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History of Azerbaijan

Life on the territory of Azerbaijan was in full swing, starting from the 2nd century BC. Moreover, we are not talking about a bunch of isolated tribes, but about completely independent states like Caucasian Albania. In the 8th century, the Arabs came here and began to instill their own culture and religion among the population.

Since the 11th century, Azerbaijani lands were conquered and reconquered by stronger powers - the Seljuk Empire, the Ildegizid State, as well as the descendants of the Tatar-Mongol ruling dynasties. Subsequently, Turkic nomads were also noted here, who played a significant role in the formation of the Azerbaijani nation.

In the 16th century, the territories of Transcaucasia became part of the Safavid state, ruled by the Iranian Shah. The empire did not last long and collapsed in 1722, and then Azerbaijan was fragmented into small khanates, which in the 19th century gradually annexed Russia: partly voluntarily, partly during military operations.

After the October Revolution, Azerbaijan tried to secede from the Land of Soviets, declaring itself a democratic republic. However, attempts to gain independence were suppressed, and in 1920 the state became part of the USSR, which it managed to leave only in 1991, after the collapse of the Union. Another important historical milestone occurred at the end of the 80s. A military conflict broke out in Azerbaijan between the indigenous population and the Armenians, which resulted in the appearance of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on the political map of the world.

Climate. Best time to travel

Azerbaijan is made up of nine natural zones and gradual transitions from a subtropical climate to a mountain tundra climate. So, when planning a tour around the country, give up hope for stable weather - surprises in the form of temperature changes and precipitation are inevitable. The optimal time for excursions around Azerbaijan is from mid-May to mid-October. Moreover, if the purpose of the trip is to get acquainted with the architectural heritage and nothing more, it is more advisable to exclude the summer months from this period. Ideally, it is better to postpone the inspection of historical monuments until September-October, when the scorching heat subsides and walks in the open air cease to be a test of endurance.

Those who come to Azerbaijan with the aim of relaxing on the Caspian Sea are recommended to book a hotel for July-August. These are the hottest months in the local year (the thermometer stays at +32...+38 °C), when you can safely splash in the water and improve your diving skills. June in the Republic is also warm, attracting sunbathers and balneotherapy adherents to the coast. In general, in terms of climate, Azerbaijan is most comfortable in the Caspian zone. In mountainous areas, weather conditions are no longer as resort-like, and winters are much colder, with strong winds and snowstorms.

Population and language barrier

Most of the indigenous population professes Islam, although other religions are not oppressed either. Moreover, Azerbaijan gives the impression of being the most loyal and tolerant of all Muslim states. As for interaction with local residents, it does not cause difficulties if the traveler does not provoke provocations. So, feel free to ask passers-by for help and check the street names with schoolchildren you meet along the way - in 9 out of 10 cases they will answer you politely, or even offer to take you to the desired object.

Well, very persistent hospitality, as well as the desire to show off a little, are mandatory components of the Azerbaijani mentality, which at first lead to slight bewilderment. Expensive gadgets in hand, jewelry with precious stones the size of small cobblestones are not a luxury for local residents, but an urgent necessity, helping to prove their worth to others.

The official language in the country is Azerbaijani, but in Baku and other large cities mutual understanding with the population is ensured. Representatives of the older generation are still nostalgic for Soviet times and willingly chat in Russian (yes, Azerbaijanis are terribly talkative people). Advanced youth have not succeeded in studying the great mighty, but they almost always speak in English.

Attractions and entertainment

The first rule of a tourist in Azerbaijan: do not identify the entire country with Baku. The administrative center of the Republic is a cheerful, contrasting city and, of course, worthy of a separate excursion. However, the real Azerbaijan is still located outside the capital - in small villages and mountain villages.

All sights of Azerbaijan

5 things worth doing in Azerbaijan

• Take a walk around Old Baku and find the street where the creators of the comedy “The Diamond Arm” filmed the iconic scene at the “Istanbul” pharmacy.
• Listen to the melodies of singing stones in the Gobustan Nature Reserve.
• Visit the descendants of the biblical Noah - the Kyats. Representatives of this ethnic group live in the mountain village of Khanylag, famous for its ascetic life and stone houses hung with satellite dishes.
• Take a selfie against the backdrop of Baku taxis, which are identical to London cabs, and then surprise your friends with photographs from an imaginary trip to England.
• Ingratiate yourself with the local housewives and beg for the secret recipe for kutab pies, which are the same to Azerbaijanis as pizza is to Italians.

Resorts of Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan you can count not only on healing mountain air and sea bathing, but also on therapeutic programs. The main resort of the country is Naftalan. It is here that guests enjoy the famous Azerbaijani oil, or rather its local variety, which has a unique chemical composition and has proven itself as the main component of wraps and baths. According to doctors, the oil substance has a beneficial effect on the nervous, immune and endocrine systems, and also actively fights skin ailments. At the same time, Naftalan’s main specialization is disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Proof of this is the Museum of Crutches, all the exhibits in which, according to the guides, were left by healed patients.

Another Azerbaijani resort is located in the town of Galaalti, where seven healing springs come to the surface. The composition of the local mineral water is identical to that for which those who want to heal go to Truskavets, but with a slight difference: the reserves of healing moisture in the Galaalta deposits will last for several decades, while at the Ukrainian resort some of the springs have already dried up. Treatment in Galaalty sanatorium complexes is recommended for people suffering from gastroenterological ailments and urolithiasis. As a visual confirmation, there is a “board of honor” at one of the resort health resorts, where capsules with kidney stones that left the patients’ bodies after drinking Galaalta mineral water are hung.

The second mineral capital of Azerbaijan is Nakhichevan. This is where you can pacify advanced asthma and taste the local analogues of Borjomi and Narzan. Another healing factor of the resort is the Duzdag salt caves. The mysterious stone halls are located underground, on the territory of the therapeutic center of the same name, and are used in the treatment of bronchopulmonary ailments. Lankaran remains an equally popular resort - the subtropical climate combined with the proximity of the Caspian Sea works real miracles, healing no worse than oil and mineral water.

