Exploring Azerbaijan's Underground: Where To Find Prostitutes

Azerbaijan has become a destination for sex tourism, with men from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait visiting the country for this purpose. Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but common, and it is estimated that there are 25,054 prostitutes in the country. While there is no official red-light district in Baku, the capital city, there are certain areas where prostitution is known to occur, such as cafes in the Badamdar district and on Nizami Street (Torgovaya). Sex workers in Azerbaijan face various risks, including human trafficking, and the country is also a destination for sex trafficking victims from other countries.

Sex workers in Baku cafes

Prostitution is illegal in Azerbaijan but remains common, particularly in the capital, Baku. Sex tourism is a significant issue in the country, with men from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait travelling to Azerbaijan for this purpose.

In Baku, there are several areas where sex workers solicit clients in cafes. Here is some information on these areas:

Badamdar District

The Badamdar district of Baku has a high number of cafes where prostitutes solicit clients. In 2011, over 300 local residents protested against this situation. This area is known for sex workers operating in cafes, and it is a common destination for those seeking their services.

Nizami Street ("Torgovaya")

Nizami Street, known locally as "Torgovaya" or Trade Street, is located in downtown Baku. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. While there are few entertainment options on this street, with no casinos or red-light district, there are numerous cafes and boutiques. Prostitutes can be found soliciting clients in these cafes, particularly in the evening when the area becomes crowded with tourists.

Parapet (Fountain Square)

Parapet, officially known as Fountain Square, is another area in Baku where sex workers can be found. Similar to Nizami Street, tourists and locals gather here in the evenings. Sex workers often approach tourists, using gestures to communicate and negotiate prices when there is a language barrier.

While prostitution is illegal in Azerbaijan, the police face challenges in enforcing the law without direct evidence of solicitation. As a result, sex workers continue to operate in these areas, and the country remains a popular destination for sex tourism.

Sex tourism in Azerbaijan

Sex tourism is a significant issue in Azerbaijan, with the country being a popular destination for sex tourists, particularly men from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. This has led to the development of a sex industry that caters to these tourists, despite prostitution being illegal in the country.

Prostitution in Azerbaijan

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but remains common, with an estimated 25,054 prostitutes in the country, some of whom are minors aged 15 to 18. Prostitution is an administrative offence punishable by a fine, while keeping a brothel is a criminal offence that can result in up to six years of imprisonment. Despite the laws, prostitution is prevalent in certain areas of Baku, the capital city, such as the cafes in the Badamdar district and Nizami Street ("Torgovaya" or Trade Street) in downtown Baku.

Sex Tourism Destinations

Baku, as the capital and largest city, is a major hub for sex tourism in Azerbaijan. The liberal social behaviour and European-style atmosphere of the city, in contrast to nearby Islamic nations, make it attractive to sex tourists from South Asia and the Arab world. The simplification of the visa regime for Persian Gulf and Arab countries in 2016 further contributed to the increase in sex tourism, with approximately 500 tourists arriving daily from these regions.

Sex Tourism Practices

Sex workers in Azerbaijan often solicit clients in public places like cafes and streets. They may approach both locals and tourists, offering their services directly or through subtle gestures and the use of a calculator application on their phones to discuss prices. Sex workers cater to both local and foreign clients, with some specifically targeting Arab tourists due to their higher paying capacity.

Social Impact

The influx of sex tourists, particularly from Arab countries, has sparked mixed reactions among locals in Azerbaijan. While some residents express discomfort and embarrassment at witnessing sex workers openly soliciting tourists, others call out the police for allowing these activities to occur in plain sight. There are also concerns about the safety and well-being of sex workers, with reports of tourists refusing to pay and instances of violence.

Scams by sex workers

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but common, with an estimated 25,054 prostitutes in the country, some of whom are minors. Sex workers can be found soliciting clients in cafes in the Badamdar district of Baku and on Nizami Street (known as Torgovaya, or Trade Street) in downtown Baku.

