Where is Azerbaijan located? Republic of Azerbaijan: capital, population, currency and sights. Azerbaijan: general information, history, economy, science and culture Azerbaijan azer

The economic future of Azerbaijan is connected with the development of oil deposits, concentrated mainly within the Kura-Araks lowland.

In Azerbaijani, the word "bribe" and the word "respect" sound and are spelled the same. characterizes a lot. Here a person who does not take bribes is a little less common than never. Next to this phenomenon is the local service culture. Any services. If you, for example, went to the hospital, and you were told where the right doctor is, then they will expect from you at least a tiny, but a gift. Sometimes they will even demand to “show respect”. And so everywhere.

There is a movement of fundamentalists in Azerbaijan, mainly young people, who would like to turn Azerbaijan into an Islamic state on the model of the neighboring Iran.

Azerbaijan is considered the birthplace of such a religion as Zoroastrianism, whose communities have survived in Iran and India .

The Absheron Peninsula is heavily polluted, and this makes it one of the most environmentally unfavorable regions of the Earth.

“Baku” is translated as “the city of winds”, since the city is almost constantly blown by the winds from the Caspian Sea.

In the valley of the Araz River there is the oldest salt deposit in the world, the development of which began about 5,000 years ago.

There is quite famous expression, more precisely, a paleander, the author of which is Yuri Bershidsky: “Appreciate an office in the shade of a Baku citizen.” If you read it backwards, the meaning will not change.

The Caspian Sea is the largest inland sea on Earth.

Not far from Baku is the salt lake Masazir, the water of which has a pink color. The reservoir has huge salt reserves suitable for industrial production.

The famous medieval poet Nizami (died approximately in 1202) was born on the territory of today's Azerbaijan. He is considered the founder of Azerbaijani literature.

Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Transcaucasus both in terms of territory and population.

For the construction of the Maiden Tower, the main attraction of the Old City of Baku, 2,900 cubic meters of stone were used.

About 12% of the Nobel Prize Fund consists of funds raised by Alfred Nobel from operations with Baku oil. And at the beginning of the 20th century, Baku had its own Nobel Prize, founded by the nephew of Alfred Nobel - Emmanuel. This award was presented for achievements in the field of oil production and related sciences.

The average annual temperature of Baku and the planet Earth as a whole are completely identical - 14.2°C.

Football is the favorite sport in Azerbaijan.

About 50% of the territory of Azerbaijan is occupied by mountains.

The world's first modern oil well was drilled near the capital of Azerbaijan - Baku. And in 1930 in Baku it was developed new method drilling, which is used all over the planet. According to it, wells are made not vertical, but inclined. And the oldest oil platform at sea, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is the Oil Rocks platform. Now "Oil Rocks" is a whole village on stilts with shops, houses and cultural centers.

It was in the capital of Azerbaijan that the first electric train in the USSR started. It happened in 1926.

The Karabakh horse is the national symbol of Azerbaijan. This incredibly fast, hardy and smart
the breed of horses is one of the oldest in the world, and it is found only in this territory.

The Baku circus was the first in the USSR.

From Baku, the Soviet army was regularly supplied with oil products and fuel. 9 out of 10 Soviet tanks were filled with Baku fuel.

Azerbaijan is located in 9 climatic zones (11 in total)!

Azerbaijan is called the "Land of Fire".

In the Azerbaijani city of Ganja there is a house made of bottles.

Banknotes of the Azerbaijani currency (it is called the manat) look very similar to the euro.

Most a large number of mud volcanoes in the world are located on the territory of Azerbaijan. Of the 800 known today, at least 350 are located on the territory of Azerbaijan. When volcanoes erupt, the flames rise up to a kilometer. In a calm state, they bubble and emit harmful gases. On September 15, 2004, the largest mud volcano in the world, located on the territory of Azerbaijan, was included in the Guinness Book of Records.

For 60 years, the population of Azerbaijan has increased by more than 30 times.

In Surakhani there is an unusual Ateshgah temple, which translates as “House of Fire”. This unique building was built on the site of " eternal lights” - this is burning natural gas coming out of the ground. There is also a whole mountain in Azerbaijan, constantly spewing fire - Yanar Dag, which is located not far from Baku, and feeds the flames of the gas field located under it. In the XIII century, the explorer Marco Polo wrote about the mysterious fires that blaze in those places. Natural gas is a serious source of income in Azerbaijan.

The metro in Baku was launched in 1967, and one of the stations was called "April 28" - in honor of the day when Soviet power was established in Azerbaijan. After the republic's secession from the USSR, the station was "upgraded" for exactly a month. Now it is called "May 28" - in honor of the public holiday of Republic Day.

Baku has a "Little Venice" - an artificial water channel, along the course of which there are restaurants and entertainment venues. In "Little Venice" there are islands connected by bridges and passages - but The best way to inspect it - on the gondola.

During matchmaking in Azerbaijan, tea is an indicator of further developments. If it is served without sugar, then this is a sign that the discussion needs to continue; if the tea is sweet, then, of course, the wedding will take place.

Azerbaijan became the first Muslim country in the world to adopt a democratic form of government and provide women with the same opportunities as men.

Tours to Azerbaijan - special offers of the day

Azerbaijan is a small state in Transcaucasia, in the Middle East. Some geographers, however, tend to attribute it to Eastern Europe, although there is still debate about this. Azerbaijani lands are inhabited by a proud people who highly value their traditions, hospitable and hardworking, and fertile lands generously bring a rich harvest every year.

