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Sitting on the crossroads of Jap Europe and Western Asia, lies Azerbaijan, a patchwork of cultures, traditions and influences. Bordering the Caspian Sea to the east, its neighbours embody Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Russia, all of which have helped form Azerbaijan into the distinctive nation it’s in the present day.
As soon as a part of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared independence in 1991. It is without doubt one of the solely secular international locations within the area, with thriving Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities inside its borders.
This melting pot of cultures and completely different religions make for an thrilling and various nation. Alongside historical landmarks, you’ll discover Neoclassical, Baroque and Islamic structure, in addition to an award-winning constructing by the late architect Zaha Hadid.
The nation is wealthy in pure wonders too, with rolling mountains and effervescent mud volcanoes.
However Azerbaijan’s ample cultural heritage isn’t the one factor that makes this Caucasus nation a fascinating vacation spot. There’s lots on provide whether or not you’re searching for a summer time getaway or a spot to hit the slopes within the winter months.
Tourism has flourished because the introduction of the e-visa in 2017, and you’ll find a variety of locations to remain, from hostels to high-end resorts.
When you go to in spring, ensure to catch the New Yr Competition of Novruz to get a style of conventional Azerbaijani tradition. Or if you happen to’re craving a winter ski vacation, then discover the mountain resorts of Shahdag and Tufandag between December and March for the best seasonal snow.
There are many worldwide occasions right here too, from the capital’s Components One Grand Prix to the Gabala Worldwide Music Competition.
Listed below are our favorite locations to discover whichever time of yr you go to.
What can I do in Baku?
The coastal metropolis of Baku is a unusual mix of previous and new. The long-lasting Twin Flame Towers symbolize the significance of fireside in Azerbaijani tradition – the title Azerbaijan means ‘protector of the fireplace’ – dominate the horizon.
The Outdated Metropolis – recognized regionally as Icherisheher – is a UNESCO World Heritage website. It’s hemmed in by Twelfth-century defensive partitions and accommodates the Museum of Miniature Books, dwelling to the world’s smallest tome, measuring simply 2 x 2mm.
To get your tradition repair, ensure to go to the Museum of Fashionable Artwork, the place you possibly can discover the work of native Azerbaijani artists from way back to the 2nd century to the current day.
If you wish to get to the guts of the capital although, it’s essential to head to the bazaars. The Yashil Bazaar is the town’s largest. Packed stuffed with spices, juices and unique fruits, Yashil Bazaar is the right place to refill on scrumptious snacks. If you wish to keep away from the crowds, get there early and take in the aromatic aromas and vibrant shows.
Teze Bazaar can also be an incredible choice for extremely prized Beluga caviar, native honey and herbs. The bazaars are an excellent place to strive some basic Azerbaijani dishes too, together with plov, a rice dish flavoured with saffron and fragrant herbs, and piti, a conventional lamb stew with greens.
Mountain climbing in Azerbaijan
The most effective methods to discover Azerbaijan is by way of its roads and climbing paths. When you’re unsure the place to start out, the Azerbaijan Tourism Board has created 4 routes throughout the nation, which is able to lead you thru a few of its most picturesque locations.
Within the North, ensure to go to Khinalig, the best and most distant village within the nation. Relationship again to the Bronze Age some 4,000 years in the past, it’s dwelling to the Khinalig individuals who dwell a conventional nomadic life-style. With sweeping views and plush inexperienced valleys, it’s the right place to go to within the heat summer time months.
For a style of the South, cease off in Sim village within the coronary heart of the Talish Mountains. The village is stuffed with moss-covered rocks and 1,000-year-old bushes, giving it a magical environment.
Encircled by mandarin orchards, you possibly can gaze upon the distant Caspian Sea whereas sampling some native tea, jam and honey. Tour guides within the village will escort you to the neighbouring Sim waterfalls, cascading from the mossy rocks above.
The Nationwide Parks
To benefit from your keep, be sure you take a look at a few of the nationwide parks dotted throughout the nation. Shirvan Nationwide Park covers 55 hectares and is a sizzling spot for birdwatching. There are 34 species of hen right here and, through the winter months, majestic flocks of flamingos may be seen. It’s a great spot to go to a few of Azerbaijan’s spectacular mud volcanoes too. The park has three in whole, which spurt liquid mud and oil, an actual deal with for nature lovers.
If fish is extra your factor, then ensure to go to the Zagatala Trout Fish Farm. Set within the North West of the nation, this distinctive agro-tourism website is surrounded by lush forests. Take a tour of the farm to find how trout are reared, and get a style of the recent produce on the Zagatala Forel restaurant. Or if you happen to’re feeling fortunate, you possibly can even try to catch your personal dinner.
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