Explore Azerbaijan: A Unique Travel Experience

Azerbaijan is a country of contrasts, where Soviet buildings and Arabic food meet. It is a blend of East and West, with a deep and intriguing history. Baku, the capital, is a modern city with promenades, parks and shops, and is home to the famous Flame Towers. Azerbaijan is also home to nine of the world's eleven climate zones, from high-altitude mountains to vast hot deserts. It is a cheap country to visit, with a rich culture and hospitable people.

It's a blend of East and West

Azerbaijan is a blend of East and West, owing to its unique geographical location at the crossroads of Southwest Asia and Southeastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey (an exclave). This blend of cultures is reflected in the country's architecture, food, language, and traditions.

The capital city of Baku is a prime example of this fusion, with its mix of ancient and futuristic buildings. The city is home to both the 15th-century mosque and the modern Flame Towers. The Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers, display dancing flames on their LED screens at night. Baku is also known for its rich tea culture, which dates back to medieval times and incorporates traditions from different regions.

Azerbaijanis are physically a blend of Iranians and Turks, but they wear Russian hats and speak both Azerbaijani (a Turkish dialect) and Russian. Their mannerisms reflect this mix, as they greet visitors with "Salam" and toast with "Nasdrovia!" Their food is a blend of East and West, with influences from Turkey, Iran, Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, and Central Asia, all prepared with a local twist. Dushbara, a dumpling soup from the northern part of the country, is a popular dish.

Azerbaijan has a strong tradition of tolerance and secularity, with a predominantly Muslim population (around 94-95%) but a high degree of atheism among young people and a lack of strict religious dress or alcohol restrictions. The country was the first Islamic country to declare itself a democratic and secular republic in 1918 and the first Muslim country to open a theatre.

The country's landscape is incredibly diverse, with 9 out of 11 climate zones represented, ranging from high-altitude mountains to hot deserts and coastal areas. This diversity extends to its architecture, with Soviet-era buildings and futuristic designs coexisting in Baku.

Baku, the capital, is a futuristic city

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating blend of the traditional and the modern. The city has a rich history, dating back to the Stone Age, with traces of human settlement found in the region. Baku's old town, or Icheri-Shekher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting ancient walls, the 12th-century Maiden's Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

However, Baku is also a futuristic city, with modern skyscrapers and innovative architecture. The Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a signature landmark of modern Baku, with its distinctive curves and architecture. The Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers, are another iconic feature of the city, with LED screens displaying dancing flames. The city also boasts the Baku Crystal Hall, the Azerbaijan Tower, and the SOCAR Tower, showcasing its modern architectural developments.

Baku's urban population was estimated at two million people as of 2009, making it the largest city in Azerbaijan and on the Caspian Sea. The city has a unique geographical location, lying 28 metres below sea level, making it the lowest-lying national capital in the world. Baku is situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, providing a natural harbour protected from strong winds by the Absheron Peninsula and the Baku Archipelago.

The city is renowned for its harsh winds, earning it the nickname, the "City of Winds". Baku's climate is semi-arid, with hot and humid summers and cool winters. The city experiences strong winds all year, including the cold northern wind, Khazri, and the warm southern wind, Gilavar.

In addition to its cultural and historical attractions, Baku also offers a vibrant entertainment scene, with clubs, restaurants, and shopping malls. The city is known for its tea culture, with traditional ceremonies and spiced black tea. Baku truly is a unique destination, offering a blend of the ancient and the futuristic, set in a stunning natural environment.

It's one of the cheapest countries in the world

Azerbaijan is one of the cheapest countries in the world. It is definitely cheaper than Armenia, Georgia, and perhaps Iran. Outside of the fancy places in Baku, a filling meal at a local eatery will cost a maximum of 4AZN (2USD). Since the country is rich in gas and petrol, transportation costs are also very low. A single ride on the metro, for example, costs just 0.30AZN (18¢), and you can find a pint of beer for as little as 1AZN (50¢).

Azerbaijan's low prices are partly due to the fall in the value of the Manat (the country's currency) after the oil price drop. However, even before this, the country was still a very affordable destination. Azerbaijan is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability, and it is much cheaper than other countries in Europe.

