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Discover Azerbaijan

Discover Azerbaijan

Welcome to Azerbaijan! This is the Land of Fire and the Pearl of the Caucasus, a land where eastern colours combine magnificently with western progress. Azerbaijan is a country of unique nature, unmatched culture, centuries of history with its customs and traditions and fine cuisine; a place which will satisfy the expectations of the most sophisticated gastronomists, and finally, it is the country of Caucasian hospitality and friendliness. Azerbaijan is situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia (or South Caucasus) on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The population of Azerbaijan exceeds 9.8 million and the territory covers an area of 86 600 square kilometers. According to both of these figures, Azerbaijan is the largest country of the South Caucasus. The City of Baku is the capital and the country’s largest city. The National language here is Azerbaijani. However, Russian is also widely used and many younger residents also speak English. Azerbaijan shares borders with Iran (765 km), Turkey (15 km), Russia (390 km), Georgia (480 km) and Armenia (1007 km). The eastern shores of the country are washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. Historically a part of the Great Silk Road and situated at the crossroads of the geopolitical, economic and cultural interests of many nations and civilizations, Azerbaijan has, since ancient times, aroused the interests of great minds, scientists, travellers and historians. References to this amazing land, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea and in the eastern part of the South Caucasus, can be found in the ancient writings of Herodotus, Strabo, and Claudius Ptolemy. Azerbaijan has an amazing historical and cultural heritage with more than 7500 natural, archeological, architectural, and historical monuments. Cave drawings at Gobustan, Momine-Khatun and Garabaghlar mausoleums, the Palace of Sheki Khans, the Maiden Tower, the castles of Absheron, medieval manuscripts decorated with magnificent miniature paintings, antique rugs, and works of literature, arts and sculpture – all of this is just a small part of the country’s rich and priceless heritage. Azerbaijan is often referred to as the “Land of Fire”. It is known that the majority of those residing on this territory before the Common Era were fire worshippers. Since then, the country has preserved the ancient evidence of that era: cave paintings, statues of gods and ancient temples. Two of the most vivid examples of this heritage are the temple of fire-worshippers (“Ateshgah”) at Surakhani near Baku and “Yanardag”, translated as the “burning mountain”. According to legend, “Ateshgah” temple was built by Indian fire worshippers, who arrived here after learning about the eternally burning fire, emitted from the ground, and were so amazed by what they had seen, that they decided to build a temple on this very place. These lands were considered to be sacred for centuries and throughout history were worshipped by the followers of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism. The fire rhetoric, passed from generation to generation, has been reflected in the many artistic works of Azerbaijani masters throughout the centuries, and has recently reached its culmination in the form of The “Flame Towers” complex. Constructed in Baku not long ago, the Flame Towers have, in very a short period of time, become a breathtaking architectural landmark of the capital city, embodying a tribute to our history, and representing contemporary Azerbaijan – a new, ambitious country, developing and progressive, but still loyal to its roots and origins. Azerbaijan is the West in the East and the East in the West! Welcome!

