 |
|
|
One of the countries of the South Caucasus which broke away from the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the Republic of Azerbaijan lies at the meeting point of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and since ancient times has been famed for its oil springs and natural gas resources. Ancient Zoroastrians, inspired by the natural burning vents they found in the ground there, erected temples which can still be seen today. The riches which these natural resources have brought have now been converted into the mushrooming skyscrapers of booming downtown Baku, its dynamic capital. Bordering on Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia, the country features a range of landscapes from the soaring mountains of the Caucasus to the quaint coastal towns on the Caspian Sea. Its tourist industry is as yet fairly undeveloped, but this just adds to the attraction for those travellers seeking new territories to explore, guaranteed to be surprised and delighted by that which will greet them in its fascinating cities and provinces.
Azerbaijan's location has always made it a gateway between east and west, and the country was an important stop on the Silk Route. Visitors usually base themselves in Baku, from where it is easy to visit most of the biggest attractions: to the north, the stunning Caucasus Mountains and the far south lush green valleys, with large swathes of arid semi-desert in between. Baku is a modern cosmopolitan city, once an important centre on the map of Ptolomei in the second century AD with unique archaeological treasures dating back approximately twelve thousand years. It was during the rule of the Shirvan Shahs that Baku became the cultural capital of the country and such fascinating monuments as the impressive Shirvan Shah's Palace, numerous mosques, madrases, caravanserais and hammams were built. For the authentic experience of ancient Baku, explore the walled old city, now listed by UNESCO.
The three mountain ranges of Azerbaijan are the Greater and Lesser Caucuses and the Talysh Mountains, and feature enchantingly weird mud volcanoes in Qobustan, the incredible village of Xinaliq, and the dramatic Five Finger Mountain, one of Azerbaijan's most holy animist sites. One of the most beautiful towns in the mountainous regions is Sheki, with a large number of well-preserved mosques from the 18 th century set within amazing scenery. The Persian mountain town Lahic is great for hiking, and has wonderful architecture to complement its natural beauty.
|
|
|
One of the countries of the South Caucasus which broke away from the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the Republic of Azerbaijan lies at the meeting point of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and since ancient times has been famed for its oil springs and natural gas resources. Ancient Zoroastrians, inspired by the natural burning vents they found in the ground there, erected temples which can still be seen today. The riches which these natural resources have brought have now been converted into the mushrooming skyscrapers of booming downtown Baku, its dynamic capital. Bordering on Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia, the country features a range of landscapes from the soaring mountains of the Caucasus to the quaint coastal towns on the Caspian Sea. Its tourist industry is as yet fairly undeveloped, but this just adds to the attraction for those travellers seeking new territories to explore, guaranteed to be surprised and delighted by that which will greet them in its fascinating cities and provinces.
Azerbaijan's location has always made it a gateway between east and west, and the country was an important stop on the Silk Route. Visitors usually base themselves in Baku, from where it is easy to visit most of the biggest attractions: to the north, the stunning Caucasus Mountains and the far south lush green valleys, with large swathes of arid semi-desert in between. Baku is a modern cosmopolitan city, once an important centre on the map of Ptolomei in the second century AD with unique archaeological treasures dating back approximately twelve thousand years. It was during the rule of the Shirvan Shahs that Baku became the cultural capital of the country and such fascinating monuments as the impressive Shirvan Shah's Palace, numerous mosques, madrases, caravanserais and hammams were built. For the authentic experience of ancient Baku, explore the walled old city, now listed by UNESCO.
The three mountain ranges of Azerbaijan are the Greater and Lesser Caucuses and the Talysh Mountains, and feature enchantingly weird mud volcanoes in Qobustan, the incredible village of Xinaliq, and the dramatic Five Finger Mountain, one of Azerbaijan's most holy animist sites. One of the most beautiful towns in the mountainous regions is Sheki, with a large number of well-preserved mosques from the 18 th century set within amazing scenery. The Persian mountain town Lahic is great for hiking, and has wonderful architecture to complement its natural beauty.