Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan: The Land of Fire and History

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country in Southwestern Asia, with a rich and diverse culture, history and geography. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting facts and features of this landlocked nation.

Geography and Nature

Azerbaijan has a varied and unique geography, with mountains, plains, deserts, forests and wetlands. It borders four countries: Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran, and has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water. Azerbaijan also has the world’s largest landlocked exclave, the autonomous republic of Nakhchivan, which is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia.

Azerbaijan is home to a rich biodiversity, with many endemic and rare species of plants and animals. Some of the wildlife that can be found in Azerbaijan include roe deer, brown bears, lynx, flamingos, pelicans and swans. Azerbaijan also has several natural wonders, such as the mud volcanoes, which spew out mud and gas, and the fire mountains, which are areas where natural gas leaks to the surface and causes spontaneous fires.

History and Culture

Azerbaijan has a long and turbulent history, dating back to the Paleolithic age, when early humans inhabited the region. Azerbaijan was part of various empires and kingdoms throughout the centuries, such as the Medes, the Persians, the Mongols, the Safavids, the Ottomans and the Russians. Azerbaijan briefly became independent in 1918, after the Russian Revolution, but was soon invaded and annexed by the Soviet Union in 19206. Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, after the collapse of the USSR.

Azerbaijan has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its Turkic, Persian, Caucasian and Russian heritage. The majority of the population is Muslim, mainly Shia, but there are also minorities of Christians, Jews and other faiths. The official language is Azerbaijani, a Turkic language, but there are also other languages spoken, such as Russian, Armenian, Lezgian and Talysh. Azerbaijan has a vibrant and colorful tradition of music, literature, art, cuisine and sports. Some of the famous cultural icons of Azerbaijan include the mugham, a folk music genre, the carpet weaving, a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the dolma, a stuffed vegetable dish, and the chess, a popular game in which Azerbaijan has produced several world champions.

Visa Requirements and Procedures

If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, you need to check the visa requirements and procedures for your nationality. Depending on your country of origin, you may be eligible for visa exemption, visa on arrival or electronic visa. You can find the list of visa-exempt countries, visa on arrival countries and electronic visa countries on the official website of the Republic of Azerbaijan. If you are not from any of these countries, you need to apply for a visa at one of the Azerbaijani diplomatic missions in advance.

The electronic visa, also known as the ASAN Visa, is the easiest and fastest way to get a visa for Azerbaijan. You can apply for it online through the ASAN Visa portal https://evisa.gov.az/en/ . The electronic visa is normally valid for 30 days and is single entry. The processing time is usually 3 business days, but you can also opt for an urgent service for an additional fee and get your visa within 3 hours. The electronic visa fee is USD 25 for Indians.

The visa on arrival is another option for some nationalities, such as British, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish and UAE citizens. You can get a visa on arrival at the international airports in Azerbaijan, such as the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. You need to have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, a confirmed return ticket, a hotel reservation and enough funds to cover your expenses. The visa on arrival fee is USD 26 for Indians.

The visa exemption is applicable for citizens of some countries, such as Belarus, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. You can enter Azerbaijan without a visa for a period of up to 90 days, depending on your country of origin. You need to have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay and a valid health insurance. You can find more information about the visa exemption on the official website of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Baku, January 2020. My backpack thrummed with the thrill of a first-time visit to Azerbaijan. Little did I know, this journey would lead me to an unforgettable experience of hospitality and friendship.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, on the bustling Nizami street, I stumbled upon a charming hostel during my first visit. It wasn't just the cozy accommodations that made my stay memorable; it was the warmth and kindness of the host that truly left a lasting impression. From day one, he went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and enjoyment, serving not only as a host but also as a guide, sharing his insider knowledge of the best places to explore.

Fast forward to October 2023, when the call of Azerbaijan beckoned once again. With anticipation, I reached out to my old friend, the hostel host, to arrange my accommodation. To my delight, he informed me of the expansion of his properties, offering me a choice among multiple locations. His reassurance instantly eased any worries I had about finding a suitable place to stay.

Upon arrival, I was greeted with open arms and a sense of familiarity that made me feel right at home. The host graciously provided me with a spacious single room, complete with a king-sized bed, at an incredibly affordable rate. As an added bonus, I had the pleasure of meeting his wonderful family, who resided within the hostel. Their hospitality knew no bounds, and I found myself welcomed into their fold as if I were one of their own.

One of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to immerse myself in the daily life of the hostel, including cooking meals in the communal kitchen. But what truly made my experience unforgettable was the joy of bonding with the host's children. Their laughter and playful energy filled the hostel with warmth and happiness, creating cherished memories that I will forever hold dear.