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is, on average, 53.9% lower than in the United States. A single person's estimated monthly costs are 550.4$ (935.7man) without rent. The average daily cost per person is around $0.00 (Ʈ55) for meals, $0.00 (Ʈ40) for local transportation, and $0.00 (Ʈ158) for hotels.

Azerbaijan is a backpacker's dream and a great option for those wanting to explore on a budget.

It's home to remote and epic sites

Azerbaijan is home to some of the most remote and epic sites, from ancient castles to stunning natural wonders. Here are some of the highlights:

Alinja Castle

The remote Alinja Castle is undoubtedly one of Azerbaijan's most breathtaking sites. Nestled in the mountains of Nakhchivan, this medieval castle dates back to the 7th to 11th centuries. Its isolated location makes it the perfect spot for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Gobustan Rock Art

Just a short drive outside Baku lies the Gobustan Rock Art site, featuring over six thousand rock carvings from the Bronze Age. These ancient carvings depict various scenes, including mountain goats and human portraits, offering a glimpse into the region's rich historical past.

Yanar Dag

Yanar Dag, or "Fire Mountain," is a natural wonder located near Baku. This hillside is continuously ablaze due to the seeping natural gas, creating a spectacular sight. The flames have been burning for over 70 years, attracting visitors who come to witness this unique phenomenon.

The Walled City of Baku

The Walled City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts medieval structures dating from the 7th to the 16th centuries. Among its highlights are the Shirvanshah's Palace and the Maiden Tower, offering visitors a journey back in time to explore the city's rich historical past.

Mud Volcanoes

Azerbaijan is known for its mud volcanoes, with 50% of the world's total found in the country. These volcanoes bubble and spit thick grey mud and are quite a spectacle to witness. Visitors can observe these natural wonders in the Gobustan National Park.

Lake Batabat

Lake Batabat, also known as the "Earth's Blue Eye," is a stunning mountain lake located near Nakhchivan City. This blue lake, surrounded by Alpine mountains, is a serene spot for nature lovers. The lake features a small peat island at its centre, adding to its enchanting beauty.

The Palace of the Shaki Khans

The Palace of the Shaki Khans, located in the town of Sheki, is a must-see for history buffs. This beautiful palace, with its intricate interiors, was once the residence of the Shaki Khans and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Azerbaijan truly offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural wonders, making it a destination that caters to a wide range of interests. These sites are just a glimpse into the country's rich offerings, and there are many more remote and epic locations to discover.

It has huge landscape contrasts

Azerbaijan is a small country, but it boasts a diverse landscape. It is home to nine of the world's 11 climate zones, from high-altitude Caucasian mountains to hot deserts, green meadows, and coastal areas.

The capital city, Baku, is a melting pot of old and new. Modern architecture, such as the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, stands alongside buildings dating back to the 12th century. The city's Old Town, with its elegant mosques and medieval towers, is just minutes away from animated squares and Parisian-style boulevards lined with cafes and restaurants.

Azerbaijan's landscape diversity is also evident in Xizi, where colourful, candy cane-striped hills contrast with the communist apartment blocks and decrepit old buildings in the surrounding area. Further north, the arid red and white hills of Xizi give way to the rugged, taller mountains of the Greater Caucasus. The climate, geography, and scenery change drastically within a few hours' drive.

The remote village of Lahic, nestled in the steep and dangerous mountains, has remained isolated for much of its history. The construction of a roadway in the 1960s improved access, but the character of the village and the surrounding hamlets remained largely unchanged. The steep and treacherous mountains meant that many homes and farms were only accessible by foot or via a network of rickety bridges and goat paths.

Azerbaijan's landscape also includes alpine tundra in the eastern Caucasus region, home to the highest peaks in the country and the 5,000-year-old village of Xinaliq. The village sits on a diminutive hill, surrounded by towering giants that seem ready to drop rock slides and avalanches at any moment. The isolation and precipitous location of Xinaliq have shaped the Kettid people, who have developed their own unique language with no links to any other.

Frequently asked questions