Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the world, where human history has unfolded throughout all stages of development. Even in the early ages of humanity, settlements thrived on this land, making Azerbaijan a significant contributor to the creation, evolution, and dialogue of today’s global culture.
This ancient land is rich in archaeological and architectural monuments that bear witness to its long and vibrant past. Stone inscriptions, manuscripts, and intricate carpet patterns preserved through centuries offer a wealth of stories to those who seek to understand them. To truly know Azerbaijan, one must view it with a sense of friendship and openness.
Azerbaijan is a country steeped in ancient culture. When the Oghuz tribes settled here, they encountered an already deeply rooted civilization, enriched over centuries. In turn, they infused this heritage with broader Turkic cultural traditions. The creative genius of its people is reflected in epic works like Kitabi-Dede Gorgud, Oguzname, Koroglu, and many other monumental literary creations.
This fertile and welcoming land has been the birthplace of countless thinkers, philosophers, scientists, poets, architects, musicians, and artists. According to legend, even Zarathustra was born here. Azerbaijan has given the world luminaries such as Nizami Ganjavi, Khagani Shirvani, Bahmanyar, Nasimi, Fuzuli, Nasiruddin Tusi, Shah Ismayil Khatai, Molla Panah Vagif, A. Bakikhanov, M.F. Akhundov, M.A. Sabir, J. Mammadguluzade, Huseyn Javid, J. Jabbarli, Samad Vurgun, Aliaga Vahid, and Rasul Reza.
The breathtaking beauty of Azerbaijan’s nature finds its reflection in the artwork of renowned painters such as Sattar Bahlulzadeh, Tahir Salahov, Togrul Narimanbeyov, Mikayil Abdullayev, and other masters of the brush.
Azerbaijani folk music and mugham have inspired globally celebrated composers like Uzeyir Hajibeyov, Muslim Magomayev, Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov, Niyazi, and Arif Malikov, who created works performed worldwide. Likewise, singers with magical voices, such as Bulbul and Rashid Behbudov, brought the music of this land to the world stage.
When one thinks of Azerbaijan, its oil wealth often comes to mind. This resource has brought both fame and fortune to the nation. For centuries, travelers from distant lands came in search of the distinctive liquid that emerged from the ground here. Historically, Azerbaijani oil was transported East and West in leather sacks by camel caravans. It served not only as a source of light but also as a remedy for various ailments. Over time, the demand for Azerbaijani oil steadily grew across the globe.
For additional information, visit azerbaijan.az.
Baku
Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is situated on the Absheron Peninsula along the western coast of the Caspian Sea. Covering an area of 2,140 km², its population was recorded at 2,262,600 at the start of 2018. However, according to other official sources, the city’s unofficial population was estimated to be around 5 million as of 2022. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Baku is recognized as one of the world’s most attractive and cosmopolitan cities.
The city encompasses 12 administrative districts and 59 settlements. Its central area is uniquely situated in an amphitheater-like formation that descends toward Baku Bay.
Baku is a prominent tourist destination in the Caucasus region. In 2015, it was ranked 7th in Lonely Planet’s “Most Interesting Places to Travel in Europe” and 51st in The New York Times‘ “World’s Best Places to Visit in 2015.” The following year, in 2016, TripAdvisor ranked Baku 5th among the most preferred and rapidly developing tourist destinations, based on a public opinion survey.
Additionally, according to the 2020 analysis by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network, Baku was classified in the Gamma+ category for its development and ranked as the 145th most developed city globally.