History

Azerbaijan possesses a rich history of statehood which extends over a period of approximately 5000 years. The first state organizations here first appeared at the end of fourth millennium and the beginning of the third millennium before our era. Due to its advantageous geographical location and favorable climatic conditions, Azerbaijan has, from ancient times, attracted great interest from various empires and states. In the period from 3rd century to 7th century AD, Azerbaijan was occupied first by the Iranian Sassanid Empire, and then by the Arab Caliphate. Both empires relocated a large population of Iranian and Arab origin to the country. However, it was the Caliphate and Islam, which they practised, that played one of the key roles in the history of the formation of the peoples and the state of Azerbaijan. It was with the adoption of the Islamic religion that the history of Azerbaijan began to undergo radical change. Islam gave a strong impulse to the formation of a unified nation, language, customs, etc. The adoption of Islam also played an important role in political development, and the states of of Sajids, Shirvanshahs, Salaries, Ravvadids and Shaddadis were established on the lands of Azerbaijan. The renaissance era had started and, by becoming a part of its cultural heritage, each of these states left an important marker on the nation’s history. Towards the end of XV century and beginning of XVI century, the statehood of Azerbaijan entered into a completely new phase in its history. The distinguished statesman, Shah Ismail Khatai united all the southern and northern territories of Azerbaijan under his own power. Thus, the Safavids State, the first united and centralized Azerbaijani state came into existence with Tabriz as its capital and later becoming one of the most powerful empires in the Middle and Near East. This state covered the territories of modern Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, eastern Turkey, Kuwait, Bahrain, as well as part of Pakistan, the south of Uzbekistan, the eastern part of Syria and the southern part of Russia (Derbent). The great military commander and warrior, Nadir Shah, who came to power after the downfall of the Sefevids State, further expanded the boundaries of the former Sefevid Empire. In the year 1739, this grand ruler of Azerbaijan conquered Delhi and went on to take control of the Northern regions of India. However, after the death of Nadir Shah, his empire fell and during the second half of XVIII century, Azerbaijan was divided into several different smaller states – khanates and sultanates. At the end of XVIII century, the Azerbaijani dynasty of Qajars came to power in Iran. They started pursuing a policy of bringing together, under one central authority, all the territories once ruled by Nadir Shah, including the Azerbaijani khanates. Thus, a long era of wars started between the Qajars and Russia, which itself was striving to occupy the Southern Caucasus. As a result, on the basis of the Gulustan (1813) and Turkmenchay (1828) agreements, Azerbaijan was divided between the two empires: Northern Azerbaijan was annexed to Russia and Southern Azerbaijan was annexed to Iran. The declaration of the creation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) on 28th of May 1918 marked an important historical event in the life of the Azerbaijani nation. Even today, this date is still commemorated in Azerbaijan as Republic Day. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, being the first parliamentary democracy in the East, has left a rich and significant impact on the history of Azerbaijani statehood, due to its extensive experience in building an independent state, its adoption of progressive laws and decisions made throughout the period of its rather short life. Unfortunately, the ADR was in existence for only 23 months. As a result of military intervention by the XI Red Army, the Republic fell. After that, this territory became part of the USSR, the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan. On 30th of August 1991, Azerbaijan declared its independence. This was the starting point of the contemporary history as a strong and independent Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev came to power and despite a difficult geopolitical situation, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with Armenia and numerous problems inside the country, Aliyev managed to centralize power and lay the foundations for the building of a new and independent Azerbaijan. Thanks to his strategy and smart forward-looking policies, which continue to this day, Azerbaijan has become a regional leader and strong, prosperous nation with deep-rooted statehood. The head of the modern Azerbaijani state is President Ilham Aliyev, who successfully continues on the course set by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Arts & Culture

The cultural life of Baku enchants both residents and guests of the city with its broad-ranging evening programmes, regardless of whether it is a business day or at the weekend. There are many museums and private exhibitions of popular artists, vintage theatres and amazing performances, art galleries and monuments to local and international artists, installed in Baku’s wonderful parks, where you can enjoy good times with your family or simply by yourself. Not to mention a multitude of other cultural entertainment options for literally any taste or age group. This section features the latest news for those who wish to get to know the soul of the capital of the Land of Fire.

Nature

The nature of Azerbaijan – partly wild and deserted and partly covered with the remains of ancient forests, is a never-ending marvel for any traveller. The flora of Azerbaijan is exceptionally rich. It brings to mind a large national carpet, thanks to its brightness and the variety of rich colours. The terrain of Azerbaijan is densely carved by many rivers and mountain streams, some of which form noisy waterfalls, echoing deep into the mountains.

Outdoor activities

Azerbaijan is a country of ancient culture and history. In order to get to know and understand Azerbaijanis, you have to go back in time and understand their roots. Monuments of age-old architecture, mighty temples and magic mosques, ancient houses, build by architects from Azerbaijan and all over the world, cave paintings by the first humans on Earth, temples of ancient deities and many more, will amaze any guest and make him fall in love forever with the beautiful Land of Fire.

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