 Baku - The largest city both in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region – Baku - is situated on the western side of the Caspian Sea, on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula. With a population in excess of 2 million inhabitants (roughly 25% of Azerbaijan's population), the city is a splendid mix of antiquity and modernity. On one side visitors can experience traditional Azerbaijani food and culture, and wander the ancient alleys of the Inner City (Walled City of Baku). On the other side, the early 21st century oil boom gave rise to myriad of modern architectural, dining, shopping and recreation attractions that rival those in the west. A few of the popular Baku tourist sites are listed below...- Inner City (Old City) - photo - The pearl of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the walled city of Baku is an ensemble of defensive walls and towers, caravanserais (roadside inns), hamams (bath-houses), mosques, residential buildings, and a palace that date back as early as the 12th century. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the Old City's winding, narrow (and sometime dead-end) streets and alleys were divided into various quarters (neighborhoods) that typically served as social divisions (between clergy, nobles, merchants, blacksmiths, sailors, etc.). The two most notable structures from the Inner City include Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs.
- Maiden Tower - photo - One of Azerbaijan’s most distinctive national emblems (featured on the national currency), the dominating 29.5 meters (97 ft) cylindrical tower is part of an ensemble of historic monuments that received UNESCO World Heritage designation. While much of the present structure was constructed in the 12th century, stones that form the foundation suggest the original structure may date as far back as 600 BC. Inside the Maiden Tower is a museum dedicated to the history of Baku. And for a fee, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy views of the city and the bay.
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs - photo - A 15th century palace situated in the Inner (Walled) City, the historic museum complex was built in the era of Shirvanshah (a kingdom located in modern-day Azerbaijan that spanned from 861 AD until 1538 AD). Part of the UNESCO World Heritage ensemble, Shirvanshah's Palace is comprised of...
- the Palace (main building - a two-storey palace that includes the Throne Room)
- Divan-khana: King Farrukh Yasar's personal mausoleum, courtroom for official meetings
- Mausoleum of Yahya Bakuvi (Sufi philosopher and scientist)
- Keygubad Mosque (mosque where Bakuvi taught)
- Royal (Palace) Mosque
- Mausoleum of King Khalilullah (buried with his mother and sons)
- Murad’s Gate (eastern gate)
- Hamam (bath-house)
- Ovdan (water reservoir)
- Muhammad Mosque - photo - The oldest surviving building in Baku's Inner city (with recorded history), Arabic inscriptions found at the doorway of the northern wall place the mosque's construction at 1078 to 1079. In more recent history - as a result of the Russo-Persian War (1722-1723) - the mosque earned the moniker 'Siniggala Mosque' (broken tower mosque), after Russian naval bombardment left it's minaret damaged. From that time, until the minaret was finally reconstructed in the mid-19th century, the damaged tower remained a symbol of the city's persistence and courage against invaders.
- Baku Museum of Miniature Books - photo - Situated within the Inner City stands a museum dedicated to miniature books. Founded by a private collector - Zarifa Salahova - with the hope of promoting childhood literacy, the museum has amassed a collection of more than 6500 miniature books from over 60 different countries.
- Fountains Square - photo - Sometimes called by its old name - Parapet Street - the pedestrian friendly square is situated just north of the Inner City in the heart of Baku. A popular public gathering point, its a great place to stroll, sit on a park bench and observe the many fountains and passing pedestrians, or enjoy one of many delicious cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. Its also the site of spirited shows and festivities during public holidays and celebrations.
- Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature - photo - Situated near Fountains Square and the entrance to the Inner City, stands a museum renowned for both the architectural design of the building itself and for the contents housed within. Originally built in 1850 as a one-storey caravanserais (roadside inn), that got an additional storey added in 1915, the building's beautiful western facade incorporates ogival arched niches set with statues of the nation’s literary greats. Within the museum visitors will find an exposition that includes over 3000 manuscripts, rare books, illustrations, portraits and sculptures of Azerbaijan's celebrated writers and poets. official website
- Baku Boulevard (Milli Park or National Park or Primorsky Boulevard) - photo - An extensive promenade that runs parallel along Baku's seafront from Freedom (Azadliq) Square (on the south-facing shore), past the Inner (Walled) City to the west, and all the way down to National Flag Square in the south. With a history going back more than 100 years (when oil barons built their mansions along the seashore), today the boulevard is a well-used public recreation area. Here locals and visitors can walk, ride bicycles (rental bikes available), enjoy views from high atop the Ferris wheel (Baku Eye), dine at local cafes and restaurants, take a boat ride at Mini-Venice, a ship excursion along the bay, or visit the Puppet Theater, Park Bulvar shopping mall and/or Carpet Museum. official website
- Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum - photo - Located in a beautifully designed building near the waterfront, the museum houses an impressive collection of Azerbaijani carpets (from the 17th to 20th centuries), as well as antique cultural artifacts such as national garments, embroidery, ceramics, metal works and jewelry. The museum also organizes public lectures and instructive courses on carpet making and applied arts. For more information, visit the official website of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. official website
- Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye) - photo - A 60 meter (197 ft) tall Ferris wheel on Baku Boulevard that offers panoramic views of Baku's landmarks and the Caspian Sea. Operating hours are 10am to 11pm, so visitors can gain either a day-time and night-time perspective of the city. Enclosed cabins hold 8 people each (although there are a few VIP cabins that hold 4 people). Leisurely rides last approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
- The Museum Center - photo - Located in the heart of Baku, just off of Baku Boulevard, is a column-fronted neoclassical building that that was constructed in 1960 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Vladimir Lenin's birth. Originally serving to promote socialist ideology, the present-day complex (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture) now houses a conference hall, a circular ceremonial hall, an 'Information and Education Center', an art gallery (that hosts changing exhibitions), plus four distinct museums...
- Azerbaijan State Museum of Musical Culture
- Azerbaijan State Theater Museum
- Independence Museum of Azerbaijan
- Azerbaijan State Museum of History of Religion
For more information about each museum as well as upcoming exhibits and events, see the official website of The Museum Center. - National Museum of History of Azerbaijan - photo - The former residence of a prominent Azerbaijani oil magnate Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the splendid Neo-Renaissance style mansion (built 1893 to 1902) now houses one of the nation's largest museums. The museum is divided into three sections. The first exhibits prehistoric and medieval artifacts (everything from bones and ancient pottery, to military objects and numismatics). The second exhibits personal possessions from famous Azerbaijanis. The third exhibits original belongings (old furniture, art and household items) from the Taghiyev family home. For more information see the official website of the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan. official website
- Baku Museum of Modern Art - photo - Conveniently located near the city center, the modern art museum in Baku houses a lovely collection of 20th century avant-garde art from national painters and sculptors (and some works from non-Azerbaijani masters like Dalí, Picasso, and Chagall). The beautiful two-storey museum (which is a work-of-art unto itself) includes a children's fine arts department, a video hall, a cafe and restaurant, plus a separate hall for private exhibitions. official website
- National Art Museum of Azerbaijan - photo - Housed in two adjacent 19th century buildings, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art is the largest art collection in the country. With over 3000 items exhibited on permanent display across 3 floors and 60 rooms (another 12,000 items are kept in storage), visitors can enjoy a broad range of art from ancient to modern, created by regional Azerbaijani, western and eastern masters. Visit the official website of the National Art Museum of Azerbaijan for more information about the museum's collections and upcoming exhibitions.
- Heydar Aliyev Center - photo - Named after former Azerbaijan president Heydar Aliyev (who served from October 1993 until October 2003), the building is one of the signature architectural landmarks of modern Baku. Designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the structure rises up from the surrounding plaza forming a wave-like shell. Fluid and void of sharp angles, its a delight to contemplate and photograph. The equally beautiful and tranquil, white-space interior houses exhibition spaces, a library, a museum collection ('Treasures of Azerbaijan') and concert venues. For up-to-date news about upcoming events, concerts and exhibitions, visit the official website of the Heydar Aliyev Center.
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque - photo - Locally known as the “Mosque of Fatima" (a name used by French writer Alexandre Dumas during his visit to Baku in the 1840s), Bibi-Heybat Mosque was originally built in the 13th century in the era of the Shirvanshah dynasty. A monument to Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan, it was regretfully destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936, before being completely rebuilt in the 1990s. The Bibi-Heybat Mosque includes the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum (a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad), and today is the spiritual center for the Muslims of the region.
- Upland Park (Nagorny Park) - photo - Located high above Baku is a must-see park where visitors can enjoy an amazing panorama of the city and the Caspian coastline. In addition to the breathtaking views, the park is also home to the Alley of Martyrs (Martyrs' Lane), with poignant memorials dedicated to heroes and victims of prior military conflicts associated with Azerbaijan's independence.
