relics and artefacts inside the palace or admire the view from the outside.
• Check out the Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of Baku's most distinctive buildings. Climb to the top of the tower for incredible views of the Caspian Sea and the city.
• Wander through the ancient streets of the Old City, taking in the unique architecture and exploring museums and souvenir shops.
• Visit the Muhammad Mosque, an 11th-century mosque located within the Old City.
• Enjoy the panoramic view of Baku from the Highland Park, located across the road from the Carpet Museum. You can either hike up the stairs or take the funicular to the top.
• Experience the vibrant nightlife of Baku's Old City, with its lively restaurants and cafes.

Visit the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Visiting the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a must when in Azerbaijan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Gobustan National Park and is home to over 6,000 rock engravings, some of which date back 40,000 years. The site also includes remains of inhabited caves, burials, and other human settlements from the post-Ice Age period through to the Middle Ages.

The park is rich in archaeological monuments and offers a fascinating insight into the history and art of the region's prehistoric people. A small museum provides an introduction to the park's human and ecological history, while a trail leads visitors to some of the most interesting petroglyph sites.

The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is also famous for its natural mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan is home to around 350 of the world's 800 mud volcanoes, and Gobustan offers a unique opportunity to get up close to these unusual geological features.

• Getting There and Tickets: Gobustan is located in central Azerbaijan, and there are various tours available from Baku that include a visit to Gobustan along with other attractions. The entrance fee to Gobustan is 10 AZN for adults and 1 AZN for students.
• What to See and Do: Start your visit at the small museum to get an overview of the site's history. Then, follow the trail to explore the petroglyphs and other archaeological remains. Don't miss the chance to see the mud volcanoes, which are a unique feature of this landscape.
• Combine with Other Attractions: Many tours combine a visit to Gobustan with other nearby attractions, such as the Ateshgah Fire Temple, Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), and mud volcanoes. This can be a great way to make the most of your time and see a variety of sights in one day.
• Guided Tours: It is recommended to visit Gobustan with a guide who can explain the history and significance of the rock art. English-speaking guides are usually available, and they can provide valuable insights into the ancient engravings and the culture of the people who created them.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be exploring the site on foot. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially if visiting during the hotter months.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to visit Azerbaijan, as the weather is milder, and you can enjoy the surrounding nature in full bloom or autumn colors.

Overall, a visit to the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient rock art, learn about the region's history, and experience the natural wonders of Azerbaijan.

Marvel at Baku's modern architecture

Baku, Azerbaijan's capital city, is a melting pot of architectural styles, reflecting its Zoroastrian, Islamic, and Soviet past, as well as its oil-rich present. The city boasts a diverse mix of influences from both East and West, with ambitious and stunning architectural developments that honour its history while embracing innovation.

One of the most iconic symbols of Baku is the Maiden Tower, believed to have been completed in the 12th century, though some scholars suggest the first three storeys could date back to 600 BC. This enigmatic cylindrical tower, soaring above the Old City walls, is shrouded in mystery, with legends and myths fuelling its intrigue.

Nearby, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a masterpiece of 15th-century Azerbaijani architecture, transports visitors back in time. This sandstone palace complex, once the seat of northeastern Azerbaijan's ruling dynasty during the Middle Ages, showcases intricate maze-like streets, flat-roofed houses, and a striking fortress wall.

In recent years, Baku has witnessed a transformation with the addition of modern architectural marvels. Here is a detailed look at some of these contemporary wonders:

The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are a trio of cutting-edge, continuously curved skyscrapers that dominate the Baku skyline. Construction began in October 2007 and was completed in 2013. The towers serve multiple purposes: one tower offers 39 storeys of residential apartments, the second tower is a 36-floor hotel, and the third tower boasts over 350,000 square feet of premium office space. A retail and entertainment complex seamlessly connects the three towers at ground level.