Beach holiday

Coming to Azerbaijan in the summer and not swimming means depriving yourself of a good rest, especially since the situation with the beaches here is more than pleasant. If you need soft sand under your feet and developed infrastructure, welcome to the Absheron Peninsula, to the villages neighboring Baku - Mardakan, Novkhani, Bilgakh, Buzovna, Pirshagi and others. The only caveat: during the season, the cleanliness of the water in some locations leaves much to be desired (there is nothing close to oil rigs), so it is better to travel around the villages to choose the most suitable option.

But it’s better not to venture into the once popular beach areas in the area of ​​Shikhovo, Tyurkan and Hovsan. An inspection carried out by the Ministry of Environment showed that the percentage of harmful substances in local waters exceeds the permissible limit. The situation is approximately the same in Sumgayit, famous for its twenty fully equipped beaches covered with shell rock. In 2019, the coastline of the resort town was included in the blacklist of Azerbaijani environmentalists and it is unknown when it will leave it.

A relatively clean and well-maintained shore on the territory of Lenkoran. The coating on the city beaches is an anti-glamorous black-gray shade due to the high content of volcanic ash, but there are not so few people who want to lie on it. The main reason for the popularity of “Gothic” beaches is the healing properties of the sand, which is highly recommended for holidaymakers with cardiovascular diseases to relax on.

Important point: Lankaran is a city where Muslim traditions are strong, like nowhere else in Azerbaijan, so the beaches here are divided into separate areas for women, men and families. Take this fact into account when you plan to sunbathe in urban areas, and do not try to break into areas where people of the opposite sex relax.

Another beach mini-paradise of the country is the resort village of Nabran, built up with tourist centers, and the clear sea and convenient approaches to it do not limit the village properties. Close to Nabran are relict forests teeming with various living creatures. There are also plenty of swamps and ponds where you can catch and release freshwater turtles.

Ski resorts

Recently, you can go skiing and snowboarding in Azerbaijan. Ski tourism in the country began to develop in the 2000s (the first complex opened in 2012), but some heights in this business have already been reached. About 200 km from Baku is the country's largest ski resort, Shahdag. 17 kilometers of slopes of all difficulty levels, 12 ski lifts, 160 artificial snow generators - all this can be found on the territory of the complex. In addition, Shahdag has its own ski school, sports equipment rental points, hotels, shops and even restaurants. In the summer, when the skis are hidden in the closet until the next season, the resort is repurposed as a tourist center. So if you are drawn to picturesque places (the complex is located in a protected area), or just to ride horses and ATVs, you will be eagerly awaited at Shahdag.

The second ski resort of Azerbaijan, called “Tufandag”, is still actively expanding and being completed, but everyone is allowed to try their luck on its ski jumps. In total, the complex has 10 pistes, 5 cable cars and a sufficient number of snow cannons to ensure decent quality of snow cover throughout the season. “Tufandag” is located 4 km from the city of Gabala and is ready to receive and simultaneously accommodate up to 3,000 guests.

Azerbaijani cuisine

Meat (it’s better not to look for pork in a Muslim country) and seasonal vegetables in various variations - this is, in general terms, what a meal of an Azerbaijani faithful to gastronomic traditions looks like. But vegetarians and other healthy lifestyle lovers will have a hard time - Caucasian chefs season everything that comes into their field of vision with fat tail, thanks to which the calorie content of national specialties skyrockets.

Along with the already international kebabs, pilaf and dolma, do not ignore the less famous, but no less tasty kutabs (flattened pies with meat and vegetable filling), dushbara (appetizing dumplings in beef broth), saj (roast lamb with vegetables, served on a sizzling frying pan). Soups also have their place in Azerbaijani cuisine, but often represent an intermediate option between the first and second courses. Mandatory, if not for eating, then for tasting: khash, okroshka ovdukh, bozbash.

The assortment of pastries and desserts is not that outstanding, but if there is an urgent need for simple carbohydrates, you have at your disposal baklava, Turkish delight, mutaki and kete cookies, badambur pies, plus a couple of desserts with similar composition. In addition, in Azerbaijan you can discover interesting varieties of jam that are rarely seen on the Russian table - made from white cherries, peaches, walnuts, watermelons, feijoas. They always wash down the jam with tea, without which not a single meal in the country is complete.

There are plenty of places where you can have a proper lunch or just a snack in Azerbaijan. A poor tourist is better off entrusting his digestion to small family restaurants, cozy teahouses, and fast food kiosks. If your travel budget allows you not to count what you have spent, you can have a nice walk in Chayki or NUR. by Eleven. The menu of both establishments includes dishes of national cuisine, diluted with interesting European improvisations. Fans of Mediterranean and Asian food can wander the streets of Baku in search of cafes where guests are treated to risotto, paella and sushi - there are many of them here.

Where to stay

Hotels of international chains such as Hilton and Sheraton can be found in Azerbaijan only in Baku. The vast majority of five-star hotels are located here, prices for a double room in which start from 215 AZN (approximately 8,000 RUB). A day of living in a capital “three ruble” costs approximately 27-55 AZN, in hostels – from 10 AZN (a bed in a dormitory).

In resort cities like Naftalan and Nakhichevan, sanatoriums and spa resorts remain popular types of housing. Depending on the level of treatment services provided, the cost of living there can range from 48 (full board for one in a small spa hotel) to 255 AZN. By the way, before booking, it is advisable to study the websites of the hotels you like in order to be aware of what additional bonuses are included in the price. For example, some of Naftalan’s sanatoriums operate on an all-inclusive basis, but in some places you will have to pay extra for medical and health procedures.

Accommodation in the ski resorts of Azerbaijan costs a pretty penny, but if you absolutely need a hotel within walking distance of the ski slopes, these options can be considered. For example, Shahdag hotels accept only those guests who are not sorry to pay 160 AZN for a double room. If your travel route runs mainly through provincial towns, an excellent accommodation option would be the private sector, where you can rent a room or an entire house for a family. In terms of money it turns out to be better than a hotel room.