While sex work is illegal in Azerbaijan, there are no specific mentions of scams perpetrated by sex workers in the country. However, prostitution is often associated with other criminal activities, and tourists should be vigilant and aware of potential scams and dangers. Here are some safety tips and information about common scams in Azerbaijan to watch out for:

Scams Targeting Tourists

Tourists, especially men from South Asian and Arab countries, are often targeted by sex workers and broke students who approach them slyly to offer sexual services. This can be irritating or embarrassing, and these individuals may try to obtain your contact information under the pretext of getting a picture taken before offering their services. It is important to remember that prostitution is illegal in Azerbaijan, so it is best to avoid such situations, even if the offer is consensual.

Fake Friendship and Robbery

Some scammers, often South Asians and particularly Pakistanis, pose as fellow countrymen to gain your trust. They may then lead you to secluded locations, rob you, or hold you hostage for money. They might also ask for currency exchange, claiming they have just arrived and need local money.

Pub and Bar Scams

At pubs and bars, attractive women may act friendly and invite you for drinks. They will order expensive alcohol to your table and then disappear before the bill arrives, leaving you to deal with bouncers who bully you into paying for the drinks.

Transportation Scams

When renting a self-drive car, be cautious of local taxi owners who may threaten or intimidate you into using their taxis by claiming it is illegal for foreigners to drive in certain areas. This is untrue, but as a visitor, you may not be aware of the local rules. Keep the police number handy to avoid such situations.

When using buses, be wary of taxi drivers who approach you at bus stations and falsely claim that there are no buses to your destination. It is better to go to the bus station and check for yourself.

Overpricing and Payment Scams

Some items in stores may not have prices displayed, and you may be charged extra for them. Be cautious of overpricing, especially for packaged and labelled products. Pay with a card wherever possible, as this reduces the risk of being overcharged.

In conclusion, while there is no specific information about scams by sex workers in Azerbaijan, tourists should remain vigilant and be aware of the potential dangers and scams mentioned above to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Prostitution in Azerbaijan's refugee camps

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but common, with an estimated 25,054 prostitutes in the country, some of whom are minors. The country is a destination for sex tourism, particularly attracting men from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

While I could not find extensive information on prostitution in Azerbaijan's refugee camps specifically, there have been reports of adolescent prostitution in these camps. Girls are forced into prostitution out of desperation, exchanging sexual services for food.

The Alieva Society for the Defence of Women's Rights (ASDWR) has reported that the worsening position of women in Azerbaijani society has led to an increase in prostitution. They attribute this to the government's failure to improve social and economic conditions for women, resulting in high unemployment, discrimination in the workplace, and limited employment options for those with large families.

ASDWR is lobbying for the legalisation of prostitution as a means to protect women and curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. They have presented a draft law to the authorities for consideration.

Additionally, there is evidence that human trafficking is a significant issue in Azerbaijan, with victims being exploited both domestically and abroad. Azerbaijan is a source and destination country for sex trafficking, and the government has been criticised for not doing enough to combat this issue effectively.

Police involvement in prostitution

Prostitution in Azerbaijan is illegal but common, and the police are often accused of allowing sex workers to operate openly. In 2011, over 300 Baku residents held a protest against prostitution in the Badamdar district of the capital, and prostitutes soliciting clients can also be found in cafes in downtown Baku's Nizami Street.

In 2024, new specialised police units were created in Baku to fight 'cases contradictory to public morality', especially sex work. The chief spokesperson of the Baku City Main Police Department, Elshad Hajiyev, stated that the new units would 'strengthen the fight for morality and against behaviour contrary to the national mentality'. He also noted that the creation of these units was sparked by complaints from city residents, as well as police observations of activities in and around entertainment venues and major commercial areas in Baku.

However, critics argue that the presence of morality police may be a cover for further state interference in independent social and political life. The existence of such laws, regardless of their enforcement, has been criticised for allowing the police to interfere in people's personal lives. The laws also give the police a reason to grab young people, as proving anything will be difficult.

The police have responded to accusations of allowing prostitution by stating that they are constantly battling against this phenomenon. They claim that they cannot take action without proof and that they can only act when presented with direct facts. However, the police in Azerbaijan are also known to be corrupt, frequently accepting bribes and using black market activity as a source of income.

Frequently asked questions