The sleek, flame-shaped design pays homage to Azerbaijan's tradition of fire worship, a nod to the country's natural gas resources. By night, over 10,000 LED lights illuminate the exterior with fiery imagery, creating a spectacular visual effect. The Flame Towers are a testament to Baku's ambition to embrace modern architecture and break away from the functional Modernist style of the Soviet era.

Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is a signature landmark of modern Baku. Its sweeping curves signify a new era for the city, marking its departure from traditional styles. Completed in 2006, the centre houses a conference hall, a gallery, and a museum, playing an integral role in the city's cultural life. The building has received international recognition, solidifying Baku's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge design.

SOCAR Tower

The SOCAR Tower is an impressive structure composed of two towers that gracefully curve around each other as they ascend to a height of 209 meters. This architectural wonder houses 42 floors of office space and conference facilities. The tower is a testament to modern engineering, capable of withstanding wind speeds of 190 km/h and earthquakes measuring nine on the Richter scale.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, dedicated to the country's long tradition of carpet weaving, is itself shaped like a rolled-up carpet, making it a unique addition to Baku's architectural landscape. Opened in 2014, the museum showcases the work of Latif Karimov, Azerbaijan's best-known carpet weaving artist. The exhibition is spread across three floors, chronicling the development of Azerbaijani carpet weaving and its role in traditions.

Baku Crystal Hall

Baku Crystal Hall is an ultra-modern angular structure that initially served as the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012. Today, it houses a concert hall and a sports stadium, capable of accommodating 25,000 fans. This versatile space embodies Baku's ability to blend functionality with innovative design.

Baku's modern architectural wonders extend beyond this list, with other notable mentions including the Port Baku Towers, the Full Moon Hotel, and the Baku Hilton Hotel. The city continues to embrace contemporary design while drawing inspiration from its rich cultural heritage, solidifying its reputation as a global destination for architectural enthusiasts.

Experience the Caspian Sea

Azerbaijan boasts over 500 km of Caspian Sea coastline, with scenic views and sun-soaked beaches just a 30-minute drive from Baku. The golden sands of the Absheron Peninsula come alive each summer with luxury resorts, water parks, local fish restaurants, and scenic beaches. The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, often described as the world's largest lake. It is home to a wide range of species and is famous for its caviar and oil industries.

The shores of the Caspian Sea offer plenty of excellent beach clubs to enjoy, from the Absheron Peninsula resorts easily reached from Baku to the water sports centre at Shuraabad. If you're looking for tranquility and romance, head to less crowded beaches such as Bilgah, Mardakan, Pirshagi, Nardaran, and Zagulba.

For those seeking adventure, the scenic lagoon at Shuraabad is the perfect place to learn how to kitesurf. Once you've mastered the basics, you can take your board out into the open Caspian. Both professionals and amateurs can also try windsurfing at some Baku beaches.

If you want to explore the Caspian Sea further, you can take a yacht trip or a ferry service across the sea. Baku is the largest port on the Caspian Sea and offers moorings for large vessels such as oil tankers.

The Caspian Sea is not just a place for relaxation and water sports; it also has a rich history and cultural significance. Ancient inhabitants of its coast perceived the Caspian Sea as an ocean, and it was referred to as the "Hyrcanian ocean" by Greeks and Persians in classical antiquity. The sea's name stems from the ancient people, the Caspi, who lived to the southwest of the sea in Transcaucasia.

The Caspian Sea is an important economic resource for the region, with oil and gas platforms abound along its edges. All the Caspian region economies are highly dependent on this type of mineral wealth. The world's first offshore wells and machine-drilled wells were made in Bibi-Heybat Bay, near Baku.

The Caspian Sea is also facing environmental challenges due to pollution from the oil industry and dams on rivers that drain into it. There are ongoing efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea, such as the Protocol for the Protection of the Caspian Sea signed by Kazakhstan in 2021.