Cellular communications and Internet

You can apply for a local SIM card if you have a foreign passport. The most popular operators promising the best coverage in Azerbaijan are Azercell, Bakcell and Nar. But keep in mind that Azercell has higher prices, while its competitors always have advantageous offers aimed at guests of the country. However, Azercell has another feature that allows it to remain the most popular operator in the Republic - an extensive coverage area and high quality communication. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to the provinces, it is advisable to overpay a little for the reliability of the connection. Otherwise, you risk constantly seeing the message “No network” on your smartphone display.

You can purchase prepaid tariffs for all three at branded communication stores. True, it is better to do this not at the airport or in the tourist areas of Baku, where the cost of a SIM card can double or even triple. It is more convenient to top up your mobile account through ATMs, terminals, as well as using express payment cards, which are easy to find at points of sale of the mobile operator.

An alternative to mobile phones is payphones. There are not many of them in Azerbaijan, but on the avenues of big cities, as well as at bus stations, you will probably find a treasured retro device. Conversations on a payphone are paid for with special cards, which are sold at supermarket checkouts and at any post office.

Free Wi-Fi in Azerbaijan can be found in city hotels and airports. All access points belonging to cafes, train stations, and parks are paid. For this reason, it is better to pay a little extra and purchase a local SIM card with an included Internet package, since there are always plenty of such options.

Money

All cash payments are made in Azerbaijani manats (AZN). 1 AZN is 38.39 RUB (current rate as of August 2019). As for currency exchange, it can be done at bank branches and official exchange points. The main thing to remember is: the farther from tourist attractions, train stations and airports the institution is located, the more favorable the rate it offers. Another life hack for those visiting the country for the first time: it is better to come to Azerbaijan not with rubles, but with dollars or at least euros - they are exchanged at a more favorable rate.

Finding an ATM in large cities is not a problem. As a last resort, you can go to any bank and cash out funds there - the machines give you a choice of manats or dollars. A small supply of cash in a tourist’s wallet is an urgent need. Credit cards in Azerbaijan are used only in large hotels and shopping centers. Family restaurants, private shops and guesthouses prefer banknotes.

Tips in the country are included in the bill and amount to 5-10% of the order. In some establishments, customers are given the opportunity to independently thank the staff for their service, but in this case it is not customary to leave less than 10% of the amount in the check. Porters and maids expect from tourists a “compliment for their work” in the amount of 5 AZN. Taxi drivers do not tip, but they often cheat with the final amount of the trip, so be extremely careful and agree on payment before getting into the car.

Shopping

This is not to say that there is no high-end shopping in Azerbaijan as such - there are enough fashion boutiques and outlets in Baku. However, the bulk of tourists buy here not Bulgari and Versace at all, but authentic locally produced goods - carpets, herbs, wine. National items of clothing and accessories are in high demand: pointed slippers a la Little Muk (charyki), jorabs (woolen socks), carpet handbags.

As a gift for your better half, you can bring items made from Azerbaijani silk, ranging from colorful kelagai scarves to vintage clutches. Copper dishes, pear-shaped Armuda glasses, backgammon, homemade linen textiles, souvenir bottles of oil - all this colorful variety can be purchased by taking a tour of the country's shops and shopping centers. Among the local delicacies, the priority remains black caviar, pomegranate sauce, wine (“Akstafa”, “Gyuzel”, “7 Beauties”), cognac (“Old Baku”, “Babek”, “Ganja”), Azerbaijani tea and jam for it , as well as ready-made spice mixtures.

The most memorable and emotional shopping is achieved at the Baku markets - Teze Bazaar, Yashyl, Nasimi Market. You can and should bargain, and at the same time you will learn more about the product you are interested in: “that’s how my grandfather made cheese/baklava/jam” is the most compelling argument among local traders. If you want to stroll through shopping centers, Baku 28 Mall

Stores that support the Tax free system will help you save a little on your purchases. To return 18% (this is the amount of VAT in Azerbaijan) of the purchase price, his check must be at least 300 AZN. At the same time, it will not be possible to return VAT on food products, excise goods, medicines and auto parts.

It is allowed to export purchases from the territory of Azerbaijan within 90 days. The main thing is to provide unpacked goods at the customs point, your own passport and an invoice issued in the store (if you want to return VAT). Once control has been passed and the appropriate stamp has been received, you can contact bank branches to receive your due Tax free.

Important point: Before Tax free is credited to your account, 20% will be deducted from its amount - this is the cost of customer service, which includes the services of the operator and the bank.

Safety

There is no threat to tourists in Azerbaijan. True, there are several nuances that are best taken into account when walking along city and rural streets. In particular, do not take photographs of passers-by without obtaining their permission. Filming of the local metro, government buildings and cable cars is also prohibited. Representatives of the fair half should not forget that they are, although they are in a very tolerant, but still a Muslim country, where they react instantly to ultramini and revealing cleavage. And of course, no shorts or tank tops when visiting mosques and mausoleums in Lankaran. Women should cover their heads and wear a closed dress. The religious “dress code” for men is trousers and a shirt.

When communicating with Azerbaijanis, avoid the topic of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, otherwise you risk making serious enemies. And in general, it’s better not to talk about Armenia and Armenians in this country. You should behave extremely carefully with local police officers, keeping your passport ready. Despite the fact that Azerbaijan is the safest of the Transcaucasian countries, it also remains the most corrupt, so do not give law enforcement officers a reason to find fault with your behavior. If one of the locals invites you to visit, the invitation should be accepted according to the rules of good manners. They don’t like refusals here, perceiving them as a personal insult.

Customs and visa information

For a tourist trip to Azerbaijan, you must take out insurance. But a visa is not required, provided that the period of stay in the country does not exceed 90 days.

Important: There are a lot of horror stories circulating on the Internet about tourists who traveled to Armenia, as well as the unrecognized Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, who were then not allowed into Azerbaijan. In fact, not everything is so sad. Of course, people with documents indicating that they have visited both countries are checked with greater suspicion at the border. However, entry bans are not imposed as often as reported. However, this is still not a reason to demonstrate an enthusiastic attitude towards Armenia and especially Nagorno-Karabakh in the presence of Azerbaijani border guards - you risk immediately going back to your native land.

