Caspian Travel

The map of AZEBAIJAN

Azerbaijan takes up the territory on the south-east of Caucasus on the shore of the Caspian Sea. As the Caucasian mountains are divided by two continents, the country is situated between Europe and Asia. It borders upon Russia, Iran, Armenia and Turkey.

Azerbaijan can be called a show-room of Nature’s Beauty. In this country of fires each season of the year – blooming spring, gloomy winter, warm summer and fragile autumn show themselves in their best appearance. God has blessed this land which possesses 9 of the existing 11 climatic zones. Out of 6000 plants growing in the Caucasus 4000 fall to the share of Azerbaijan. Each region of the country represents a world differing from that of the neighboring one, even by fragrance of flowers or color of the sky. Each grain of sand in this country can tell you about the history of mankind. Owing to these qualities and natural potentialities Azerbaijan is one of the first places of settling of Man on the Earth. The age of some historical monuments is calculated by milleniums. This cradle of civilizations is a motherland of brave military leaders, great scientists, outstanding poets, writers, artists and composers known all over the world.

LOCATION

Azerbaijan takes up the territory on the south-east of the Caucasus on the shore of the Caspian Sea. As the Caucasian mountains are divided by two continents, the country is situated between Europe and Asia. It borders upon Russia, Iran, Armenia and Turkey.

CLIMATE

The atmospheric circulation over Azerbaijan has its own particular qualities typical for a sub tropic zone. Not very cloudy hot weather is mainly observed here during a frost-free season. Summer is the most prolonged season in Azerbaijan. In autumn the weather is usually warm and dry and due to this fact autumn in Azerbaijan is considered the “velvet” season. Generally winter in Azerbaijan is notable for its mildness.

HOLIDAYS

The Independence Day is celebrated on May, 28. On this very day in 1918 Azerbaijan was proclaimed the first Democratic Republic of the East. Other holidays like 31 December, Day of Solidarity of all Azeris and Novruz - Spring Holiday are also celebrated.

THE NATIONAL CURRENCY

The monetary unit is Azerbaijani manat. From January 1, 2006 new denomination (New Azeri manat) has been introduced pursuant to the decree of President of the Republic with ratio 1 AZN=5000 AZM.

The capital – BAKU

The city aged over 1500 years is situated on the Absheron peninsula. It got the status of the capital after a powerful earthquake in 12th century in Shemakha which had destroyed this city which was then the capital of Shirvanshakhs. There are several theories of origin of this name. But the most popular is the one that proves that the word “Baku” is derived from Badu-Kube which means City of Winds. The Old city was surrounded by fortress walls and is now called Icheri Shekher which means Internal City. But the real Baku is a modern, big and beautiful city where East and West are combined. Baku is also called Paris of East. REGIONS

Ganja

Population 300000, territory 8320 km²
Ganja, the second largest city of Azerbaijan, is situated on the bank of the Ganja river. The city was rebuilt in 12th century a bit easterner than the old one which had been destroyed by a powerful earthquake. This natural disaster destroyed more than half of population. Notwithstanding all the efforts of the local population to restore the destroyed parts and adjust the life after the earthquake, Mongol-Tatar invasion in the 13th century caused great damage to the city. But even after this event Ganja had become one of the most important commercial centers where caravan roads crossed. Ganja is motherland of great Azerbaijani poet Nizami. In his work he compared this city with Vavilon. The city was given a new name Elizavetpol in 1804 in honor of the wife of Russian emperor Alexander. In 1935 the city was renamed as Kirovabad. But the name “Ganja” was returned to the city only in 1989.