1. Azerbaijan is the birthplace of the first modern oil well and the oldest offshore oil platform "Oil Rocks", which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Now "Oil Rocks" is a whole village on stilts with shops, houses and cultural centers.
2. Azerbaijan's motto is "Land of Fire".
3. In the capital of Azerbaijan, the city of Baku, in 1926, the first electric train in the USSR was launched.
4. Azerbaijan became the first Muslim country in the world to adopt a democratic form of government and provide women with the same opportunities as men.
5. Azerbaijani historians assure that the famous Cap of Monomakh was made by craftsmen from the local mountain village of Lahij.
6. There are more mud volcanoes on the territory of Azerbaijan than in any other state of our planet.
7. In the valley of the Araz River there is the oldest salt deposit in the world, the development of which began about 5 thousand years ago.
8. About 12% of the Nobel Prize Fund consists of funds raised by Alfred Nobel from operations with Baku oil.
9. In Surakhani there is an unusual Ateshgah temple, which translates as “House of Fire”. This unique building was built on the site of "eternal fires" - this is the natural gas coming out of the ground.
10. There is also a whole mountain in Azerbaijan that is constantly spewing fire - Yanar Dag is located not far from Baku, and the gas field below it feeds the flame.
11. The Absheron Peninsula and some other coastal areas of Azerbaijan are heavily polluted, which makes them one of the most environmentally unfavorable regions of the Earth (see facts about ecology).
12. The only plant in the USSR for the production of air conditioners was located in Azerbaijan.
13. Not far from Baku is the salt lake Masazir, the water of which has a pink color. The reservoir has huge salt reserves suitable for industrial production (see the facts about the lakes).
14. The average annual temperature of Baku and the planet Earth as a whole are completely identical - 14.2 degrees.
15. At the end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century, an explosive population growth was observed in Azerbaijan - over 60 years, the number of people living in the country jumped 33.4 times.
16. At the beginning of the 20th century, Baku had its own Nobel Prize, established by Alfred Nobel's nephew Emmanuel. This award was presented for achievements in the field of oil production and related sciences.
17. In the west of Azerbaijan, in the Azikh cave, archaeologists discovered ancient tools made one and a half million years ago.
18. Azerbaijanis drink tea with jam flavored with thyme, mint or rose water.
19. The national symbol of Azerbaijan is the Karabakh horse. This incredibly fast, hardy and intelligent breed of horse is one of the oldest in the world, and it is found only in this territory.
20. Banknotes of the Azerbaijani currency (it is called manat) outwardly are very similar to the euro (see.

Azerbaijan is a state in Asia, in the southeastern part of Transcaucasia. Official name country - Azerbaijan Republic.

Territory of Azerbaijan: The area of ​​the state of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 86,600 km².

Population of Azerbaijan: The total population of Azerbaijan is 9,780,780 (2015). Men make up 49% of the population of Azerbaijan, women - 51%. Urban population is 51%, and rural - 49%.

Ethnic groups of Azerbaijan: 90.6% are Azerbaijanis, 2.2% Lezgins, 1.8% Russians, 0.6% Avars, 0.2% Tsakhurs, as well as Ukrainians, Armenians, Udins, Ingiloys, Kryzys, Budugs, Khynalygs, Tatars, Meskhetians Turks, Kurds, etc.

Average life expectancy in Azerbaijan: The average life expectancy in Azerbaijan is 72.2 years (men 69.19 years, women 75.54 years).

Capital of Azerbaijan: Baku.

Major cities of Azerbaijan: Baku - 2181800 people, Ganja (former Kirovabad) - 278000 people, Sumgayit - 235000 people.

State language of Azerbaijan: Azerbaijani. Russian and Turkish languages ​​are widespread.

Religion in Azerbaijan: The main part of the population of Azerbaijan professes Islam (mainly Shiite Muslims - 93.4%), various forms of Orthodoxy are professed by the Georgian, Russian and Armenian minorities.

Geographical position of Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan borders on Russia in the north, Georgia in the northwest, Armenia in the west, Iran in the south, Turkey in the extreme southwest, and the Caspian Sea in the east.

More than half of the territory of Azerbaijan is occupied by mountains. The mountains belong to the system of the Greater Caucasus in the north (the ridges of the Greater Caucasus with the peak of Bazarduzu, 4480 m, and the Side with the peak of Shahdag, 4250 m) and the Lesser Caucasus in the west and southwest. The highlands of the Greater Caucasus are characterized by glaciers and turbulent mountain rivers; the middle mountains are strongly dissected by deep gorges. From west to east, the mountains of the Greater Caucasus first gradually, and then sharply lower and are replaced by a system of low ridges. The mountains of the Lesser Caucasus are less high, they consist of numerous ridges and the volcanic Karabakh highlands with cones of extinct volcanoes. In the extreme southeast are the Lankaran Mountains, which consist of three parallel ridges. The main peak of the highest Talysh ridge Kyomyurkoy reaches 2477 m. The mountains of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus are separated by the vast Kura-Araks lowland.

To the northeast of the Greater Caucasus lies the Kusar Plain. The northwestern and northern part of the Kura-Araks lowland is a system of hills, low ridges and valleys; in the center and in the east there are alluvial plains, near the sea coast - a low delta of the river. Hens. The low-lying Apsheron Peninsula and the Kura Spit jut deep into the Caspian Sea.

The main river of Azerbaijan is the Kura, the largest river in Transcaucasia, which crosses the territory of Azerbaijan from northwest to southeast and flows into the Caspian Sea. The main tributary of the Kura is the Araks. Most of the rivers of Azerbaijan belong to the Kura basin. More than 1000 rivers flow through the territory of Azerbaijan, but only 21 of them have a length of more than 100 km.

