Exploring Azerbaijan's Geographical Location And Its Significance

Azerbaijan is a country located in the Caucasus region, at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. To the east, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea. The country is largely mountainous and hilly, with a lowland near the southern coast. Azerbaijan is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including mountain ridges, highlands, plateaus, plains, and lowlands. Its capital, Baku, is located on the Abseron Peninsula, which extends into the Caspian Sea.

Caspian Sea to the east

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. It is a part of the South Caucasus region and is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east. The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, often described as the world's largest lake and sometimes referred to as a full-fledged sea. It is bordered by five countries: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

The Caspian Sea is bordered by Central Asia's vast steppe to the east and the Caucasus Mountains to the west. It covers a surface area of 371,000 km2 (143,000 sq mi) (excluding the highly saline lagoon of Garabogazköl to its east), an area approximately equal to that of Japan, with a volume of 78,200 km3 (19,000 cu mi). It has a salinity of approximately 1.2% (12 g/L), about a third of the salinity of average seawater. The sea stretches 1,200 km (750 mi) from north to south, with an average width of 320 km (200 mi). Its gross coverage is 386,400 km2 (149,200 sq mi) and the surface is about 27 m (89 ft) below sea level.

The Caspian Sea is home to a wide range of species and is famous for its caviar and oil industries. The sea's name stems from Caspi, the ancient people who lived to the southwest of the sea in Transcaucasia. The Caspian Sea is bordered by Georgia and Turkey in its extreme north-eastern and north-western parts, respectively.

Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, is located near the shore of the Caspian Sea. The shores of the Caspian Sea have plenty of excellent beach clubs to enjoy, from the Absheron Peninsula resorts easily reached from Baku to the water sports centre at Shuraabad. Baku's vibrant nightlife, hiking, and adventure and outdoor activities are among the many attractions that draw visitors to the city.

Russia to the north

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and West Asia. To the north of Azerbaijan lies Russia, specifically its republic of Dagestan. The two countries are de facto and de jure allies, with military cooperation being one aspect of their bilateral relations.

The territory of what is now Azerbaijan was first ruled by Caucasian Albania and later various Persian empires. Until the 19th century, it remained part of Qajar Iran. However, the Russo-Persian wars of 1804-1813 and 1826-1828 forced the Qajar Empire to cede its Caucasian territories to the Russian Empire. The region north of the Aras River, including the territory of the present-day Republic of Azerbaijan, was Iranian until it was occupied by Russia in the 19th century.

After decades as a territory of the Russian Empire, Azerbaijan gained independence, before being annexed into the Soviet Union in 1920. Following the collapse of the USSR in 1991, relations between the two countries grew closer, but experienced setbacks during the rule of Abulfaz Elchibey, whose politics have been described as "Anti-Russian." When Heydar Aliyev came to power in 1993, he re-established warmer relations with Russia.

Russia is one of Azerbaijan's main suppliers of arms, and trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is on the rise. In 2008, the trade turnover between the two countries increased annually by 39.3%, totalling US$2.403 billion. In recent years, the Putin-Aliyev partnership has resulted in agreements on enhanced economic ties, including in the gas and energy sectors.

Georgia to the north/northwest

Azerbaijan is bordered by Georgia to the north/northwest. Georgia is one of the three Transcaucasian states, and it borders Azerbaijan to the north and northwest. Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, straddling West Asia and Eastern Europe. It is situated along the southern flanks of the Caucasus Mountains.

The Caucasus Mountains cover the north and central regions of the country, with many snow-capped peaks exceeding 12,000 feet. The highest point in the country, Baza-Dyuzi, stands at 14,698 feet (4,480 m) and is located in the Greater Caucasus range, which forms part of Azerbaijan's northern boundary. The Greater Caucasus range protects the country from the direct influence of cold air masses coming from the north, resulting in the formation of a subtropical climate on the foothills and plains.

The Alazani, Aras, and Kura Rivers are the most significant waterways in the nation. The Kura River flows from the mountains in the north, crossing the Georgian border, and empties into the Caspian Sea. The Aras River forms a natural southern border with Iran.

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is located on the Abseron Yasaqligi (Apsheron Peninsula), which extends into the Caspian Sea. Baku has the largest and best harbour on the Caspian Sea and has long been a centre for the country's oil industry.

Armenia and Turkey to the west

Azerbaijan is bordered by Armenia and Turkey to the west. The relationship between Armenia and Turkey has historically been hostile, with diplomatic relations between the two countries being non-existent. Turkey was one of the first countries to recognise Azerbaijan's independence in 1918 and again in 1991. However, Turkey has not recognised Armenia's independence, demanding that Armenia recognises the border between the two countries as outlined in the Treaty of Kars in 1921.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has further strained the relationship between Turkey and Armenia. Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in the conflict, imposing an economic embargo on Armenia alongside Azerbaijan in 1993. Turkey has also provided military support to Azerbaijan, including arms and joint military drills.

Turkey and Armenia have attempted to normalise their relationship in recent years, with both countries appointing special envoys in 2021 to discuss steps towards normalisation. However, the relationship remains tense, with Turkey criticising Armenia for its occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia accusing Turkey of continuing the Armenian genocide.

Iran to the south

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country in Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with Iran to the south. The two countries share a 689km (428-mile) border, which consists of two non-contiguous sections separated by the Armenia-Iran border. The border traverses the Aras River, which flows into the Caspian Sea, and the Bolgarchay and Astarachay rivers. The border also crosses the Mugan plain and the Talysh Mountains.

The history of the region has been marked by conflict and shifting borders. The territory of modern-day Azerbaijan was ruled by Caucasian Albania and various Persian empires before becoming part of Qajar Iran until the 19th century. The Russo-Persian wars of the early 19th century forced Qajar Iran to cede its Caucasian territories, including modern-day Azerbaijan, to the Russian Empire. This marked the beginning of the modern border between Iran and Azerbaijan.

In the 20th century, the region experienced further upheaval, with the short-lived independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic from 1918 to 1920, followed by its incorporation into the Soviet Union. During this period, a Soviet-backed separatist state was established in Iranian Azerbaijan but was quickly suppressed by Iranian forces. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan regained its independence and inherited its section of the Iran-USSR border.

While relations between Iran and Azerbaijan have been strained at times, particularly due to territorial disputes and political differences, there have also been periods of improved relations. For example, Iran recognised Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and the two countries share cultural and religious ties, with a significant Azerbaijani minority in Iran. However, recent events, such as Azerbaijan's victory in the 2020 war with Armenia and the potential establishment of the Zangezur overland transport corridor, have led to increased tensions and a buildup of military drills along the border.

The border crossings between the two countries include the towns of Bilasuvar and Astara in mainland Azerbaijan, and Jolfa/Julfa and Poldasht-Shahtakhti in the exclave of Nakhchivan.

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