In appreciation of the remarkable hospitality I received, I am excited to share with fellow travelers the beauty of this hidden gem in Azerbaijan. Below, I've included images of the hostel and its cozy accommodations, as well as the host's WhatsApp number for easy booking. Whether you're seeking a comfortable stay or a chance to connect with locals, this hostel offers an experience like no other—a true home away from home in the heart of Azerbaijan.

"A Heartwarming Stay: From Strangers to Family in Azerbaijan"

Host Name - Taleh

+994 50 422 64 00

Azerbaijan is a country with a rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by its Turkic, Persian, Caucasian and Russian heritage. Some of the most popular dishes in Azerbaijan are:

• Plov: A saffron-flavoured rice dish cooked with meat, vegetables and herbs. Plov is considered the national dish of Azerbaijan and has many regional variations.

• Kebab: Skewered and grilled pieces of meat, usually lamb or beef, seasoned with spices and served with bread, salad and sauces. Kebab is a common street food and a favourite of many Azerbaijanis.

• Dolma: Minced meat and rice wrapped in grape or cabbage leaves, or stuffed into vegetables like peppers, tomatoes or eggplants. Dolma is often cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with yogurt and herbs.

• Halva: A sweet confectionery made of flour, butter, sugar and nuts. Halva is a specialty of the Sheki region, where it is made with thin layers of pastry and filled with nuts and syrup. Halva is usually cut into diamond-shaped pieces and decorated with dried fruits.

• Kufta Bozbash: A hearty soup with large meatballs, potatoes, peas and bones. Kufta Bozbash is flavoured with saffron, mint and dried plums, and is a popular winter dish.

• Baku: The capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, located on the Caspian Sea coast. Baku is a modern metropolis with a vibrant nightlife and a rich history. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City, where you can see the medieval Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the ancient city walls. You can also admire the futuristic architecture of the Flame Towers, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Baku Crystal Hall. Baku has many museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants to offer, as well as the famous Baku Boulevard, a promenade along the seafront.

Must Visit Places

• Shaki: A city in the northwest of Azerbaijan, surrounded by the Greater Caucasus mountains. Shaki is known for its historical and cultural heritage, especially its silk production and its palace. The Shaki Khan’s Palace is a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture, decorated with exquisite frescoes and stained glass. The palace is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shaki, along with the historic center of the city. Shaki also has a museum of folk and applied arts, a caravanserai, a fortress and a bazaar.

• Gobustan: A national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 60 km south of Baku. Gobustan is famous for its rock art, dating back to the Paleolithic era. There are more than 6,000 petroglyphs depicting animals, humans, rituals and scenes of daily life. Gobustan also has mud volcanoes, which spew out mud and gas, and create a lunar-like landscape.

• Astara: A city in the south of Azerbaijan, bordering Iran. Astara is known for its scenic beauty, with lush green forests, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Astara is also a popular destination for ecotourism, as it has several natural reserves and parks, such as the Hirkan National Park, the Gizil-Agaj State Reserve and the Lankaran Lowland. Astara is also famous for its tea production, as it has the largest tea plantations in the country. You can visit the Tea House Museum, where you can learn about the history and culture of tea in Azerbaijan, and taste different varieties of tea1.

• Quba: A city in the northeast of Azerbaijan, situated on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains. Quba is a historical and cultural center, with many mosques, mausoleums, museums and monuments. Quba is also home to the largest community of Mountain Jews in the world, who have their own distinct language, customs and traditions. You can visit the Red Village, the only all-Jewish town outside of Israel, and see the unique architecture and synagogues. Quba is also a popular destination for winter sports, as it has several ski resorts, such as the Shahdag Mountain Resort and the Tufandag Mountain Resort.

• Absheron National Park: A national park located on the Absheron Peninsula, near Baku. Absheron National Park was established in 2005, to protect the endangered wildlife and habitats of the region. The park covers an area of 783 hectares, and hosts a variety of flora and fauna, such as gazelles, jackals, foxes, tortoises, birds and reptiles. Absheron National Park is also a place of historical and cultural significance, as it has several archaeological sites, such as the Gala Fortress, the Ramana Castle and the Mardakan Castle. You can also see the natural phenomenon of the Yanar Dag, a hillside that has been burning continuously for centuries due to the natural gas seeping from the ground.

To get to Azerbaijan, you can fly to the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, which is the main gateway to the country. The airport serves many international and domestic flights, and has modern facilities and services. You can also take a train to Baku from Georgia or Russia, or a ferry across the Caspian Sea from Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan. You can also enter Azerbaijan by road from Georgia, Russia, Iran or Turkey, but you need a visa and a valid passport. You cannot enter Azerbaijan from Armenia, due to the unresolved conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan Cuisine: A Fusion of Turkic, Persian and Caucasian Flavors