Administrative-territorial division of Azerbaijan: Territorially, Azerbaijan is divided into 59 regions, 11 cities and 1 autonomous republic - the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. The autonomy of Nagorno-Karabakh was officially liquidated in 1991. In fact, the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is not under the control of the central government of Azerbaijan.

State structure of Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan is a presidential republic. The head of state is the president, elected by popular vote for a five-year term. The head of state has broad legislative and executive powers. The apparatus of the presidential administration operates under the president. The legislature is the unicameral National Assembly (Milli Mejlis), elected for 5 years. Of the 125 deputies of parliament, 100 are elected from single-mandate constituencies, and 25 - according to the proportional system (according to party lists). The right to vote is granted to citizens of the country, starting from the age of 18. The highest body of executive power, the Cabinet of Ministers, is appointed by the President and approved by the Milli Majlis. The head of the cabinet is the prime minister.

Judicial proceedings are carried out by local courts and the Supreme Court, which includes chambers for criminal and civil cases. The Supreme Court is elected by Parliament for a five-year term. There is a Constitutional Court.

Azerbaijan since the beginning of the 19th century. until 1918 was part of Russian Empire, from 1918 to 1920 was an independent state, from 1922 to 1991. was part of the USSR. On August 30, 1991, the state independence of Azerbaijan was proclaimed (the official date of establishing independence is October 18, 1991).

The capital of the state is Baku. The country is considered secular. The state is located in Western Asia. The regions of Azerbaijan are inhabited by more than 9 million people. (for 2013). The area of ​​the country is 86 thousand square meters. km. The official language of the state is Azerbaijani. The country is multi-confessional and multi-ethnic. Most of the population professes Islam, a smaller one - Christianity and Judaism. Every citizen of Azerbaijan since September 1, 2013 has a biometric passport. It is used for movement within the country and travel abroad. The monetary unit is the Azerbaijani manat (1 AZN is about 42 Russian rubles).

Holidays of Azerbaijan

Officially, the country celebrates:

1. New Year (1 Jan.).
2. International Women's Day (March 8).
3. Novruz Bayramy (21.03).

The holidays of Azerbaijan also include the following days:

1. Victory (May 9).
2. Republic (28.05).
3. Armed Forces (June 26).
4. Independence (18 October).
5. State flag (November 9).
6. Constitution (November 12).
7. National Revival (November 17).
8. Solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the world (December 31).

The president

He acts as head of state. The president is elected by popular vote. Length of tenure is 5 years. The powers of the President include the appointment of government officials. If it is not possible to carry out elections under the conditions of hostilities, the term of office shall continue until their completion. The decision on this is made by the Constitutional Court at the request of the state body, whose competence includes ensuring the holding of elections.

Features of the policy of Azerbaijan

The highest representative body is the National Unicameral Assembly - Milli Majlis. The laws of Azerbaijan are adopted by 125 deputies. The representative body is elected by popular vote. The term of office is 5 years. The first elections were held in 1955. There are more than 30 parties and movements in the country. The key associations are:

1. "New Azerbaijan".
2. Musavat.
3. Democratic Party.
4. "People's Front".
5. Liberal Party.
6. social democratic movement.

National economic complex

The Republic of Azerbaijan is an industrial-agrarian country. Industry is well developed in the state. Agriculture country is diversified. A key place in the national economic complex is occupied by the gas and oil production, chemical, mining, machine-building, and non-ferrous metallurgy industries. Food industries are well developed: tea, tobacco, canning, wine-making. Large volumes of production are noted in the light industry (cotton, cotton ginning, woolen, silk, carpet weaving). The economy of Azerbaijan is considered the leader in terms of growth among The country's GDP increased 2.6 times, and the poverty rate decreased from 45 to 11%. In 2006, GDP increased by 36.6%. continues to grow continuously since 1996. Over the past 10 years, it has added an average of 13.6% every year.

Geographical position

Washed by the Caspian Sea. On land, the country neighbors with Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Iran. Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic - an exclave of Azerbaijan - in the northeast borders on Armenia, in the southwest - on Iran, in the northwest - on Turkey.

Relief

More than half of the territory of the state is occupied by mountains. Their northern part is included in the system of the Greater, the western and southwestern - the Lesser Caucasus. There are glaciers in the highlands. The turbulent rivers of Azerbaijan also flow here. In the middle mountains there are deep gorges. The ridges of the Greater Caucasus from west to east, at first gradually, then sharply decrease. They are replaced by low ridges. In the Lesser Caucasus, the mountains do not differ in high height. They include numerous ranges and the Karabakh highlands with extinct volcanoes. The extreme southeast is occupied by the Lankaran Mountains. They consist of 3 parallel ridges. The Talysh Range is considered the highest. Its main peak, Kemryukei, reaches 2477 m.

Between the mountains of the Lesser and Greater Caucasus passes the Kura-Araks lowland. Its northern and northwestern part is represented by a system of hills, valleys and low ridges. Alluvial plains lie in the east and in the center. Near the sea coast is the low delta of the Kura. In the northeast direction from the Greater Caucasus lies the Kusar Plain. The Caspian Sea includes the Kura Spit and the Apsheron Peninsula. The main water artery of the country is the river. Kura. It crosses the Republic from the northwest towards the southeast, flowing into the Caspian Sea. The main tributary is the Araks. Most of the country's rivers belong to the Kura basin. In total, there are about a thousand streams on the territory, but only 21 have a length of more than a hundred kilometers.

