Exploring Azerbaijan: Baku, The Country's Captivating Capital

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Baku is the country's largest city and is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is the administrative, cultural, scientific, and industrial centre of Azerbaijan. Baku covers an area of 2,200 square kilometres and has a population of over 2 million people, making it the most populous city in the Caucasus region. The city has a rich history, with the earliest signs of human settlement in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. Baku has played an important role in the region throughout its history due to its strategic location and natural resources, particularly its oil industry. Today, Baku is known for its blend of historical and modern architecture, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites and impressive skyscrapers.

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan

Baku has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The earliest signs of human settlement in the area date back to the Bronze Age. Rock engravings found at the archaeological site of Gobustan, 60 kilometres away from Baku, reveal that the area was inhabited by tribes as far back as the 12th century BCE. During antiquity, various civilisations, including the Persians and the Romans, influenced the city. In the 7th century, Baku became a part of the Arab Caliphate, and Islam became the dominant religion. Baku was a city within the Shirvanshah kingdom during the Middle Ages.

The core of present-day Baku is the old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 27-metre tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden's Tower), which dates back to the 12th century. The old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (now a museum) and the 11th-century Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque. The walled city, along with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden's Tower, were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

Baku is also a major cultural and educational centre. It is the site of Baku State University (founded 1919), Khazar University (1991), and Azerbaijan Technical University (1950). There are also several other institutions of higher education, including one specialising in the oil industry. The Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences comprises numerous scientific research establishments.

Baku's economy is primarily based on the oil and gas industry, with significant contributions from the construction, transport, and services sectors. The city is the financial and business hub of Azerbaijan. Baku has also been developing its tourism industry, focusing on its rich cultural history and modern architecture.

It is the largest city in the Caucasus region

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The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku, a vibrant city on the Caspian Sea. With a population of over 2 million people, Baku is not just the political but also the cultural and economic heart of the country. It is the largest city in the Caucasus region, a diverse and historic area straddling Europe and Asia. The Caucasus includes Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Iran, Turkey, and Russia, and Baku has long been a key cultural and trade hub for the entire region.

The city's history as a regional powerhouse dates back to the 10th century when it was a central point on the ancient Silk Road, connecting East and West. This rich mercantile history has left its mark on the city, with a unique blend of architectural styles and cultural influences. From the ancient Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the old city to the modern Flame Towers that now dominate the skyline, Baku's architecture is a testament to its long and varied past.

As the largest city in the region, Baku has long been a melting pot of cultures and a hub for trade and commerce. Its location on the Caspian Sea has made it a vital port city, connecting the Caucasus to Central Asia and beyond. The city has long been known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a diverse range of ethnic groups and religions coexisting and contributing to its rich cultural life. This cultural diversity, combined with a vibrant arts scene and a thriving culinary tradition, makes Baku a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic taste of the Caucasus.

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Baku is also the Caucasus region's economic engine. The city has been transformed by oil wealth, with the petroleum industry driving much of its modern development. The city is home to numerous international companies and has become a center for business and finance, with a rapidly growing economy. This economic power has fueled the city's rapid growth and development, with modern skyscrapers and infrastructure projects transforming the skyline.

Baku is Azerbaijan's cultural, scientific and industrial centre

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and its largest city. It is also the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is the country's primate city, with about 25% of Azerbaijan's population living in its metropolitan area. The city is divided into twelve administrative raions and 48 townships.

Baku is Azerbaijan's cultural, scientific, and industrial centre. Many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters in the city. In the 2010s, Baku became a venue for major international events, including the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, the 2015 European Games, the Islamic Solidarity Games, the European Grand Prix, and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

As a cultural centre, Baku has many museums, including the Baku Museum of Modern Art, the Azerbaijan State Museum of History, and the National Museum of History. The city also has many ancient hamams (traditional Islamic baths) dating back to the 12th, 14th, and 18th centuries. Baku's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. The city is also known for its distinctive contemporary architecture, including the Heydar Aliyev Centre, Flame Towers, and Baku Crystal Hall.

As a scientific centre, Baku has a long history of human settlement, with traces dating back to the Stone Age. The city has several prehistoric sites, including rock carvings near Bayil and a prehistoric observatory near Nardaran. Baku has also been an important centre for astronomy, with images of the sun and constellations carved into rock alongside a primitive astronomic table.