Discover Azerbaijan's Zoroastrian roots

Azerbaijan is known as the "Land of Fire", owing to its rich supplies of oil and natural gas. Fire holds a sacred place in Azerbaijani culture and mythology, stemming from its Zoroastrian roots. Zoroastrianism, founded by the Iranian prophet Zoroaster, is one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, and fire is its most important symbol of purity.

Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan dates back to the first millennium BC or earlier, and was the predominant religion before the conversion to Islam. Zoroastrianism has left a lasting impact on the history of Azerbaijan, with the country's name attributed to the Persian word for fire, "azar". Today, the religion, culture, and traditions of Zoroastrianism are still highly respected in Azerbaijan, and its new year, Nowruz, is one of the country's main holidays.

Visit the Zoroastrian Fire Temples

The fire temples, or "ateshgah", are among the best evidence of Azerbaijan's Zoroastrian history. These temples were built to keep the sacred flames of Zoroastrianism burning. The most famous fire temple is the ateshgah of Surakhani, located just east of Baku. This castle-like structure, with its four arches opening to an altar topped by a dome, dates back to the 17th century. The Surakhani fire temple is a popular tourist destination, attracting many visitors from India, home to the largest group of Zoroastrians in the world.

Another notable fire temple is the one in the remote, mountainous village of Khinaliq. This ever-burning fire, fuelled by methane gas, holds a sacred status among hikers embarking on the challenging climb towards Mount Aliyev. The current structure in Khinaliq is relatively recent, with its construction financed by the World Zoroastrian Organisation in 2016.

Explore Baku's Zoroastrian Connections

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, also boasts several Zoroastrian landmarks. Some scholars believe that the 12th-century Maiden's Tower, a 29-metre-tall Unesco-inscribed monument in Baku's historical Old City, could have Zoroastrian origins. The tower displays two distinct layers of bricks, leading to speculation that the lower part may have once been a dakhma, a Zoroastrian funerary tower where dead bodies were purified through excarnation.

Additionally, the Absheron Peninsula and Baku were centres of Zoroastrianism in ancient times. The abundance of natural gas deposits in the region made it easy to maintain the sacred flames of the religion.

Experience Nowruz Celebrations

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a Zoroastrian-influenced tradition and one of Azerbaijan's biggest holidays. Each year, Azerbaijanis celebrate the coming of spring with Nowruz, which falls on March 21. The four Tuesdays preceding the holiday are dedicated to the four elements: water, fire, wind, and earth. People celebrate by dancing, singing, playing games, and jumping over small bonfires. The Zoroastrian concept of renewal and reverence for nature is evident in these festivities.

Discover Zoroastrian Influences in Daily Life

Despite Islam being the predominant religion in Azerbaijan today, Zoroastrian beliefs, customs, and traditions continue to influence contemporary culture. Zoroastrianism's emphasis on fire as a sacred symbol is reflected in daily rituals, such as the Azerbaijani tea ceremony. Fire is synonymous with hospitality in Azerbaijan, and it is customary to offer tea to guests, served in a special pear-shaped glass with lemon and sugar.

Additionally, Zoroastrianism's influence can be seen in the country's cuisine. For example, the traditional Azerbaijani breakfast includes pomidor chigirtma, a dish of scrambled eggs and cooked tomatoes, enjoyed with tandoor-baked bread, honey, cheeses, and creams.

Explore Ancient Zoroastrian Sites

Beyond the fire temples, there are other ancient sites in Azerbaijan that bear traces of Zoroastrianism. The village of Khinalig in the west of the Guba district is known for its Zoroastrian temples and sanctuaries. The Burj sanctuary, reflecting Zoroastrian influences, was built in the 7th century in the oldest part of Khinalig. Additionally, there are numerous caves and holy places, or "pirs", in the surrounding district.

Baku's Flame Towers, a modern architectural landmark, also nod to the country's Zoroastrian roots, with their design inspired by the element of fire.

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