Story

The Republic of Azerbaijan was formed during the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Ayaz Mutalibov acted as the first president. At the end of August 1991, a declaration was adopted by the Supreme Council of the country. In accordance with it, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence. In pursuance of the declaration, a constitutional act was adopted. It determined the foundations of the economic, political and state structure of Azerbaijan. In June 1992, Ayaz Mutalibov was replaced. At that time, he was the leader of the Popular Front in Azerbaijan. Yagub Mammadov and Isa Gambar also acted as interim acting heads of the country. Both were prime ministers in Azerbaijan at one time.

The new head of the country

During the military confrontation, there were a number of failures due to the incompetence of the Popular Front. All this caused a crisis of power. On June 4, 1993, the rebellion of Suret Huseynov began in Ganja. To prevent loosening civil war, Heydar Aliyev was invited to Baku. At that time he lived in Nakhichevan. Heydar Aliyev was given the power of the head of the Republic. In the course of the events, a group of Talysh officers led by Colonel Gummatov proclaimed autonomy in Lankaran. Heydar Aliyev did not recognize it, and on August 23 this uprising was crushed.

Territorial disputes

At the turn of 1991-1992. There have been some territorial changes. In particular, the Artsvashen exclave came under the control of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, there were non-sovereign regions in it, which began to belong to Armenia. In particular, such regions of Azerbaijan as Upper Askipara, Bakhurdaly, Kyarki passed to it.

ceasefire agreement

It was signed with the mediation of the CIS countries in May 1994. During the war, the Armenians were ousted by the Azerbaijanis from several regions. Previously, the latter were the majority in these territories. Mostly, the NKR army and the Armenian forces supporting it regained control over some regions located outside the declared in 1991 sections of Nagorno-Karabakh, in which previously predominantly Azerbaijanis lived. These actions in 1993 were regarded by the UN Security Council as an occupation. After a while, the authorities of the NKR, who continued to maintain control over these regions, included them in their administrative-territorial structure.

"Contract of the Century"

He was imprisoned in 1994, on September 20, in the Gulustan Palace. This contract has become one of the largest agreements. The contract provided for the share distribution of products obtained from the deepwater deposits of Chirag, Azeri and Gunashli. This agreement was one of the largest both in terms of the volume of hydrocarbon reserves and the amount of proposed investments. The contract took 400 pages and was executed in 4 languages. 13 companies from 8 countries participated in the agreement. Preliminary calculations showed that the estimated oil reserves at first amounted to 511 million tons. But later, appraisal drilling was done, and according to updated information, the presence of 730 million tons of raw materials was established. In this regard, the amount of investments was increased to 11.5 billion dollars. According to the contract, 80% of the total net profit was due to Azerbaijan, and 20% - to investors. Since the beginning of the implementation of the agreement, a significant turning point has occurred in the national economic complex of the country, a huge amount of work has been launched. In 1995, under the primary oil production project, in accordance with international standards, restoration work was carried out on the Chigrak-1 platform. For drilling wells with a higher inclination, the upper module was upgraded and re-equipped. A new type of drilling rig made it possible to drill horizontally to the well layers. A large volume of oil began to flow from the most obliquely drilled channels. Since 1997, production began at the Chirag field.

present tense

Azerbaijan today is a fairly developed country in terms of economics. Heydar Aliyev died in 2003. He was replaced as president by his son, Ilham. In 2010, 2 villages of the Magaramkent region of Dagestan with 600 Lezgins, citizens of the Russian Federation, moved to the Khachmas region of Azerbaijan. In addition, the flow of the river was divided. Samur. In May 2013, 3 pasture areas of the Dokuzparinsky district of Dagestan also went to Azerbaijan.

Attractions

70 km south of Baku, the largest accumulation of rock carvings, Kobystan, found in the CIS countries. There are also more than 4 thousand unique sites, fortresses, caves and burial grounds. All of them are over 10 thousand years old. The monuments present on the territory constitute a historical and cultural reserve. The village of Surakhani lies 30 km northeast of Baku. It contains the temple complex "Ateshgah". The original construction of the monument dates back to the 2nd century. BC e. There are fortresses everywhere. They were built by the Shirvan shahs. Castles in Mardakan, the sunken ruins of the Bailov castle, the Tuba-Shahi mosque, various fortifications in Buzovna, Shuvelyany, Kishly, Sabunchi, Amirjany, Mashtagi, Kala, on about. Pirallahi and others. The city of Shabran is located in the north-east of Azerbaijan. It was part of the Derbent defensive system in the Middle Ages. In the same direction is the capital of the Cuban ancient khanate, the city of Cuba.

Shamakhi is considered one of the most interesting and ancient cities of Azerbaijan. It is located 130 km west of the country's capital. The city of Sheki is located 380 km not far from the border with Georgia. Archaeological evidence indicates that it may be one of the oldest settlements Caucasus. In the suburbs of Sheki, there are a large number of historical and cultural monuments. For example, they include the Kumbazi towers in Kutkashen, the fortresses of Sumug, Gelesen-Geresen, Kish, the tower and temple of Orta-Zeyzit, the Ilisu mosque, the mausoleum in Babaratma, etc. The region itself is amazingly beautiful. It is intricately dotted with narrow and deep valleys with a huge number of springs, waterfalls, cleanest rivers, and mineral springs. All this splendor is surrounded by alpine meadows and dense forests. The city of Lankaran was previously the capital of the Talysh Khanate. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Iran.

To the north, 100 km away, is one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Haneg. The walls of the fortress, the mosque, the tomb of Pir Hussein and other structures have survived to this day. Near the confluence of the river. Chickens in the sea located Old city Neftchala. It preserved the Goltuk fortress, the ruins defensive structures, Piratavan sanctuary, Khilli mosque. To the northwest of the city, archaeologists continue to find new historical monuments. In particular, the city of Orenkala, the mounds of Garatepe, Gyzyltepe, Goshatepe, Mukhurtepe and others were discovered. Fortified towers, mausoleums, castles, monasteries of the Middle Ages are located along the border with.