- Eternal Flame: site of an annual commemoration for Black January (a violent Soviet crackdown against an Azerbaijani independence uprising during the 19th and 20th of January, 1990).
- Upper Alley: tombs of martyrs who died during Black January (1990).
- Lower Alley: tombs of soldiers who died during the Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-1994 ethnic and territorial conflict with Armenia).
- Baku Turkish Martyrs' Memorial: monument to Ottoman Turk troops killed during the Battle of Baku (1918).
- Mosque of the Martyrs: small mosque next to the Turkish Martyrs' Memorial that was built by the Republic of Turkey in the 1990s.
Other nearby sites of interest include the National Assembly (nation's parliament), the Flame Towers (prominent symbols of modern Baku), and the neighboring (mini) Blue Mosque (which has some resemblance to the original in Istanbul).
Upland park can be reached by one of three ways... - 1. Take a cable train (funicular) from Baku Boulevard. The base terminal of the cable train can be found near the Carpet Museum (building that looks like a rolled carpet). Trip from top to bottom (and vise versa) only takes 7 or 8 minutes.
- 2. Climb the adjacent stairway. While this requires considerably more time and effort, climbers will be rewarded with unique viewpoints of Baku and the Inner City.
- 3. Take a cab or a bus directly to the top.
- Taza Pir Mosque - photo - Built over the tomb of Abu Seyid Abdulla (a 14th century scholar and Islamic Saint), construction of the Taza Pir Mosque was started by Azerbaijani philanthropist Nabat Khanum Ashurbeyova in 1905, and completed by her son in 1914. Closed and converted to a cinema during the October Revolution just three years after completion, it wasn't until 1943 before the the mosque was once again used as a place of worship. Today, after more recent renovations, the Taza Pir Mosque is an exquisite structure with a 1400 m² (15,070 foot²) interior that's adorned with gold gilding, calligraphy, elaborate decorations and geometric patters. Well worth the short walk up meandering streets to get there, its a pleasant place to simply sit on the carpeted floor and enjoy quiet time admiring the sacred space.
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Websites: City of Baku (official website), Wikipedia |
Ateshgah of Baku ('Fire Temple of Baku') - Situated on the eastern outskirts of Baku (in the suburb of Surakhani), lies a pentagonal complex with an open courtyard that has a temple alter in the middle. A place of pilgrimage for Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian fire-worshipers, the temple in its present state was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries by the Baku-based Hindu community. Up until the mid-19th century, the temple had an “eternally” burning flame due to natural gas pocket below ground. Then, due to a movement of the surface, the natural gas yield ceased and pilgrims interpreted it as punishment from the gods and left. Today the temple is a museum complex that can be visited in conjunction with the nearby “burning mountain” - Yanar Dag.
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Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) - A natural gas fire that burns continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula north of Baku. Resulting from hydrocarbon gases emanating from below the earth's surface, it is claimed that the Yanar Dag flame was only noted when accidentally lit by a shepherd in the 1950s. Today the territory of the burning flame is home to the Yanardag Museum and Yanardag Cromlech Stone Exhibition that includes a museum, exhibits displaying ancient stones and archaeological specimens, a five hundred seat amphitheater (for outdoor concerts), as well as ancient kurgans (burial mounds).
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Gobustan National Park (Azerbaijan) - Located roughly 64 km (40 miles) southwest of Baku near the west bank of the Caspian Sea, is a national park covering an area of 45.4 km² (17.5 miles²). Officially known as the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to cave dwellings, settlements, burial sites, and stone engravings that date as far back as the Upper Paleolithic period (following the last Ice Age). The most treasured archaeological remnants are the 6000+ petroglyphs (some dating back 40,000 years), depicting prehistoric scenes of people and animals (including the world's oldest known boat images). A relatively new Gobustan Museum (opened in 2012), gives visitors a good overview of the region's history, including exhibits with thousands of artifacts from the area.
In addition to archaeological relics, Gobustan is also home to several unique geological attractions – mud volcanoes and Gavaldash (a natural musical stone). An estimated 300 of the world's 850 mud volcanoes are found in the area, drawing geologists as well as mud aficionados (who believe that lathering and bathing in the mud provides certain health benefits). Gavaldash, on the other hand, are naturally forming pieces of flat limestone that produce musical sounds when struck (like a tambourine), thanks to the porous shells in the limestone.