The list of goods prohibited for import/export is standard - drugs, pornographic materials, weapons. Purchases from Azerbaijan are released without problems, unless they are antiques - for collectible exhibits you will have to obtain a special permit plus pay a tax. In general, it is better to purchase any goods of artistic value in specialized stores, where, along with the purchase, a certificate from the Ministry of Culture is issued, which exempts the buyer from paying tax. Black caviar, which our compatriots in Azerbaijan are so keen on, can also be exported, but the weight of the delicacy should not exceed 600 g.

Transport

Intercity transport in Azerbaijan is represented by trains, electric trains, buses and minibuses. Buses and trains run strictly on schedule, but in the case of minibuses you have to wait for the bus to fill the cabin with passengers. For tourists who book hotels in advance, it is better to immediately clarify the issue with the transfer. Some Azerbaijani hotels send buses and cars to pick up their guests, while others do not.

You can travel within cities by buses and minibuses, which run at intervals of 5-10 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver of the vehicle. Baku has a metro with three lines, open from 06:00 to midnight. Another option for moving around the city and beyond is a taxi. Cars can be caught on the streets or called by phone. True, you will have to come to terms with the fact that all taxi companies have their own prices.

Helpful information: To spend less time worrying about buying tickets for public transport in the Azerbaijani capital, purchase BakıKart. This is a type of rechargeable electronic travel card with which you can ride both the metro and Iveco buses owned by the Baku Bus company. BakıKarts are sold in the metro, as well as in terminals at bus stops.

Rent a Car

It makes sense to rent a car in Azerbaijan when you have to explore peripheral places and protected areas. If the purpose of travel is the capital of the country, it is better to limit yourself to taxi services and public transport. Considering the peculiarities of national driving (Baku residents love to drive) and the abundance of narrow streets in old areas, it will be calmer. By the way, the further from Baku, the lower the quality of the road surface, so do not be surprised by potholes and potholes. This is common in the provinces.

But there are no toll roads in the Republic, and things are going well with free parking – there are parking lots with an hourly rate only in the capital, as well as traffic jams. When going to get acquainted with the national color in remote towns and villages, be prepared to meet pets. Flocks of sheep and herds of cows crossing the asphalt are a common occurrence in rural areas. In mountainous areas, slight ice on the roads may also be a surprise.

There are both international and local rental offices in the country. Prices for both the first and second ones differ, but, as a rule, insignificantly. On average, you can rent an economy class car for a day for 80 AZN, but the longer the rental period, the lower the rate. Often there are profitable offers in the range of 50-60 AZN per day, provided that the vehicle will be used by the client for a week. Please also take into account the fact that some companies do not rent out cars to foreigners for less than two days.

Requirements for tourists renting a car: age from 23 years (in some places - from 25 years), one year of driving experience, as well as having an international license and a foreign passport. Some companies impose restrictions on the maximum age of the driver and do not cooperate with citizens over 75 years of age. A mandatory condition when renting a car in Azerbaijan is the payment of a refundable deposit, which in reputable companies is blocked on a credit/debit card, and in simpler offices it is collected in cash.

How to get there

Geography of Azerbaijan

The Republic of Azerbaijan is a state located on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, in the east of Transcaucasia. It borders on the south with Iran, on the west on Armenia and on the north on Georgia and Russia (Dagestan). The exclave of Azerbaijan is the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, bordering Armenia in the northeast, Iran in the south, and Turkey in the west. Mountains occupy more than half of the entire territory of Azerbaijan. So, in the southeast there is the Lenkoran Lowland and the Talysh Mountains, in the middle part of the country there is the Kura Lowland, and in the north of Azerbaijan there is the Caucasus ridge.

State structure of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a so-called presidential republic, in which the president is elected for a term of 5 years by popular vote. The elected president appoints government officials. The Milli Majlis or parliament is the highest legislative body, and the cabinet of ministers is the executive.

Weather in Azerbaijan

Within this country, several types of climate can be distinguished: in the Lenkoran lowland there is a humid subtropical and dry climate, and in the highlands of the Greater Caucasus there is a mountain tundra climate. Average annual air temperatures range from 15°C to 0°C (in the lowlands and, accordingly, in the mountains). Average July temperatures on the plains reach 26°C, and in the highlands they are about 5°C, while average January temperatures, accordingly, vary from 3°C to –10°C. Well, summer in Azerbaijan can be called dry. The distribution of precipitation is uneven: on the plains it falls approximately from 200 to 300 mm per year, in the foothills - about 300-900 mm, in the highlands of the Greater Caucasus - from 900 to 1400 mm per year, and within the Lenkoran lowland - up to 1700 mm per year. The maximum amount of precipitation in Lenkoran falls precisely in the winter, and in the foothills and mountains - from April to September.

Language of Azairbajan

The official language is Azerbaijani. Armenian and Russian languages ​​are also widely spoken.

Religion of Azairbajan

In terms of religion, about 93.4% are Shiite Muslims, and Georgian, Armenian and Russian minorities also practice different forms of Orthodoxy.

Currency of Azerbaijan

AZN is the international name for the currency of Azerbaijan. The import and export of currency in the country is not limited, and declaration is required. Banks in Baku are open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but there are banks that continue to work until late in the evening, and most exchange offices are open 24 hours a day. In the periphery, as a rule, bank opening hours are from 9.30 to 17.30, and some banks only work with clients in the first half of the day. Money can be exchanged not only in banks, but also in numerous exchange offices located in all major cities, including the capital, at airports, and in hotels. In addition, some stores have their own currency exchange offices. Credit cards are also accepted for payment, but only in large metropolitan supermarkets, some banks and hotels. In the provinces, credit cards are almost impossible to use. Large banks and hotels accept tourist checks to a limited extent, but the number of institutions that are switching to servicing them is gradually growing.

National characteristics of Azerbaijan

Traditions

In the country, a lot is subject to centuries-old customs and traditional norms of Islam, so certain orders and rules of behavior must be observed. Women in public should avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing, as well as miniskirts, while men should avoid wearing sleeveless T-shirts or shorts.

Tips

In most restaurants, a tip of the bill amount is about 5-10%; if there is no mention of this in the menu, you can add 10% to the bill amount (sometimes in advance, which speeds up your service). Depending on the weight and amount of luggage, you can leave about 5-10 manats to a porter at the hotel or at the airport. Tipping is not accepted in taxis, and the fare must be agreed upon in advance (taxi drivers, as a rule, do not accept currency).