On the Caspian coast there are numerous nature reserves, fishing and resort towns. Areas at the mouth of the river. Chickens are considered traditional sturgeon fishing grounds. The ridges of the Talysh mountains lie along the border with Iran. This area is considered the most exotic in the country. In the subtropical zone are present. Many representatives of the Hyrcanian flora live here. This area is known as one of the best resorts in Azerbaijan. Another of the oldest cities is Kabala. It is considered the religious and political center of Caucasian Albania. In Arabic sources, he is known as Khazar. A mosque, the mausoleums of Mansur and Badreddin, the castles of Sary-Tepe and Ajinne-Tepe have survived to this day. The city of Nakhichevan is also ancient. To the south is the city of Ordubad. It has been known since the 12th century. Dilber and Juma mosques, khan's courts, madrasahs, as well as a huge number of medieval buildings, which are combined into a state historical architectural reserve, are located here.

All cities of Azerbaijan

History of Azerbaijan

Life on the territory of Azerbaijan was in full swing, starting from the II century BC. And we are not talking about a handful of disparate tribes, but about completely independent states like Caucasian Albania. In the 8th century, the Arabs came here and began to plant their own culture and religion among the population.

Since the 11th century, the Azerbaijani lands were conquered and reconquered by stronger powers - the Seljuk Empire, the Ildegizid State, as well as the descendants of the Tatar-Mongol ruling dynasties. Subsequently, Turkic nomads were also noted here, who played a significant role in the formation of the Azerbaijani people.

In the 16th century, the territories of Transcaucasia became part of the Safavid state, ruled by the Iranian Shah. The empire did not last long and collapsed in 1722, and then Azerbaijan was divided into small khanates, which gradually joined Russia in the 19th century: partly voluntarily, partly during military operations.

After the October Revolution, Azerbaijan tried to secede from the Land of Soviets, declaring itself a democratic republic. However, attempts to gain independence were suppressed, and in 1920 the state became part of the USSR, which he managed to leave only in 1991, after the collapse of the Union. Another important historical milestone occurred at the end of the 80s. A military conflict broke out in Azerbaijan between the indigenous population and the Armenians, which resulted in the appearance of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on the political map of the world.

Climate. Best time to travel

Azerbaijan is nine natural areas and gradual transitions from subtropical climate to mountain tundra. So, when planning a tour of the country, give up hope for the stability of the weather - surprises in the form of temperature changes and precipitation are inevitable. The optimal time for excursions in Azerbaijan is the period from mid-May to mid-October. Moreover, if the purpose of the trip is to get acquainted with the architectural heritage and only, it is more expedient to exclude the summer months from this period. Ideally, it is better to postpone the inspection of historical monuments altogether to September-October, when the scorching heat subsides and walks in the open air cease to be a test of endurance.

Those who come to Azerbaijan to relax on the Caspian Sea, it is recommended to book a hotel for July-August. These are the hottest months in the local year (the thermometer stays at +32...+38 °C), when you can safely splash in the water and improve your diving skills. June in the Republic is also warm, attracting sunbathers and adherents of balneotherapy to the coast. In general, in terms of climate in Azerbaijan, it is most comfortable in the Caspian zone. In mountainous areas weather are no longer such a resort, and winters are an order of magnitude colder, with strong winds and snowstorms.

Population and language barrier

Most of the indigenous population professes Islam, although other religions are also not oppressed. Moreover, Azerbaijan gives the impression of being the most loyal and tolerant of all Muslim states. As for interaction with local residents, it does not cause difficulties if the traveler does not go for provocations. So feel free to ask passers-by for help and check the names of the streets with the schoolchildren you meet along the way - in 9 cases out of 10 you will be politely answered, or even offered to take you to the desired object.

Well, very persistent hospitality, as well as the desire to show off a little, are essential components of the Azerbaijani mentality, which at first lead to slight bewilderment. Expensive gadgets in hand, jewelry with precious stones the size of a medium-sized cobblestone for local residents is not a luxury, but an urgent need that helps to prove to others their worth.

The state language in the country is Azerbaijani, but mutual understanding with the population is ensured in Baku and other large cities. Representatives of the older generation are still nostalgic for Soviet times and willingly chat in Russian (yes, Azerbaijanis are a terribly talkative people). Advanced youth in the study of the great mighty did not succeed, but almost always speaks in English.

Attractions and entertainment

The first rule of a tourist in Azerbaijan is not to identify the whole country with Baku. The administrative center of the Republic is a cheerful, contrasting city, and, of course, worthy of a separate excursion. However, the real Azerbaijan is still located outside the capital - in small villages and mountain villages.

All sights of Azerbaijan

5 things to do in Azerbaijan

• Walk around Old Baku and find the street where the creators of the comedy "The Diamond Arm" filmed the iconic scene at the "Istanbul" pharmacy.
• Listen to the melodies of singing stones in the Gobustan reserve.
• To visit the descendants of the biblical Noah - the kyats. Representatives of this nationality live in the mountain village of Khanylag, famous for its ascetic life and stone houses hung with satellite dishes.
• Take a selfie against the backdrop of Baku taxis, which are one to one London cabs, and then surprise your friends with photos from an imaginary trip to England.
• Ingratiate yourself with local housewives and ask for a secret recipe for pies-kutab, which for Azerbaijanis is the same as pizza for Italians.

