In pursuit of aromas, tastes and landscapes: a gastronomic and cultural journey through Azerbaijan

But this country is much more than stamps and postcards. Here you will find a combination of ancient traditions and modern rhythm, the grandeur of the mountains and the warmth of coastal cities. I invite you to go on a journey in which the main role will be played by colorful local cuisine, unique culture and the best natural panoramas.

The capital of Azerbaijan is an amazing mixture of eras: skyscrapers are adjacent to ancient mosques and fortress walls, and fashionable boutiques and cozy coffee shops buzz between them.

Old City (Icheri Sheher)

• Here you will find Maiden Tower, shrouded in legends about the royal daughter, and The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, elegantly reminiscent of the luxury of medieval architecture.
• Walk along the narrow cobbled streets streets and check out small artisan shops. There you can buy handmade carpets, copper dishes and a variety of souvenirs.

Modern Baku

• Flame Towers became, of course, the most a recognizable calling card of the city. They are especially impressive at night, when their facades light up with bright lights.
• Take a walk along Primorsky Boulevard (Baku Boulevard): sit in coffee shops by the sea, feed the seagulls and just enjoy the panorama of the Caspian coast.

Azerbaijani cuisine is a real symphony of tastes. It originates in the recipes of ancient nomadic peoples, but at the same time has absorbed the influence of many cultures.

Pilaf is the king of the table

Of course, the main character in the local culinary culture is pilaf. It is prepared with saffron, barberry, dried fruits and various varieties. spices that give the dish a unique aroma. There are about 200 varieties of pilaf in Azerbaijan, and each region is proud of its unique recipe.

Dolma: grape leaves with a surprise

It is impossible to imagine Azerbaijani table without dolma. Stuffed grape leaves are traditionally prepared with minced meat, rice and a lot of spices. They are often served with matsoni (fermented milk sauce). Once you try it, you will definitely want to know the secret of the ideal proportion of meat and spices.

Shashliks and kebabs

The kebabs here are truly special: juicy marinated meat is simmered over coals, acquiring an appetizing crust. And lula kebab made from lamb and other types of meat is often served with pickled onions, fresh herbs and thin pita bread.

Tea ceremony

In Azerbaijan, tea is not just a drink, but a symbol hospitality and friendship. It is drunk from special armuda glasses - in the shape of a pear, so that the tea cools more slowly and retains its rich taste. Try tea with local jam - from quince to mulberry - and feel the atmosphere of a real oriental feast.

In addition to the urban splendor of Baku, Azerbaijan is famous for its unique landscapes.

Gobustan: historical traces on the stones

Located approximately 60 km southwest of Baku, Gobustan National Park is famous for its rock paintings (petroglyphs), which are more than 10,000 years old. You can see hunting scenes, images of animals and even ancient inscriptions in Arabic.

In addition to petroglyphs, in Gobustan there are famous mud volcanoes - miniature volcanoes that spew not lava, but cool healing mud. Their landscapes resemble those of Mars. surface and will definitely cause a storm of emotions on Instagram.

Caucasian peaks: conquering the Gakh and Guba zones

The northern regions of Azerbaijan are an ideal place for lovers of mountain walks and atmospheric countryside landscapes. Along the way you will meet:

• Ancient mountain villages, where residents speak rare dialects and live according to the traditions of their ancestors.
• Dense forests and alpine meadows, bordered by majestic peaks Greater Caucasus.

The suburbs of Guba, Gakh district and Ganja are especially popular among travelers - they are famous for their beautiful nature, crystal clear air and the warmth of the local residents.

In addition to colorful cuisine and unique landscapes, Azerbaijan surprises tourists with its unique culture.

• Mugham is traditional Azerbaijani vocal and instrumental music, included in the UNESCO list of masterpieces of intangible cultural heritage. If you have a chance to attend a mugham concert in Baku or in small ones. cities, don’t miss it.
• Folk dances: bright costumes, fiery rhythms and national instruments The “Yalli” or “Kochari” dance is performed by a group and fascinates with the synchronization of movements. Join the general fun, and perhaps you will too. will teach the simplest steps.

Visa and currency

• Citizens of most CIS countries do not require a visa to enter Azerbaijan (but be sure to check the current rules before traveling!).
• The local currency is manat (AZN). You can exchange dollars or euros at many banks and exchange offices, but plan ahead, especially if you are traveling to the mountains. areas.

Transport

• Intercity buses and minibuses conveniently connect the main cities and regions.
• Baku itself has a well-developed metro and taxi network (you can use official apps - it’s inexpensive and comfortable).

Language and communication

• Official language – Azerbaijani, but many speak Russian and English, especially in tourist areas.
• Locals are very hospitable and always ready to help if you ask for directions or ask for recommendations.

When to go

• The best time to visit Baku and the surrounding area is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the scenery is most picturesque.
• Summer It can be very hot and humid, and in winter there is a lot of snow in the mountainous areas, but the skiing season opens (in the Shahdag complex, for example).

Azerbaijan is a country of contrasts, where in one trip you can visit the high Caucasian peaks and dusty steppes with mud volcanoes, see both historical palaces and futuristic towers. But perhaps the most important thing you will take with you is the memory of incredible hospitality. Local residents are sincerely happy to tourists, they try to show the best and feed you so that you remember this taste for the rest of your life.

If you are looking for an unusual travel destination, where a soulful atmosphere is combined with ancient legends and modern energy, be sure to add Azerbaijan to your list. We are sure that you will not only get a lot of impressions, but also return home with a wealth of new knowledge, unique photographs and, most importantly, warmth in your heart.