Souvenirs

Azerbaijan is famous throughout the world for its masters of carpet weaving. Here you can find a huge variety of carpets and rugs. It is worth remembering that if the carpet was created before 1960, it will be subject to export tax, and it will also need to be certified by the Ministry of Culture.

Office hours

In Baku, most shops open from 9.00 and are open until late in the evening. Typically, in the provinces, stores close around 19.00-20.00. Taxi fares are negotiable, only manats are accepted, taxi drivers almost always work without a meter.

Safety

Immunization against yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria and tetanus is recommended. Theoretically, there is a risk of contracting rabies and meningitis, but cases of infection with these diseases are extremely rare and mainly occur in isolated internal areas.

Mains voltage:

Code of the country:

Geographic top level domain name:

Emergency numbers:

Unified emergency service - 112
Fire service - 101
Police - 102
Medical ambulance - 103

Azerbaijan is a country in the southeast of the Caucasus. Many important and interesting events took place in these lands. And history can tell us a lot about them. Azerbaijan will appear in historical retrospective, revealing the secrets of its past.

Location of Azerbaijan

Located in the east of Transcaucasia. From the north, the border of Azerbaijan is in contact with the Russian Federation. The country borders on Iran in the south, Armenia in the west, and Georgia in the northwest. From the east, the country is washed by the waves of the Caspian Sea.

The territory of Azerbaijan is almost equally represented by mountainous regions and lowlands. This fact played an important role in the historical development of the country.

Primitive times

First of all, we will learn about the most ancient times into which history allows us to look. Azerbaijan was inhabited at the dawn of human development. Thus, the most ancient monument of Neanderthal presence in the country dates back more than 1.5 million years ago.

The most significant sites of ancient man were discovered in the Azykh and Taglar caves.

Ancient Azerbaijan

The first state that was located on the territory of Azerbaijan was Manna. Its center was located within the borders of modern Iranian Azerbaijan.

The name “Azerbaijan” comes from the name of Atropat, the governor who began to rule in Manna after its conquest by Persia. In honor of him, the whole country began to be called Midia Atropatena, which later transformed into the name “Azerbaijan”.

One of the first peoples who inhabited Azerbaijan were Albanians. This ethnic group belonged to the Nakh-Dagestan language family and was closely related to modern Lezgins. In the 1st millennium the Albanians had their own state. Unlike Manna, it was located in the north of the country. Caucasian Albania was constantly subject to the aggressive aspirations of Ancient Rome, Byzantium, the Parthian Kingdom and Iran. For some time, Tigran II was able to gain a foothold in large areas of the country.

In the 4th century. n. e. Christianity came from Armenia to the territory of Albania, which until then was dominated by local religions and Zoroastrianism.

Arab conquest

In the 7th century n. e. an event occurred that played a decisive role in the history of the region. We are talking about the Arab conquest. First, the Arabs conquered the Iranian kingdom, from which Albania was a part, and then began an attack on Azerbaijan itself. After the Arabs captured the country, its history took a new turn. Azerbaijan has now become forever inextricably linked with Islam. The Arabs, having included the country in the Caliphate, began to pursue a systematic policy of Islamization of the region and quickly achieved their goals. The southern ones were the first to undergo Islamization, and then the new religion penetrated into the countryside and the north of the country.

But not everything was so easy for the Arab administration in the southeast of the Caucasus. In 816, an uprising began in Azerbaijan, directed against the Arabs and Islam. This popular movement was led by Babek, who adhered to the ancient Zoroastrian religion. The main support of the uprising were artisans and peasants. For more than twenty years, the people, led by Babek, fought against the Arab authorities. The rebels even managed to expel the Arab garrisons from the territory of Azerbaijan. To suppress the uprising, the Caliphate had to consolidate all its forces.

State of the Shirvanshahs

Despite the fact that the uprising was suppressed, the Caliphate weakened every year. He no longer had the strength, as before, to control various parts of the vast empire.

The governors of the northern part of Azerbaijan (Shirvan), starting in 861, began to be called Shirvanshahs and transfer their power by inheritance. Nominally they were subordinate to the caliph, but in fact they were completely independent rulers. Over time, even the nominal dependence disappeared.

The capital of the Shirvanshahs was initially Shemakha, and then Baku. The state existed until 1538, when it was incorporated into the Persian Safavid state.

At the same time, in the south of the country there were successive states of the Sajids, Salarids, Sheddadids, and Ravvadids, who also either did not recognize the power of the Caliphate at all, or did so only formally.

Turkization of Azerbaijan

No less important for history than the Islamization of the region caused by the Arab conquest was its Turkification due to the invasion of various Turkic nomadic tribes. But, unlike Islamization, this process lasted for several centuries. The importance of this event is emphasized by a number of factors that characterize modern Azerbaijan: the language and culture of the modern population of the country is of Turkic origin.

The first wave of the Turkic invasion was the invasion of the Oguz Seljuk tribes from Central Asia, which occurred in the 11th century. It was accompanied by enormous destruction and extermination of the local population. Many residents of Azerbaijan fled to the mountains to escape. Therefore, it was the mountainous regions of the country that were least affected by Turkization. Here Christianity became the dominant religion, and the inhabitants of Azerbaijan mixed with the Armenians living in the mountainous regions. At the same time, the population that remained in its place, mixing with the Turkic conquerors, adopted their language and culture, but at the same time preserved the cultural heritage of their ancestors. The ethnic group formed from this mixture in the future began to be called Azerbaijanis.

After the collapse of the unified Seljuk state, the territory of southern Azerbaijan was ruled by the Ildegezid dynasty of Turkic origin, and then for a short time these lands were captured by the Khorezmshahs.

In the first half of the 13th century, the Caucasus was subject to a Mongol invasion. Azerbaijan was included in the state of the Mongol Hulaguid dynasty with its center in the territory of modern Iran.