Resorts of Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, you can count not only on the healing mountain air and sea bathing, but also on medical programs. The main resort of the country is Naftalan. It is here that guests use the famous Azerbaijani oil, or rather its local variety, which has a unique chemical composition and has proven itself as the main component of body wraps and baths. According to doctors, the oil substance has a beneficial effect on the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, and also actively fights against skin ailments. At the same time, Naftalan's main specialization is disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Proof of this is the Museum of Crutches, all the exhibits in which, according to the guides, were left by healed patients.

Another Azerbaijani resort is located in the place of Galaalti, where seven healing springs come to the surface. The composition of the local mineral water is identical to the one for which those who wish to receive medical treatment go to Truskavets, but with a slight difference: the reserves of healing moisture in the Galaalta deposits will last for several decades, while in the Ukrainian resort some of the sources have already dried up. Treatment in the sanatorium complexes of Galaalti is recommended for people suffering from gastroenterological diseases and urolithiasis. As a visual confirmation - the "board of honor" of one of the resort health resorts, where capsules with kidney stones that left the patient's body after drinking Galaalta mineral water are posted.

The second mineral capital of Azerbaijan is Nakhichevan. This is where you can pacify neglected asthma and taste the local analogues of Borjomi and Narzan. Another healing factor of the resort is the Duzdag salt caves. Mysterious stone halls are located underground, on the territory of the therapeutic center of the same name and are used in the treatment of broncho-pulmonary ailments. Lankaran remains an equally popular resort - the subtropical climate, combined with the proximity of the Caspian Sea, work wonders, healing no worse than oil and mineral water.

beach holiday

To come to Azerbaijan in the summer and not swim means to deprive yourself of a good rest, especially since the situation with the beaches here is more than pleasant. If you need soft sand under your feet and developed infrastructure - welcome to the Absheron Peninsula, to the villages neighboring Baku - Mardakan, Novkhany, Bilgah, Buzovna, Pirshagi and others. The only caveat: during the season, the purity of the water in some locations leaves much to be desired (there is nothing to the oil rigs), so it is better to travel around the villages to choose the most acceptable option.

But it’s better not to meddle with the once popular beach areas in the Shikhovo, Turkan and Hovsan areas. An inspection carried out by the Ministry of Ecology showed that the percentage of harmful substances in local waters exceeds the permissible level. Approximately the same situation is in Sumgayit, famous for its twenty fully equipped beaches with shell cover. In 2019, the coastline of the resort town was blacklisted by Azerbaijani environmentalists and it is not known when it will leave it.

Relatively clean and well-maintained shore on the territory of Lankaran. The coating on the city beaches is of an anti-glamorous black and gray hue due to the high content of volcanic ash, but there are not so few people who want to lie on it. The main reason for the popularity of "Gothic" beaches is healing properties sand, on which it is highly recommended to relax spa guests with cardiovascular ailments.

Important point: Lankaran is a city where Muslim traditions are strong like nowhere else in Azerbaijan, so the beaches here are divided into separate areas for women, men and families. Keep this in mind when you are going to sunbathe in urban areas, and do not try to break into areas where people of the opposite sex are relaxing.

Another beach mini-paradise of the country is the resort village of Nabran, built up with camp sites, and the village properties are not limited to the clear sea and convenient approaches to it. Relic forests teeming with various living creatures come close to Nabran. It is also full of swamps and ponds where you can catch and release freshwater turtles.

Ski resorts

Recently in Azerbaijan you can go skiing and snowboarding. Ski tourism in the country began to develop in the 2000s (the first complex opened in 2012), but some heights in this matter have already been reached. About 200 km from Baku is the country's largest ski resort - Shahdag. 17 kilometers of slopes of all difficulty levels, 12 lifts, 160 artificial snow generators - all this can be found on the territory of the complex. In addition, Shahdag has its own ski school, sports equipment rentals, hotels, shops and even restaurants. In the summer, when the skis are stored in the pantry until the next season, the resort is converted into a tourist center. So if you are drawn to picturesque places (the complex is located in a protected area), or just ride horses and ATVs, you will be looked forward to in Shahdag.

The second ski resort of Azerbaijan, called Tufandag, is still actively expanding and being completed, but everyone is allowed to try their luck on its jumps. In total, the complex has 10 pistes, 5 cable cars and enough snow cannons to ensure a decent quality of cover throughout the season. "Tufandag" is located 4 km from the city of Gabala and is ready to receive and simultaneously accommodate up to 3000 guests.

Azerbaijani cuisine

Meat (it is better not to look for pork in a Muslim country) and seasonal vegetables in various variations - so in in general terms looks like a meal of an Azerbaijani faithful to the gastronomic traditions. But it will not be easy for vegetarians and other healthy lifestyle people - Caucasian culinary specialists season everything that falls into their field of vision with fat tail fat, thanks to which the calorie content of national specialties skyrockets.

Along with the already international kebabs, pilaf and dolma, do not ignore the not so famous, but no less tasty kutabs (flattened pies with meat and vegetable filling), dushbara (appetizing dumplings in beef broth), saj (roast lamb with vegetables, served on a sizzling skillet). Soups in the cuisine of Azerbaijan also have a place, but often they are an intermediate option between the first and second courses. Mandatory, if not for eating, then for tasting: khash, okroshka ovdukh, bozbash.

The assortment of pastries and desserts is not that outstanding, but if there is an urgent need for simple carbohydrates, baklava, Turkish delight, mutaki and kete cookies, badambur pies, plus a couple of similar desserts are at your disposal. In addition, in Azerbaijan you can discover interesting varieties of jam that you rarely see on the Russian table - from white cherries, peaches, walnuts, watermelons, feijoa. They always drink jam with tea, without which not a single meal in the country can do.

