AZERBAIJAN
Baku
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region.
The “East Paris” of Azerbaijan is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, on the shores of the bay of the same name in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula. The name Baku is a contraction of the Persian “Bad-kube” meaning “Wind-pounded city”.
Baku is the largest cultural center of Azerbaijan. It is the place where a national theatre, the first in Muslim East, lifted the curtain, the first opera was performed, the first Azerbaijan newspaper was published, the first Azerbaijan library was opened.
The core of present-day Baku is the old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90-foot tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden’s Tower, 12th century). The old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of the Shīrvān-Shāhs, the oldest part of which dates from the 11th century. The walled city, along with the Palace of the Shīrvān-Shāhs and Maiden’s Tower, were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Baku is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Caucasus. Many sizable world hotel chains have a presence in the city.
With 20 million inhabitants, it is one of the most populous cities in the world and its position on the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa has contributed to a diverse and thriving culture.
Gabala
Gabala, a unique town on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, is famous for its rare combination of beautiful mountain landscapes, historical monuments and a lots of tourist attractions.
Beautiful nature and well developed infrastructure attract thousands of tourists to Gabala. Here are a few five star complexes, small family hotels, recreation areas and tourist camps.
The main attraction of the city is the Albanian Church “Jotari” (IV – VIII centuries), the village of Nij, where a unique architectural monument is located.
Among the local attractions there are “Gabaland” ( amusement park), Tufan Dag Ski Complex, which is one of the biggest mountain resorts in Caucasus, Seven Beauties Waterfall, river valleys, the famous Chestnut forest, and numerous picturesque villages.
The town also hosts an annual International Music Festival of classical music, jazz and mugham, which is attended by bands and artists from all around the world.
Sheki
Sheki, a significant city at the crossroads of the historic Silk Roads, is Azerbaijan’s true travel gem, a small city off on the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
Rich in Islamic architecture, Silk Road history, good food, and friendly people, this is travel and leisure in the Caucasus at its finest.
The most famous sight in Sheki is the Palace of the Sheki Khans, featuring incredible craftsmanship and built without using a single nail.
There are several architectural and archaeological places around the city, including the Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress (8th-9th centuries), numerous caravanserais, the Juma Mosque (18th century), the Gileilin Minaret (18th century), and medieval baths.
Sheki is a major crafts center. Here, you can buy jewelry and engravings made by local artists.