After the fall of the Hulaguid dynasty in 1355, Azerbaijan briefly became part of the state of Tamerlane, and then became part of the state formations of the Oghuz tribes Kara-Koyunlu and Ak-Koyunlu. It was during this period that the final formation of the Azerbaijani nation took place.

Azerbaijan within Iran

After the fall of the Ak-Koyunlu state in 1501, a powerful Safavid state was formed on the territory of Iran and southern Azerbaijan, with its center in Tabriz. Later the capital was moved to the Iranian cities of Qazvin and Isfahan.

The Safavid state had all the attributes of a real empire. The Safavids waged a particularly stubborn struggle in the west with the growing power of the Ottoman Empire, including in the Caucasus.

In 1538, the Safavids managed to conquer the state of the Shirvanshahs. Thus, the entire territory of modern Azerbaijan came under their power. Iran retained control over the country under the following dynasties - Hotaki, Afsharid and Zend. In 1795, the Qajar dynasty of Turkic origin reigned in Iran.

At that time, Azerbaijan was already divided into many small khanates, which were subordinate to the central Iranian government.

Conquest of Azerbaijan by the Russian Empire

The first attempts to establish Russian control over the territories of Azerbaijan were made under Peter I. But at that time, the advance of the Russian Empire in Transcaucasia did not have much success.

The situation changed radically in the first half of the 19th century. During the two Russian-Persian wars, which lasted from 1804 to 1828, almost the entire territory of modern Azerbaijan was annexed to the Russian Empire.

This was one of the turning points that history is replete with. From then on, Azerbaijan was associated with Russia for a long time. It was during his stay that the beginning of oil production in Azerbaijan and the development of industry began.

Azerbaijan within the USSR

After the October Revolution, centrifugal trends emerged in various regions of the former Russian Empire. In May 1918, the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was formed. But the young state was unable to withstand the fight against the Bolsheviks, including due to internal contradictions. In 1920 it was liquidated.

The Bolsheviks created the Azerbaijan SSR. Initially, it was part of the Transcaucasian Federation, but since 1936 it has become a fully equal subject of the USSR. The capital of this city was Baku. During this period, other cities of Azerbaijan also developed intensively.

But in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. In connection with this event, the Azerbaijan SSR ceased to exist.

Modern Azerbaijan

The independent state became known as the Azerbaijan Republic. The first president of Azerbaijan is Ayaz Mutalibov, who was previously the first secretary of the Republican Committee of the Communist Party. After him, Heydar Aliyev alternately occupied the position of head of state. Currently, the President of Azerbaijan is the son of the latter. He assumed this position in 2003.

The most acute problem in modern Azerbaijan is the Karabakh conflict, which began at the end of the existence of the USSR. During the bloody confrontation between the government forces of Azerbaijan and the residents of Karabakh, with the support of Armenia, the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh was formed. Azerbaijan considers this territory its own, so the conflict is constantly renewed.

At the same time, one cannot fail to note Azerbaijan’s successes in building an independent state. If these successes are developed in the future, then the prosperity of the country will be a natural result of the common efforts of the government and the people.

Azerbaijan- an inexpressibly picturesque country with its own unique “highlights”. Azerbaijan is metaphorically called the “land of fire”, since its territory is rich in oil and gas deposits that lie close to the surface and shoot torches of fire from the ground. The stunning natural panoramas of this country are replete with contrasting views: here you can observe all 4 seasons at the same time! Luxurious architectural forms, soaring skyscrapers, an original modern urban style in the Western style coexist with ancient buildings, ancient palaces and fortresses. And at first glance it is difficult to determine whether this is actually an eastern country?

Primitive people inhabited the territory of modern Azerbaijan more than 1.5 million years ago, facilitated by a favorable climate and natural conditions. To this day, in some regions of Azerbaijan, evidence of the presence of ancient people in this territory has been preserved: a Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah, city Shamakhi(remember the Shamakhan queen glorified by Pushkin?), Chukhur-Gabala, Sheki and, of course, an archaeological reserve Gobustan, famous for the huge number of carved images on stones - petroglyphs, which are 4-5 thousand years old!

A completely different life is in full swing in the capital of Azerbaijan - the most beautiful Baku, the largest city on Caucasus and the largest port on Caspian Sea. The lively, brightly lit streets are lined with souvenir and theme shops, luxurious restaurants and cozy cafes. Here you can eat delicious food, relax, smoke an incomparable hookah, and plunge into dancing to oriental rhythms. Baku is very interesting to visit in terms of attractions and historical places: Baku embankment, which every tourist who sees it admires; Flag Square, whose flagpole is the second tallest in the world; Old city(Icheri Sheher), scenes from famous Soviet films were filmed on its streets; “Fire Towers” ​​are the tallest buildings in Azerbaijan, resembling 3 tongues of flame; modern cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev, whose design became the best in the world in 2014, and many others.

Affable and friendly Azerbaijanis are hospitable, open and always ready to help you if necessary. And how incomparable the taste of national dishes is! Moreover, the masterpieces of Azerbaijani cuisine are also good for health - it is well known that the Caucasian peoples are among the longest-livers of our planet.

Welcome to “fiery” Azerbaijan, its amazing contrasts will strike you to the very heart!

Useful information for traveling around Azerbaijan

General information about Azerbaijan.

Location. Azerbaijan is located in the southeast of Transcaucasia. It borders with Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia and Turkey. In the east, the territory of Azerbaijan is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea. Almost half of the territory of Azerbaijan has mountainous terrain. In the north there is the Caucasus ridge, in the middle part there is the Kura-Araks lowland, in the southeast there are the Talysh mountains and the Lenkoran lowland. The highest point of the country is Mount Bazarduzu (4466 m). Spain, Greece, Türkiye and Korea are located at latitudes similar to Azerbaijan.

Square. 86.6 thousand sq. km. The length of Azerbaijan from north to south is about 400 km, from west to east - about 500 km. The territory of Azerbaijan also includes small islands of the Caspian Sea (Baku and Absheron archipelagos).

Population. About 9.7 million people (2016 data). As of July 1, 2013, the urban population was 53.1% and the rural population was 46.9%. Population density: 112 people/km2. Composition: 91.6% Azerbaijanis, 2% Lezgins, 1.4% Armenians, 1.3% Russians, 1.3% Talysh, less than 1% each Avars, Turks, Tatars, Ukrainians, Kurds, Jews, etc.