There are enough places in Azerbaijan where you can really dine or just have a snack. It is better for a poor tourist to entrust digestion to small family restaurants, cozy teahouses, as well as fast food kiosks. If the travel budget allows you not to count the spent, you can take a good walk in Chayki or NUR. by Eleven. The menu of both establishments includes dishes of national cuisine, diluted with interesting European improvisations. Fans of Mediterranean and Asian food can wander through the streets of Baku in search of cafes where guests are treated to risotto, paella and sushi - there are many of them here.

Where to stay

Hotels of international chains such as Hilton and Sheraton in Azerbaijan are found only in Baku. The vast majority of five-star hotels are also located here, prices for a double room in which start from 215 AZN (approximately 8000 RUB). A day's stay in the capital's "treshka" is approximately 27-55 AZN, in hostels - from 10 AZN (a bed in a dormitory).

In resort towns like Naftalan and Nakhichevan, sanatoriums and spa resorts remain a popular type of accommodation. Depending on the level of medical services provided, the cost of living in them can range from 48 (full board for one in a small spa hotel) to 255 AZN. By the way, before booking, it is advisable to study the websites of the hotels you like in order to be aware of what additional bonuses are included in the price. For example, some Naftalan sanatoriums operate on an all-inclusive basis, but in some places you will have to pay extra for medical and recreational procedures.

Accommodation on the territory of the ski resorts of Azerbaijan costs a pretty penny, but if you by all means need a hotel within walking distance from the ski slopes, these options can be considered. For example, Shahdag hotels accept only those guests who are not sorry to pay 160 AZN for a double room. If the travel route runs mainly through provincial cities, the private sector will be an excellent accommodation option, where you can rent a room or a whole house for a family. For the money it turns out more profitable than a hotel room.

Cellular and Internet

You can get a local SIM card if you have a passport. The most popular operators promising the best coverage in Azerbaijan are Azercell, Bakcell and Nar. But keep in mind that Azercell has higher rates, while its competitors always have great deals aimed at guests of the country. However, Azercell has another feature that allows it to remain the most demanded operator of the Republic - this is an extensive coverage area and high quality connections. Therefore, if trips to the provinces are coming, it is more advisable to overpay a little for the reliability of the connection. Otherwise, you run the risk of constantly seeing the inscription “No network” on the smartphone’s display.

You can buy prepaid tariffs for all three in branded communication stores. True, it is better to do this not at the airport and not in the tourist areas of Baku, where the cost of a SIM card can double or even triple. It is more convenient to replenish a mobile account through ATMs, terminals, as well as using express payment cards, which are easy to find at points of sale of a mobile operator.

An alternative to mobile phones is payphones. There are few of them in Azerbaijan, but on the avenues of big cities, as well as at bus stations, you will surely find the coveted retro device. Payphone calls are paid for with special cards, which are sold at supermarket checkouts and in any post office.

Free Wi-Fi in Azerbaijan can be found in city hotels and airports. All access points belonging to cafes, stations, parks are paid. For this reason, it is better to pay a little extra and purchase a local SIM card with an included internet package, since there are always plenty of such options.

Money

All cash payments are made in Azerbaijani manats (AZN). 1 AZN is 38.39 RUB (the current exchange rate for August 2019). As for currency exchange, it can be done at bank branches and official exchange points. The main thing to remember: the farther from the tourist attractions, train stations and airports the institution is located, the more favorable the course is offered. Another life hack for those visiting the country for the first time: it is better to come to Azerbaijan not with rubles, but with dollars or at least euros - they are exchanged at a more pleasant rate.

Finding an ATM in major cities is not a problem. In extreme cases, you can look into any bank and cash out funds there - the machines issue a choice of manats or dollars. A small supply of cash in the wallet for a tourist is an urgent need. Credit cards in Azerbaijan are calculated only in large hotels and shopping centers. Family restaurants, private shops and guesthouses prefer banknotes.

Tips in the country are included in the bill and amount to 5-10% of the order. In some establishments, customers are given the opportunity to thank the staff for the service themselves, but in this case it is not customary to leave less than 10% of the amount in the check. Porters and maids expect from tourists a "compliment for their work" in the amount of 5 AZN. Taxi drivers do without tips, but they are often tricky with the final amount of the trip, so be extremely careful and agree on payment before getting into the car.

shopping

Not to say that there is no high-end shopping in Azerbaijan as such - there are enough fashionable boutiques and outlets in Baku. However, the bulk of the tourist mass is bought here not at all by Bulgari and Versace, but by authentic local goods - carpets, herbs, wine. National items of clothing and accessories are in high demand: pointed slippers a la Little Muk (chariks), jorabs (woolen socks), carpet handbags.

As a gift to the beautiful half, you can bring products made of Azerbaijani silk, ranging from colorful kelaghayi scarves to vintage clutches. Copper utensils, pear-shaped glasses of armuda, backgammon, home linen textiles, souvenir bottles of oil - all this colorful variety can be purchased on a tour of the shops and shopping centers of the country. Of the local yummy, black caviar, pomegranate sauce, wine (“Akstafa”, “Gyuzel”, “7 Beauties”), cognac (“Old Baku”, “Babek”, “Ganja”), Azerbaijani tea and jam for it remain in priority , as well as ready-made mixtures of spices.

