Niki, an English teacher in Baku, Azerbaijan, describes her city.
f you want to have incredible moments, you should definitely visit Baku. The capital of Azerbaijan is located on the west coast of the Caspian Sea. Baku, the city of superlatives is surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, ultramodern civic buildings which attracts many tourists from all over the world every year. My colorful city is famous for its picturesque buildings and tranquil spots. Baku is the largest city in the world located below sea level and its urban population is estimated at just over two million people. Officially about 25 percent of all inhabitants of the country live in Baku’s metropolitan area. The city is the scientific, cultural, and industrial center of Azerbaijan. Baku is renowned for its harsh winds, which is reflected in its nickname, the “City Of Winds”. The most spoken language in Baku is Azeri.
Why should you visit Baku?
Baku offers a range of entertainment for any taste for its visitors. The city is perfectly suitable for a family vacation. Fans of shopping, colorful markets and outdoor activities will also attract everyone attention. Come on and visit these historical places:
Old houses, historical sandstone buildings, spectacular scenes, cobblestoned streets, all you can see in the ancient part of Baku Old city, which transports you to another world.
2. The Maiden Tower (Qız qalası)
This odd-looking building, made by stone and covered by colorful trees, comes with a mysterious history. Its name was more likely assigned at a later date to symbolize Baku’s resilience .
3. Palace of the Shirvanshahs(Şirvanşahlar Sarayı)
It’s the biggest monument in Baku, is described by UNESCO as “one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture. This Palace is a great place to spend some time and go into the past of Azerbaijan.
4. Flame Towers
The Flame Towers is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku. Towers representing Flames symbolize fire as a sign of Ahura Mazda. The buildings consist of 130 residential apartments over 33 floors, a Fairmont Hotel Tower that has 250 rooms and 61 serviced apartments and office blocks that Hill International provided project management for.
5. Amazing Beaches In Baku
Azerbaijan has more than 500 kilometers of coastline along the western Caspian Sea with beautiful beaches. They are clean and family friendly.
Azerbaijan Festivals, Dances and Musical Instruments.
Azerbaijanis rejoice in many festivals throughout the year. Baku is the place where a national theater, the first in Muslim East, raised the curtain, the first opera was performed. Azerbaijani folk dances are very colorful and are about household, heroism, sport, chorus game (for example “Yalli”, “Halay”).
The dances of men and women sharply differ from each other. The main feature of men’s dance is foot technique. The musical tacts of Azerbaijani dance is 6/8 and 3/4. These dancers are accompanied by musical instruments such as Saz, Ud, Tar, Canon, Kamança, Pipe, Tulum, Zurna, Balaban, Gaval and Naghara.
Local Foods and Modern Restaurants
Azerbaijan is famous for delicious cuisine. The majority of national dishes are prepared from lamb, beef and poultry. One of the most reputed dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine is “plow” from saffron covered rice, served with various herbs and greens.
The Gifts That Will Remind You of Baku Forever
Armudu Glass
The most iconic gift you can buy in Baku is an Armudu – a traditional pear-shaped teacup, made of glass, porcelain or metal.
Carpets
This might be a crazy option for a souvenir, but why not? It doesn’t even need to be a full-sized one. Carpet weaving is something Azeris are world-known for.
My people have a few distinguished jewellery making techniques which produce real pieces of art.
Sweet Halva
Halva is unique to Azerbaijan and only few people know the secret recipe for this sugary confectionery.
Baku is the place that you want to visit again and again.