Some destinations in the world are still on the beaten path, but Baku should be at the top of the ‘must see’ list.
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a small country located at the intersection of East and West. It is a cultural pan with an ancient fire religion, medieval ruins, and Islamic tradition; he also spent nearly 70 years behind the iron curtain.
Here are the reasons you should arrange a vacation in modern Baku now for eating, sitting, traveling, and making your mind expanded by the cultural encyclopedia.
Why you should visit Baku, Azerbaijan this summer
Amazing architecture
You will pass through majestic Russian imperial structures, curved lines in the East, stern Soviet apartment blocks, and magnificent achievements of modern design in the span of some blocks. Of course, the heart of Baku, the UNESCO listed Old City, which goes back to the 12th century, is definitely worth visiting.
You can easily spend a day just visiting this mosaic city exterior, whether you are an architectural specialist or simply a curious traveler.
There is a hillside on fire all the time
Yanar Dag, or ‘torch mountain,’ is a famous Azerbaijani vision, and getting up close to it is rather spine tingling. The entire hill was burnt down, according to evidence from the fifth century, but natural gas was slowly declining over time. Only a few square meters remain, and it is expected to be fully gone by 2020.
The country is nicknamed as the ‘Land of Fire’ due to its strong connection with the elements of the fire. The Ateshgah Fire Temple is nearby, and has a long history as a pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Zoroastrians. Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions in the world continuously practiced, with many aspects of its culture still visible in Azerbaijan. Fire is sacred to the people of Azeri, and you will see countless references to its blazing flames in their daily lives.
Strange museum
Azeris are proud of their heritage of making rugs, so it is only natural that a museum dedicated to the woven wonders exists. The museum includes three levels of art and exquisite history, and you will learn that rugs can be used for a variety of purposes. There’s even a mustache carpet cover to keep every hipster’s facial hair safe.
The Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, a museum of a different kind, is a must-see. You can choose from a maze of well-painted rooms in this medieval bath house, as well as sample a variety of traditional Azerbaijani specialties. There are many rooms between the stairs and tapestries, each with a different subject and describing a different aspect of Azerbaijani history (you can even choose food at a meticulous recreation in a Soviet era kitchen). This popular (and well-praised) museum cut restaurant has a team of over 35 kitchens that can handle up to 1000 customers at a time.
Promenade
Baku is one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in the world, and you can easily walk around on foot all day (and night). Take an afternoon stroll through the Old City, exploring hidden alcoves and passages. For a walk before dinner, go to the promenade, where you will find a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea and the newest structures on the coast. After dinner, spend some time with the people on Nizami Street, the city’s main road. It is a pedestrian and commercial street with restaurants and underground bars. The finest action, though, is up above, when the town comes alive with the locals walking the dogs, catching up for tea, and simply soaking up the ambiance as the evening progresses.
Wine
While Georgian wine is the center of attention, Azerbaijan is only across the border. Both sides have a similar style to turf, so sample some local wine while you’re there.
There are some different grape varieties such as Madrasa and Saperavi, as well as custom-related processes, such as the use of amphorae for fermentation. For the full experience, visit one of Baku’s newest wine bars, such as Kelfi. There is also pomegranate wine, however it has a different taste …
People are passionate
The waiter who finds out exactly what you are hungry and then proposes to choose the appropriate from the menu with a smile is the ice cream on the cake of a fantastic meal. Of course, it is the PEOPLE who really distinguish a place.
While I was in Baku, I only met true friendships. Azeris are very proud of their culture and are eager to share it with anyone interested. Are you a food? When you ask how something is manufactured, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a kitchen.
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