The most memorable and emotional shopping is obtained in the Baku markets - Teze Bazaar, Yashyl, Nasimi market. You can and should bargain, at the same time you will learn more about the product of interest: “this is how my grandfather made cheese / baklava / jam” is the most compelling argument among local merchants. If you want to walk around the shopping centers, in Baku 28 Mall

Stores that support the Tax free system will help save a little on purchases. To return 18% (this is the VAT rate in Azerbaijan) of the purchase price, his check must be at least 300 AZN. At the same time, it will not be possible to return VAT on food products, excisable goods, medicines and auto parts.

It is allowed to export purchases from the territory of Azerbaijan within 90 days. The main thing is to provide unpacked goods at the customs point, your own passport and an invoice issued in the store (if you want to return VAT). After the control has been passed and the appropriate stamp has been received, you can contact bank branches to receive the due Tax free.

Important point: before Tax free is credited to your account, 20% will be deducted from its amount - this is the cost of customer service, which includes operator and bank services.

Safety

Nothing threatens a tourist in Azerbaijan. True, there are several nuances that are better taken into account when walking along city and rural streets. In particular, do not take photographs of passers-by without obtaining their permission. Filming of the local subway, government buildings and funiculars is also prohibited. Representatives of the fair half should not forget that they are, albeit in a very tolerant, but still Muslim country, where they react instantly to ultramini and open cleavage. And of course, no shorts and tops when visiting the mosques and mausoleums of Lankaran. It is better for women to cover their heads and wear a closed dress. The religious "dress code" for men is trousers and a shirt.

When communicating with Azerbaijanis, avoid the topic of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, otherwise you risk making serious enemies for yourself. And in general, it is better not to talk about Armenia and Armenians in this country. With local police, you should behave very carefully, keeping your passport ready. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan is the safest of the countries of the Caucasus, it also remains the most corrupt, so do not give law enforcement officers a reason to find fault with your behavior. If one of the locals invites you to visit, an invitation according to the rules good manners should be accepted. Refusals are not liked here, perceiving them as a personal insult.

Customs and visa information

For a tourist trip to Azerbaijan, you need to take out insurance. But a visa is not required, provided that the period of stay in the country does not exceed 90 days.

Important: There are a lot of horror stories on the Internet about tourists who went to Armenia, as well as the unrecognized Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, who were then not allowed into Azerbaijan. In fact, not everything is so sad. Undoubtedly, people who have a visit to both countries in their documents are checked at the border with more suspicion. However, entry bans are not imposed as often as they are told. However, this is still no reason to demonstrate an enthusiastic attitude towards Armenia and especially towards Nagorno-Karabakh in the presence of Azerbaijani border guards - you run the risk of immediately going to your native land.

The list of goods prohibited for import / export is standard - drugs, pornographic materials, weapons. With purchases from Azerbaijan, they are released without problems, unless it is antiques - for collectible exhibits, you will have to obtain a special permit plus pay a tax. In general, it is better to purchase any goods of artistic value in specialized stores, where a certificate from the Ministry of Culture is issued along with the purchase, exempting the buyer from paying tax. Black caviar, which our compatriots in Azerbaijan are so chasing, can also be exported, but the weight of the delicacy should not exceed 600 g.

Transport

Intercity transport in Azerbaijan is represented by trains, electric trains, buses and minibuses. Buses and trains run strictly according to the schedule, but in the case of minibuses, you have to wait until you fill the cabin with passengers. Tourists who book hotels in advance, it is better to immediately clarify the issue with the transfer. Some Azerbaijani hotels send buses and cars for their guests, some do not.

You can move within the cities by buses and minibuses, which run at intervals of 5-10 minutes. Tickets are purchased from the driver of the vehicle. Baku has a subway with three lines, open from 06:00 to midnight. Another option for moving within the city and beyond is a taxi. Cars can be caught on the streets or called by phone. True, you will have to come to terms with the fact that all taxi companies have their own rates.

Helpful information: to less bother with buying tickets for public transport in the Azerbaijani capital, purchase BakıKart. This is a type of rechargeable electronic travel card, with which you can ride both the metro and Iveco buses, owned by the company Baku Bus. BakıKart are sold in the metro, as well as in terminals at bus stops.

Rent a Car

It makes sense to rent a car in Azerbaijan when you have to inspect peripheral places and protected areas. If the purpose of the trip is the capital of the country, it is better to limit yourself to taxi services and public transport. Considering the peculiarities of national driving (Baku residents love to go wild) and the abundance of narrow streets in the old districts, it will be calmer this way. By the way, the farther from Baku, the lower the quality of the road surface, so do not be surprised by pits and potholes. This is common in the provinces.

On the other hand, there are no toll roads in the Republic, and things are not bad with free parking - there are parking lots with hourly payment only in the capital, as well as traffic jams. Going to get acquainted with the national color in remote villages and villages, be prepared to meet pets. Sheep flocks and cow herds moving through asphalt are a matter for countryside usual. In mountainous areas, light ice on the roads can also be a surprise.

There are both international and local rental offices in the country. Prices in both the first and second differ, but, as a rule, slightly. On average, you can rent an economy class car for 80 AZN per day, but the longer the rental period, the lower the rate. Often there are profitable offers within 50-60 AZN per day, provided that the vehicle will be operated by the client for a week. Consider the fact that some companies do not rent a car to foreigners for less than two days.

Requirements for tourists renting a car: age from 23 years old (in some places - from 25 years old), a year of driving experience, as well as an international driving license and a passport. Some companies impose restrictions on the maximum age of the driver and do not cooperate with citizens over 75 years old. A prerequisite for car rental in Azerbaijan is a refundable deposit, which in reputable companies is blocked on a credit / debit card, and in simpler offices it is charged in cash.

How to get there