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Nabran - Roughly 200 km (124 miles) northwest of Baku (along the Caspian Sea coastline), is a resort destination popular with Azerbaijani nationals, expats and tourists from Russia. Attractions include the surrounding subtropical forest, sandy beaches on the Caspian seashore, as well as a resort strip that stretches on for kilometers. Along the coastal region (Khachmaz Rayon – that includes Nabran and adjacent villages), visitors can find a wide variety of accommodations (hotels, private cottages and guesthouses), restaurants, cafes and discos, as well as recreation centers (including a large Aqua Park).
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Sheki - Situated about 325 km (202 miles) northwest of Baku (near the Russian and Georgian borders, on the southern slopes of the North Caucasus mountain range), is one of the historical and cultural gems of Azerbaijan. Located along an important Silk Road trade route that runs north through the Caucasus, the region has continuously fallen under the rule of foreign powers (Armenian, Georgian, Persian, Arab, Mongol, Shirvanshah, Ottoman, and Russian to name a few). And for a brief period (from 1743 to 1819) the region enjoyed relative autonomy as the Sheki Khanate. It was during this time that the Palace of Sheki Khans was built. The palace, along with the Historic Center of Sheki, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019. In addition to the palace, other historical, cultural and outdoor attractions of Sheki are also listed below...- Palace of Sheki Khans (Khansarai) - photo - Built by Khan Hussein in 1762, the summer residence of the Sheki Khans is a wonderful testament to the craftsmanship of the era. Constructed without a single nail, the design and aesthetics of the decorative plasterwork, painted overhangs, Shebeke windows, and intricate murals will leave visitors in awe. In addition, the landscaped courtyard, complete with panoramic views of the city and the forested mountains, just adds to the delightful atmosphere.
- Historic Center of Sheki - photo - On the way up the street leading to/from the Sheki Khans' Palace, one can turn off and explore cobbled residential streets that seem to go in all directions. Here in the charming historic center visitors will find homes, shops and taverns with beautiful brickwork and plaster molding that imitate the nearby palace.
- Caravansarai - photo - Constructed during the Sheki Khanate, the caravansarai (one of the biggest in the the entire Transcaucasus region) once housed caravans as they journeyed on the Silk Road. Presently, it's once again the city's best accommodation (Karvansaray Hotel), serving as a place for travelers to stay and eat. For those staying elsewhere, the hotel still welcomes visitors who simply want to admire the history and beautiful architecture.
- Juma Mosque - photo - Built from 1745 to 1750, the lovely mosque is decorated with exquisite geometric designs and has a 40 meter (131 ft) spire from which you hear the resonant call to prayer five times a day.
- Bazaar - photo - Located in the western part of Sheki, the bazaar is an vibrant spot where you can find all kinds of food, spices and handicrafts, and get a feel for the local culture.
- Silk Factory - photo - From 1850 to 1870, Sheki became international center silk production. Millions of rubles in silk worms were purchased annually and several hundred European companies opened offices in the city. Today, there is still an operating silk factory about a 15 minute walk from the town center. Adjacent to the factory there is a chance of finding vendors who sell silk items for lower prices than those found in the bazaar.
- Shebeke Stained Glass - photo - The region's own, special version of stained glass is made through the process of tracery. In short, ‘network tracery pieces’ made from wood and colored glass are skillfully fitted together without using glue or any other fasteners. Exquisite examples of Shebeki can be seen at the Palace of Sheki Khans.
- Regional Cuisine (Piti and Sheki Halva) - photo - Sheki Piti: an aromatic stew consisting of meat (veal or chicken), chickpeas, potatoes and vegetables, prepared in a terracotta pot. Sheki Halva: a local type of baklava that is syrupy and sweet.
- Albanian Church (Church of Kish or Church of Saint Elishe) - photo - In the nearby town of Kish one will find a testament to the religious diversity of the Sheki region. Constructed in the 12th century and used at varying times as both an Apostolic and an Orthodox place of worship, the church is currently inactive although the interior crypt and dome are open to visitors.
- Sheki Castle - photo - Built by the founder of the Sheki Khanate – Khan Haji Chelebi (who ruled from 1747 to 1755) – the fortress is located on the southern foothills of the North Caucasus near the village of Nukha. Protected by numerous bastions, it's walls are nearly 1,200 meters (3,940 feet) long, with two main gates on the north and south sides.