Political structure. Azerbaijan is a democratic legal secular unitary republic. Part of the CIS. The system of state power of the Republic of Azerbaijan is based on the principle of separation of powers into legislative (Milli Majlis - National Assembly), executive (President) and judicial (courts of the Azerbaijan Republic).

Administrative division. Territorially, Azerbaijan is divided into 66 districts, 11 cities and 1 autonomous republic - the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.

Capital. Baku city with a population of more than 2.1 million inhabitants. Baku is the largest city in the Caucasus, the largest economic, industrial and scientific-technical center Transcaucasia and the largest port on the Caspian Sea.

Official language. Azerbaijani (Turkic group of languages). Russian is not an official language in Azerbaijan, but is actively used among residents of Baku and other large cities. However, outside the capital, the number of people who know Russian has decreased significantly since the collapse of the USSR. Young people speak English.

Currency unit. Azerbaijani manat. There are numerous exchange offices in the Republic where you can exchange currency at the current rate. Such points often operate around the clock in Baku, major cities and airports. In addition, money can be exchanged at banks and some hotels.

Religions. According to the Constitution, Azerbaijan is a secular state. Approximately 99.2% of the country's population professes Islam: about 85% are Shia Muslims, about 15% are Sunni Muslims. Orthodoxy is poorly spread in Azerbaijan; there are 6 Orthodox churches in the country, 3 of which are located in Baku. Jewish communities are considered active and influential.

Standard time zone. UTC/GMT +4 hours.

Electricity. The voltage in the power grids of Azerbaijan is 220/240 volts, the current frequency is 50 Hz. Standard double plug socket (grounded).

Climate in Azerbaijan.

Best time to visit Azerbaijan - the period from April to June and September-October. The territory of Azerbaijan is interesting because it combines 9 climatic zones out of 11 existing in the world, from subtropics to high alpine meadows.

Azerbaijan has quite a large number solar days. The temperature regime is formed depending on the characteristics of incoming air flows, the diversity of the relief and the degree of distance from the Caspian Sea. The average temperature in January ranges from -10 °C in high mountain areas to +3 °C in lowland areas, in July - from +5 °C to +27 °C, respectively. The maximum temperature in summer reaches +45°C, and in winter the temperature in mountainous areas drops to -40°C at night.

Strong winds from the north are typical, mainly in autumn. The amount of precipitation varies from 200 mm per year in the foothills of the Caucasus to 1200-1700 mm per year in the Lankaran lowland.

How to dress in Azerbaijan.

When choosing a set of clothes for traveling to Azerbaijan, you should take into account the climate depending on the time of year. For trips from May to September, it is better to give preference to light summer clothes made of cotton fabrics, and in winter you cannot do without insulated jackets and raincoats. In the summer, be sure to have sunscreen and a hat with you. During excursions, you will need the most comfortable shoes, including sneakers or sneakers, especially when visiting rocky areas.

There are no strict rules when choosing clothes in Azerbaijan, especially in large cities. However, you should not wear provocative clothing: women should avoid tight silhouettes, miniskirts and deep necklines, and we recommend that men exclude shorts and sleeveless T-shirts from their wardrobe.

The locals themselves tend to dress business-like; women prefer elegant style, flawless makeup and high heels.

When visiting religious places, be sure to wear modest, closed clothes and have a headscarf or scarf with you, and when entering the house of local residents, you must take off your shoes.

Cuisine of Azerbaijan.

The national cuisine of Azerbaijan is famous for its abundance of exquisite and unique-tasting dishes: meat, fish, vegetable, dairy and flour delicacies, brought to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices.

In Azerbaijan, bread is of paramount importance in the diet, and is treated with great respect. For example, if a piece of bread fell on the floor, you definitely need to pick it up, kiss it and ask for forgiveness. The bread is baked on a slightly convex iron sheet saj V tandoor, intended for baking churek and lavash. It is popular to cook in spring and autumn gutab- thin crescent-shaped unleavened dough pies stuffed with meat, herbs, cottage cheese, pumpkin, etc.

Particular variety is characteristic of meat dishes, of which there are a great variety in Azerbaijani cuisine. Widespread basturma(cured beef tenderloin) and shashlik, as well as thick lamb soups - piti And bozbash. Also popular kelem dolmasy- chopped lamb wrapped in cabbage leaves, mixed with rice and spices, yarpag dolmasi - lamb, eggplant and tomatoes wrapped in grape leaves, and lula kebab- finely chopped lamb, seasoned with onions and aromatic spices. Sajem also called a meat dish prepared from pieces of lamb in assorted vegetables.

In Azerbaijan, rice dishes are held in high esteem, especially pilaf, which has about 50 variations in the “land of fire.” The favorite and most characteristic dish made from poultry meat is considered chygartma. As a rule, after lunch (especially after pilaf) they serve dovgu from sour milk and greens.

Azerbaijani cuisine is famous for its unsurpassed taste characteristics of sweets that no one, even the most indifferent to all things sweet, can resist: nogul, alarm bell, shekerbura, gata, baklava, kozinaki, halva, Turkish Delight, jellied figs and sherbet(water sweetened with honey). Has a significant place in the daily meals of Azerbaijanis. tea, which not only accompany the process of eating, but also precede it. First, tea is served, after which they offer to taste the main courses. For tea, the table is set with sweet dishes: Baku baklava, fig, dogwood, cherry, white cherry, walnut and watermelon jams.

Cost of food in Azerbaijan.

The traditional tour program includes hotel accommodation with breakfast. For your convenience, we can reserve seats in restaurants. In case you prefer to do it yourself, we provide approximate prices, which may vary slightly in different regions.

Visa and registration.

Entry into Azerbaijan is carried out according to abroad passport. For citizens of Russia and some CIS countries, a period of up to 90 days is established visa-free entry regime into Azerbaijan. You can find out more about the conditions for obtaining a visa to Azerbaijan, the list of required documents, processing times and consular fees rates.