As an industrial centre, Baku's largest industry is petroleum, with its exports making a large contribution to Azerbaijan's economy. The city has a long history of oil extraction, dating back to the 15th century when oil for lamps was obtained from hand-dug surface wells. By the early 20th century, Baku's oil fields were the largest in the world, contributing to the city's massive growth. Today, the oil economy in Baku is experiencing a resurgence, with the development of the massive Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field.

The city is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku lies on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, on the Bay of Baku. The bay, sheltered by the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour on the Caspian Sea. The Absheron Peninsula also protects Baku from violent northerly winds.

Baku is the only metropolis in Azerbaijan, and about 25% of the country's population live in its metropolitan area. The city has a population of around 2.2 million people, and is the cultural, scientific and industrial centre of Azerbaijan. Many large Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters there.

Baku is an ancient city, with the earliest signs of human settlement in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. Rock engravings found at the archaeological site of Gobustan, 60km away from Baku, reveal that the area was inhabited by tribes as far back as the 12th century BCE. During antiquity, various civilisations, including the Persians and the Romans, influenced the city. In the 7th century, Baku became part of the Arab Caliphate, and Islam became the dominant religion.

Baku's importance stems from its oil industry and administrative functions. The presence of oil has been known since antiquity, and by the 15th century, oil for lamps was obtained from surface wells. Modern commercial exploitation of oil began in 1872. By the early 20th century, Baku was the world's leading producer of oil, accounting for half of the world's oil supply. This oil boom contributed to the massive growth of Baku.

The city is also known for its unique blend of history and modernity. Baku boasts impressive modern architecture, such as the Flame Towers, the tallest skyscrapers in Azerbaijan, and the Heydar Aliyev Centre, with its distinctive flowing design. At the same time, Baku's old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher, dates back to the 12th century and is enclosed by fortress walls that were strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806.

Baku's harbour and downtown area are located below sea level, making Baku the lowest-lying national capital in the world. The city's climate is generally mild, with a mix of desert and semi-arid conditions. The "Khazi" and "Gilavar" are specific winds unique to the region, significantly influencing Baku's weather patterns.

Baku has a rich history, dating back to the Bronze Age

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, has a rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age. The earliest signs of human settlement in the area were found in the form of rock carvings and a bronze figure of a small fish in the territory of the Old City. These artefacts suggest the existence of a Bronze Age settlement within the city's territory.

The history of Baku can be traced back to the Paleolithic epoch when the region was inhabited by ancient humans. The first petroglyphs, indicating a high level of development among the local tribes, appeared during the transitional period from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age. Baku's strategic location on the Caspian Sea has made it a significant cultural and trade centre in the Caucasus region throughout its history.

During the ancient period, Baku was a well-developed seaport under the sway of Rome. This is confirmed by an old Latin inscription found at the foot of Beyuk-Dash Mountain. In the 7th century, Baku became a part of the Arab Caliphate, and Islam became the dominant religion. The city frequently faced attacks and assaults, particularly from the Khazars and the Rus', but overall, Baku's history during this period was relatively smooth.

In the 11th century, Baku, as a small seafront fortress, transformed into a large commercial port on the Caspian Sea. The fortifications built around the fortress city, partially extant to this day, date back to the end of the 12th century. Baku's strategic location and commercial importance grew, making it a desirable conquest for its larger neighbours.

The rise of the Shirvanshahs in the 15th century marked a significant era in Baku's history. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, located in Baku's Old City, is one of the most prominent historical landmarks in Azerbaijan. Baku's wealth and strategic position attracted the attention of larger empires, leading to its conquest by various dynasties and empires, including the Safavid dynasty, the Ottoman Empire, and eventually, the Russian Empire.

Baku's history is characterised by periods of prosperity and cultural significance, as well as invasions and political changes. The discovery and exploitation of its vast oil reserves in the 19th century further elevated Baku's status and contributed to its rapid growth and development. Baku became a focal point for traders from across the world, with commerce flourishing during the Early Modern period.

In the 20th century, Baku underwent significant political changes. After a brief period of independence following the Russian Revolution, it became a part of the Soviet Union in 1922 and served as its capital. Post-independence in 1991, Baku has been committed to extensive modernisation and economic development while preserving its historical core.

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