- Hiking and Trekking - photo - The Sheki region of northern Azerbaijan provides a seemingly endless network of spectacular trails for hiking and trekking. The only minor hiccup is that many trails and routes are still unmarked and rarely included on local maps. Nevertheless, with a little guidance, trails are recognizable and well “maintained” by locals who use them for logging and moving their herds.
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Websites: City of Sheki (official website), Wikipedia |
Diri Baba Mausoleum - Located roughly 90 km (56 miles) east of Baku near the village of Maraza, is a revered archaeological monument dating back to the Shirvanshah dynasty. Built in the early 15th century (in 1402 according to an inscription on the wall), Diri-Baba is a two-storey mausoleum-mosque adjoined to a steep rocky cliff. Attracting pilgrims since the 17th century, legend has it that the remains of sacred person – named Diri-Baba - rests in the burial vault located on the 2nd floor (the main hall) of the mausoleum. A small corridor covered with an octagonal cupola is located on the 1st floor, where guests take off their shoes before ascending a half-lit staircase to 2nd floor. Nearby, visitors can also visit an old cemetery where centuries-old gravestones lie within site of the mausoleum.
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Absheron National Park - Located east of Baku at the far tip of the Absheron Peninsula, is a 7.8 km² (3 miles²) nature reserve. Vegetation in the sandy, semi-dessert terrain is sparse, but visitors will be treated to a diverse range of fauna along the scenic hiking and biking trails. Species include fox, badger, wild boar, rabbit, lizards, sea snakes (non-poisonous), and vipers (poisonous), plus a wide variety of birds (waterfowl, shorebirds, birds of prey, etc.). A car or taxi will take you to the entrance of the park gate, where visitors pay a small entrance fee, then proceed on foot or by bike. Don't expect much in the way of facilities, so come prepared with snacks and water for your trek.
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Goygol National Park - Situated roughly 386 km (240 miles) east of Baku, and 48 km (30 miles) south of Ganja, Goygol National Park is one of the most scenic places in Azerbaijan. The nation's first national park (founded in 1925), it encompasses a total area of 127.5 km² (49.2 miles²) and is most noted for the stunning deep blue Göygöl Lake (Goygol means 'Blue Lake' in Azerbaijani). Formed by an earthquake in 1139 - that caused the summit of Mount Kapaz to collapse into the Akhsu River (creating a natural dam) – it is the largest of 10 lakes, as well as numerous creeks and rivers in the park, that dissect the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus mountain range. The park's lush forests, river valleys and gorges are home to a variety of flora and fauna, although birders, trekkers and nature photographers may be disappointed to learn that hiking options are limited. There is, nonetheless, a good selection of cafes and kiosks at the park entrance for those who wish to make a day-trip and have a pleasant lunch in beautiful surroundings. There is a smaller mountain lake, called Maralgöl Lake, where visitors are less restricted and have the opportunity to hike a bit. Connected to Goygol Lake via the Akhsu River, it can be reached by taking a 7 km (4.3 mile) stretch of “road” that is very rocky and rough for large stretches.
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Momine Khatun Mausoleum - Situated in the city of Nakhchivan (in the landlocked enclave of Azerbaijan), the mausoleum was built in 1186 by the son of the founder of the Atabaylar state (that served as an Atabeg - regional vassal - to the larger Seljuq empire). The Momine Khatun Mausoleum was built in the Nakhchivani style of architecture, which differs from the Shirvani style (found around Baku), with respect to its use of brick as the basic construction material and the use of colored tiles (especially turquoise enameled tiles) for decoration. Exquisitely adorned, the medieval skyscraper (standing 25 meters or 82 feet tall), has its exterior covered with elegantly carved Arabic scripts (in Kufic characters) that are arranged in geometric patterns. Inside there are four round medallions (covered with inscriptions and ornaments), that bear the names of the Prophet Muhammad, the four rashidun (caliphs) - Abu Bakr, Omar, Osman, and Ali, as well as Ali's sons Hassan and Hussein. The resting place of the original royal family is in a vault under the interior, but their tombstones have since disappeared. A madrassa (college for the study of the Islamic religion), is believed to have existed adjacent to the mausoleum, but the college has also since disappeared.
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