Table of Contents
Introduction
Azerbaijan is a country that seamlessly blends together the old and new. Its cosmopolitan capital Baku is famous for its stunning clash of medieval architecture and modern high-rises, while its countryside hides ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and villages lost in time. Azerbaijan has a rich history as a trading hub along the famous Silk Road, leaving behind caravanserais, palace fortresses, and bustling bazaars. Traditions are still thriving today, from the ancient Novruz spring festival to the intricate art of carpet weaving. For travellers seeking culture, natural beauty, and a glimpse into the past, Azerbaijan is an unforgettable destination.
Baku, the Cosmopolitan Capital
The capital city Baku is a striking fusion of old and new. Walking its streets, you can gaze up at ultramodern structures like the Flame Towers right before stumbling upon a 15th century mosque or mausoleum. Grand early 20th century buildings inspired by European architecture mingle amongst curved stone lanes and minarets in the Old City. Overlooking it all is the iconic Maiden Tower, a 12th century minaret structure and Baku’s most famous landmark. With its unique blend of history and modernity, Baku is a cosmopolitan place to explore different eras of architecture and culture.
The Old City of Baku
The beating heart of Baku is the Old City, or Icheri Sheher, settled as far back as the 7th century. Surrounded by enormous stone walls, this open-air museum preserves Baku’s long legacy as a major hub of culture and commerce along the Silk Road. Meandering cobblestone lanes lead past carved stone houses, ornate mosques, and the 15th century Shirvanshahs’ Palace, passing by coppersmiths and craftsmen keeping ancient traditions alive. Climb up to rooftop restaurants for views over the city or get lost in the maze of alleys, encountering hidden architectural gems and welcomed shades of mystery.
Shirvanshah’s Palace
The most stunning monument in the Old City is Shirvanshah’s Palace, established in the 15th century as the royal residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty. This massive complex contains a palace, mosque, bathhouse, mausoleum, and even a burial vault, all enclosed within elaborate stone courtyards and arches. Intricate calligraphy and stone carvings adorn its sandstone facades. Don’t miss the Divanhane, an assembly room with exquisite decorative shebi keman, a type of medieval stained glass. This palace fortress offers an immersion into Azerbaijan’s past as a prosperous medieval empire.
Maiden Tower
Soaring above the skyline is one of Baku’s most iconic landmarks – the Maiden Tower. Sitting at the top of a hill overlooking the Caspian Sea, this cylindrical 12th century minaret structure is shrouded in mystery and legends. Some say it was built as an astronomical observatory or a temple to the Zoroastrian goddess of fertility, while others claim it was a watch tower or defensive fort. Its unique architecture features red brickwork that switches to a unique diagonal stone pattern at the top, creating optical illusions if you stare too long. Climbing to the roof provides panoramic views of Baku.
Caravanserais
Travelling through central Azerbaijan offers glimpses into its past as an important Silk Road trading route. That history is embodied in its impressive caravanserais – roadside inns where travelling merchants would rest and recover from their journeys. Some, like the Caravanserai of Sheki Khans, are remarkably well-preserved, with intricate stone arches, towers, and courtyards. Others like the Beyuk Gala Caravanserai lie in atmospheric ruins. Their scale and grandeur reveal their importance for Silk Road commerce and cultural exchange between East and West.
Gobustan National Park
To discover Azerbaijan’s traces of prehistoric life, head just south of Baku to Gobustan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains over 6,000 petroglyphs etched into stone showcasing scenes of dancing, hunting, and images of animals dating back over 15,000 years. Camels and caravans hint at early Silk Road trade. The park also contains bizarre mud volcanoes – conical mounds that bubble and spew mud fed from underground hydrocarbon deposits. Nature and human history collide here to offer a powerful portal into Azerbaijan’s distant past.
Sheki and the Palace of Sheki Khans
The beautiful city of Sheki hides an architectural treasure – the Palace of Sheki Khans. Built in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Sheki khanate, this palace exemplifies traditional Azeri palace architecture with its mix of stonework, brick masonry, and woodcarving. Its facade glimmers with mosaic tile work and glass embellishments. Inside, every surface dazzles with intricate frescoes of flowers, animals, and scenes from mythology, exemplifying traditional courtly culture. Immense stained glass windows drench its grand halls in rainbow hues. This interior decoration creates an almost magical ambiance.