Gabala

Population 85600, territory 1548 km²
Gabala is situated at the foot of the Great Caucasian Mountains near the Garachay and Gojalanchay rivers. The old Gabala which was discovered during archeological excavations in 1959 within 20 km from the real city took up the territory of 25 hectares. Gabala was the capital of the Caucasian Albania, one of the powerful states which existed in this territory. Due to a very large number of architectural and historical monuments the city can be called a huge museum. Soil and stone burial mounds, ancient cemeteries, towers of different shape, mausoleums and mosques embrace almost all historical stages. Tobacco-cultivation and cattle-breeding are very much developed in Gabala. The city is also main supplier of nuts and filbert.

Sheki

Polulation 166000, territory 2432 km²
Located at the height of 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by the Great Caucasian mountains Sheki city has a shape of an amphitheater. This city is famous for the fact that it was one of the main stations on the Great Silk Road. The old Sheki was situated on the bank of the Kish River, but after the natural disaster the city was replaced and built in the vicinity of Nukha village after which it was given the same name. Only in 1960 the city was returned the name Sheki again. The city was the capital of Sheki khanate in the 18th century. There are over 60 historical monuments in Sheki, but the Palace of Khans which was built in 1762, can be called the most famous among them. Sweets in Sheki cuisine occupy a special place. Here you can taste a very delicious pakhlava.

Kakh

Population 50498, territory 1494 km²
Kakh is situated in the north-west of the country and borders upon Dagestan and Georgia. This region is famous not only for its amenities and architectural monuments, but also for scientists, enlighteners and academicians. Here you can visit over 50 architectural monuments among which there are many towers, including Gizgalasi and Gizgala-Oglangala, Fortress of Hasan khan and caravanserais. The grave of Khaji Murad, the hero of Tolstoy’s novel is situated here.

Shemakha

Poulation 76600, Territory 1611 km²
Shemakha is one of the ancient cities in the East. The city lived active commercial life, being one of the commercial centers of the region where the Silk Road passed. During all history of its existence Shemakha has repeatedly suffered from strong earthquakes. This city was the capital of Shirvanshakhs’ state. The burial-vault of all members of Shakh dynasty – Yeddi Gumbez mausoleum is situated here. The region is famous for very delicious sorts of vine and skillfully woven carpets.

Barda

Population 128 500 Territory 957 km²
This ancient city is situated in the central part of the country within the Carabakh plane on the bank of the Ter-Ter River. The city is famous for its rich history and heroes. Javanshir, the legendary commander of the Caucasian Albania who fought against Sasanids, Byzantines and Arabs lived just here. Barda is cotton and silk producer. Besides, cattle-breeding is very well developed here.

Guba

Population 136000 Territory 2610 km²
One of the mountainous regions which is situated on the north-east of the mountain range Shakhdag at the height of 600 meters above sea level. Due to political events which took place on the north of the country in the 18th century during government of Fatali khan, the city acquired the important status. The city is famous for its recreational zones Gachresh and Tengealti where forests take up significant part of the territory. In the vicinity there is also Nabran settlement situated on the sea-shore. This settlement represents a complex with small hotels, boarding houses and homes where campers preferring pure sea water and fresh air are coming.

Nakhichevan

Population 310000 Territory 5400 km²
The Nakhichevan Autonoumous Republic is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It includes 6 regions: Sadarak, Ordubad, Julfa, Sharur, Babek and Shakhbuz. This territory is divided from the main part of the country by the territory which was handed over to Armenia in 1924. NAR also borders upon Turkey and Iran. The main part is situated at over 1000 meters height above sea-level. The soil is very rich in mineral springs. Medical-sanitary health centers are also situated here. Vine-making has also been considered a traditional trade of the local population for a long time.

Lenkoran

Population 190000 Territory 1539 km²
Lenkoran is a small littoral town on the south of the country which borders upon Iran. The majority of population is represented by the ethnic group – Talishs which has preserved its subculture. The word “Lenkoran” means in the Talish language “house made from reed”. The archeological excavations proved that primitive built-up areas – villages existed as far back as the Bronze Age. Lenkoran had been the capital of Talish khanate for a long time. Being in Lenkoran it is necessary to taste local tea and the dish of local cuisine – levengi.