This time, like every year, I decided to spend my summer vacation in Azerbaijan; to see my relatives, friends, and to see the beautiful nature of Azerbaijan and taste its delicious cuisine. Of course, beautiful nature and delicious cuisine do not belong just to this country.
In many parts of the world, you can see beautiful nature and taste delicious food. That is why I try to spend my short-term vacations (1-2 or 5-6 days) in other countries, for example in Turkey or neighbouring the country where I live, in Belgium, Germany, France. In country where I live in, in the Netherlands there are enough places to visit and see, and of course I don't miss the opportunity to visit them either. Traveling is one of my favourite hobbies, in particular to see historical places. This time I will write about the country of my birth, Azerbaijan, to be more specific, about Baku, about the tourism opportunities here.
Brief information The national currency of this country, which capital is Baku, is the manat. According to today's exchange rate, one euro equals 1 manat and 84 gyapicks. Public transport is not expensive, and for European tourists it is not expensive at all. If you use the bus and metro, you can travel almost all over the city for 5 euros. Taxi services cannot be considered expensive, compared to Europe. The time difference with Europe is 2 hours in summer time and three hours in winter time, Azerbaijan is ahead of Europe in terms of hours. Let me briefly mention that this country is generally safe for tourists.
When shopping, it's worth bargaining, but of course not in supermarkets. People are hospitable and like to help. If necessary, you can ask for help in Turkish, Russian, English. Sometimes German and French can help with all means. If you don't find someone who knows the language you speak, they will try to help you, as they say. Prices in hotels and restaurants are not expensive for tourists from Europe. I cannot claim this for the local population. Dinner for two people costs about 50-60 manats, 25-30 euros in euros. You can get acquainted with the prices of hotels on the Internet. It is possible to obtain a visa to Azerbaijan electronically from this website. (
https://www.evisa.gov.az/en/).
Ancient Baku Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is located on the coast of the Caspian Sea. It is the most densely populated city in Azerbaijan. Most of those who could not find work in the regions are concentrated here. In addition, the majority of the population of the territories occupied by Armenia at that time was settled in this city. As the territories were freed from occupation and the destroyed cities were restored, the population began to move back to their ancestral homeland, they are sent to those areas. Baku consists of two parts; Old Baku and New Baku. Old Baku is the place that attracts tourists the most.
The city is surrounded by high castle walls, the walls belong to the 11th and 12th centuries. This place is also called "Inner City" (Icheri sheher). During the excavations, monuments from the 3rd-1st century BC were found here. Most of the monuments belong to the Middle Ages, the period of the Shirvanshahs. Many of these monuments can be seen in open-air museums while walking around the inner city. Palace of Shirvanshahs (16th century), Maiden's Castle (12th century) are among the oldest monuments that attract the attention of tourists. While walking in the inner city, you can travel to the history of Baku and Azerbaijan, and taste delicious Azerbaijani cuisine in the restaurants there.
Modern Baku It is possible to see modern Baku outside the castle walls. It is true that there are ancient monuments and places that tourists can visit in many villages of Baku. For example, Yanar Dag, which has been burning for centuries and does not go out. The flames here have been burning for centuries and every year many tourists come here to see these flames. Ateshgah (it is said that its history goes back to the 3rd century, it belongs to the religion of Zoroastrianism), ancient oil wells, etc. attract many tourists every year. New Baku is famous for its new buildings. The most famous of these buildings is the Heydar Aliyev Center. If you go here, you should spend a day here.
Here you can see ancient Azerbaijani carpets, musical instruments, national costumes, historical items, etc. Car enthusiasts can also see all kinds of antique cars here. There are also those who compare new Baku with Dubai due to its new buildings. If you go to Baku and don't see Baku Boulevard, I would say that you have not been to Baku. Baku boulevard is one of the most interesting places of new Baku. Here, on the seashore, you can go for a walk, have fun, and taste Azerbaijani tea and Azerbaijani cuisine. Of course, we can't forget the beaches. Since Baku is located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, you have the opportunity to use the castles and beaches in the hotels on the seashore.
Tea set and national cuisine If you go to Azerbaijan, definitely try to enjoy a tea table. There they prepare jams from various fruits, cherries, cranberries, strawberries, even watermelons, mulberries (I have never seen this fruit in Europe) and other fruits. It is impossible to imagine without these jams at the tea table (provided that there is one or more of them). If you order tea, try to order samovar tea. The taste of this tea is different. Different spices are also used when brewing tea, according to taste: with cinnamon, cloves, thyme, etc.
Azerbaijani cuisine is also rich. I have no doubt you will love their kebabs; lula kebab, tika kebab, etc. Among the most popular dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine plov (there are several types), dolma (there are also several types), dovga, kutab, etc. are most preferred. Regions of Azerbaijan If you have time, I would advise you to travel to other regions of Azerbaijan. These are the closest cities for you to relax, with beautiful nature and cuisine. In the northern zone: Guba, Gusar, Ismailli, etc. In the southern zone: Lankaran, Masalli, Yardimli, etc. If you have time and desire to travel a little further, you can go to Sheki, Gakha, Gadabay and other regions.
I strongly believe that regions like Shusha, Kalbajar, Lachin, Aghdam, Zangilan (which were occupied by Armenia) liberated after 30-year occupation will become tourism centers of Azerbaijan in the future. Each city, region, which I have mentioned and not mentioned, has its own history, unique cuisine and fascinating nature. In a word, Azerbaijan will make an impression on everyone who goes to this country as a tourist that they will never forget, I have no doubt about that. If not every year like me, I am sure that everyone who goes there will want to go to this country again at least after a few years. Vugar Abbasov. The Netherlands-Azerbaijan-The Netherlands.