Villages of Xinaliq and Lahij
Tucked high in the mountains are villages where traditional ways have barely changed over the centuries. Xinaliq stands at nearly 8,000 feet, making it the highest village in Azerbaijan. Stone houses with flat roofs cling to the steep hillsides, eking out mountainside lives just as their ancestors did. Lahij, nestled at the junction of the Girdiman and Gushchu Rivers, is a charming artists’ village famed for its medieval cobblestone streets, stone houses, and timeless atmosphere. These rural villages provide a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s enduring past.
Novruz in Azerbaijan
Novruz is a spring festival celebrating rebirth that is deeply cherished in Azerbaijan. Marking the new year in the Persian calendar, Novruz commemorates the changing of the seasons. Streets and homes are cleaned thoroughly to symbolize renewal. Decorative khonchas are placed around Azeri homes, meant to bring health and happiness for the coming year. Delicious festive meals are shared with family and friends. Azerbaijanis light bonfires and dance in the streets to welcome the new year and the arrival of spring. Novruz connects modern traditions to Azerbaijan’s ancient roots.
Cuisine of Azerbaijan
The cuisine of Azerbaijan showcases the country’s diverse history as a crossroads of trade and culture. Staples like plov (pilaf rice with meats and dried fruits), dolma (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat), and govurma (beef or lamb simmered in sheep fat) hint at Azerbaijan’s Silk Road connections. Baklava, pakhlava, and shekerbura (pastries soaked in honey and nuts) reveal touches of Turkish and Persian flavors. Every region has its own specialties, but no matter where you explore, expect an amazing variety of savory dishes and sweets.
Shopping for Carpets
One treasure to bring home from Azerbaijan is one of its world-famous carpets, renowned for intricate designs and high quality. The art of carpet weaving here is an ancient tradition, and many view their carpets as meaningful investments that grow more valuable over time. Different regions have their own signature patterns and styles. Sheki carpets feature bright floral motifs while Baku rugs use grays and muted reds. Khanlar rugs have striking geometric patterns. Prepare to be dazzled browsing carpet shops all displaying Azerbaijan’s weaving heritage.
Nightlife in Baku
While Baku has no shortage of sleek modern bars and clubs, you can also experience the city’s old world charms long into the night. Relax in old style tea houses like the Literary Tea House, sipping tea and smoking shisha water pipes on candlelit outdoor patios. Visit authentic jazz cafes like Club 33 to listen to music spanning from Louis Armstrong to Azeri jazz. Most atmospheric are Baku’s underground pubs or pivnibars. Descend into historic basements to find cozy bars filled with locals, live music, and an old Baku ambiance.
Conclusion
A journey to Azerbaijan promises to be an enchanting trip back in time. In Baku, the modern urban energy juxtaposed against medieval mosques and mausoleums creates a sensory backdrop unlike any other city. Ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and mountainside villages provide portals into the region’s ancient way of life. Traditions like Novruz, carpet weaving, and tea houses keep Azerbaijan’s rich history alive. The culture echoes its place on the famed Silk Road, blending influences from Europe and Asia over the centuries. Visitors will find themselves marveling at Azerbaijan’s striking blend of old and new. For anyone seeking adventures off the beaten path, Azerbaijan offers treasures waiting to be uncovered.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Azerbaijan?
The best time to visit Azerbaijan is in spring (April-June) or autumn (September-November). This allows you to avoid the extreme cold of winter and the summer heat. Spring is lovely for seeing flowers bloom and partaking in Novruz celebrations.
What types of clothing or dress is appropriate in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, so modest dress is appreciated, especially when visiting mosques. Women should cover knees and shoulders. Men and women should avoid shorts or sleeveless tops in rural areas or Old City Baku.
What are some of Azerbaijan’s top attractions beyond Baku?
Some top places to visit beyond Baku include Sheki, Gobustan National Park, the villages of Lahij and Xinaliq, Quba, and the city of Ganja which has a historic old town and impressive Khan’s Palace.
What are some traditional Azerbaijani dishes I should try during my visit?
Some classic Azeri cuisine to sample includes dolma (stuffed vine leaves), plov (rice pilaf), piti (meat stew), govurma (beef simmered in sheep fat), and an array of fresh breads from the tandyr clay oven. Baklava and shekerbura (sweet pastries) are a must for dessert.
What are some budget-friendly ways to experience Baku’s nightlife?
Baku offers many budget-friendly nightlife options like relaxing in old teahouses, visiting free underground pubs, exploring Baku’s jazz cafes with no cover charge, and checking out free live music performances in clubs on weeknights.