Please note that even if a tourist has an Azerbaijani visa, he may be denied entry into Azerbaijan if his passport contains a note about visiting Nagorno-Karabakh, the occupied territory of Azerbaijan.

For the entire duration of your stay in Azerbaijan, you must have an identity document or a copy of it with a visa to enter the country (for citizens of countries with a visa regime).

All foreign citizens staying in Azerbaijan for more than 10 days must undergo the procedure within 9 days from the date of arrival registration at the State Migration Service of Azerbaijan. To do this, you must provide the State Migration Service with a completed registration form, a copy of your passport and a copy of your visa (for citizens of countries with a visa regime) in person or by email. Hotels assist their guests in this procedure, but tourists staying in private apartments or unlicensed hotels must go through registration themselves. Registration is absolutely free, but failure to register may result in a fine of 300-400 manats.

Customs regulations of Azerbaijan.

To enter Azerbaijan, you must have a foreign passport with you, and it is also recommended to fill out customs declaration indicating the exact amount of cash. The declaration must be endorsed by the signature and seal of a Customs Service officer and kept until departure from Azerbaijan.

Import of foreign currency not limited provided that the customs declaration is filled out. If you are importing less than US$1,000 or less in another currency, completing a customs declaration is not necessary. Export of foreign currency allowed up to the amount imported into Azerbaijan in accordance with the customs declaration.

You can import up to 1.5 liters of strong drinks and up to 2 liters of wine (for persons over 16 years old) into Azerbaijan. To export antiques and carpets from Azerbaijan, you need to have special permission from official services. It is allowed to export up to 125 grams. caviar, 3 cartons of cigarettes and enough medicines for their own needs.

Currency of Azerbaijan.

The national currency of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani manat(AZN). In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 manats, as well as coins of 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 qepik. 1 manat is equal to 100 qepik. You can exchange currency in banks, hotels and numerous currency exchange offices. Exchange offices often operate around the clock (in Baku, major cities and airports). When exchanging money over $500, you must present identification. The rate of the National Bank may differ from the rate of private banks. To check the real exchange rate at the time of travel, we recommend contacting the resource of the International Bank of Azerbaijan.

ATMs are available only in large cities of Azerbaijan. In the center of Baku you can meet them at every step. Even the smallest regional center has at least one ATM. In Baku, banks are open from 9:00-9:30 to 17:00. On public holidays and weekends, banks and their branches in hotels are closed, so you can exchange currency only at the Respublika bank on duty.

Credit cards Master Card or Visa in Azerbaijan can be used in boutiques, expensive restaurants and large hotels. Credit cards are not accepted at some grocery stores, cafes, hotels and B&Bs. Using credit cards in the province is almost impossible.

Photography in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is replete with captivating views and mesmerizing panoramas that cannot be left unimpressed. Regular tourist photography and video shooting is allowed in this country. The exception is the subway, airports, bus stations, oil refineries, factories and other protected facilities that are prohibited from photography. Additional fees may apply for photography.

Tipping in Azerbaijan.

In many large restaurants in Baku, the service charge is indicated on the menu, usually 5-10% of the bill. If there is no mention of this, then 10% can be added to the bill amount (sometimes in advance, this will speed up service). At the same time, some cafes reserve the right for their customers to decide whether to leave a tip or not. If you really liked the way you were served, it would be appropriate to thank the waiter 10% of the amount indicated on the bill.

Depending on the amount of luggage, you can leave 5-10 manats to the porter at the airport or hotel. It is not customary to tip in a taxi; the fare should be discussed in advance. Please note that taxi drivers usually do not accept currency.

Remember about the opportunity to bargain, especially in markets and private stores - you can easily reduce the price by 2 times!

Souvenirs of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is famous for its inimitable art folk crafts. You definitely won’t rack your brains about what to bring home with you from your trip to this bright and hospitable land. The solution will come to you as soon as As soon as you look into the souvenir shops. From this sea of ​​strange things, without any doubt, you will find something that will appeal to your soul. The most important souvenir of Azerbaijan is considered carpets, as well as unique Azerbaijani carpet bags, carpet teapot stands and cups. Valuable antique carpets cannot be exported from the country, but it is quite possible to purchase a brand new carpet with an unusually beautiful pattern. You can find out more about this from your guide before making a purchase.

Pear-shaped ones will be a wonderful souvenir Armuda glasses(crystal and painted with colored patterns), in which tea remains hot for a long time, as well as white cherry jam. This unusual treat for your favorite sweet tooth can be bought in stores in tightly sealed jars, which guarantees a long shelf life of the delicacy.

You can add a “zest” to your kitchen by bringing original tablecloth With buta- national Azerbaijani pattern, as well as copper utensils. The tablecloths are made of thick fabric with gold embroidery; they look elegant, are practical and are easy to wash. In Azerbaijan, copper is used to produce wine jugs, embossed plates, vases and samovars, which are used not only as decorative items, but also for their intended purpose.

The souvenir market of Azerbaijan is replete with jewelry, ceramics, wooden carvings (note the handmade backgammon), items of national costume, items made from local silk, painted items using the batik technique and, of course, wines.

Among this ocean of various souvenirs, there is a whole sea of ​​pleasant gifts for children of different ages. Be prepared for the fact that children will want to buy absolutely everything in souvenir shops! Well, take a spare suitcase with you for souvenirs.

National holidays in Azerbaijan.

State symbols of Azerbaijan: flag, coat of arms and anthem.

consists of three horizontal equal stripes of blue, red and green. In the middle of the red stripe on both sides of the flag there is a white crescent and an eight-pointed star. The aspect ratio of the flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 1:2. The blue color reflects the Turkic origin of the Azerbaijani people. The red color symbolizes an orientation toward building a modern society and developing democracy. Green is the color of Islam. The Azerbaijani tricolor is a symbol of Turkic national culture, modern democratic society and Muslim civilization.

The crescent on the flag symbolizes Islam, as well as the Turkic peoples. The eight-pointed star represents the 8 branches of the Turkic-speaking peoples and the 8 letters of the name “Azerbaijan” in the Arabic alphabet. There is a version according to which the eight-pointed star means 8 traditional peoples living in Azerbaijan.

Coat of arms of Azerbaijan represents an eastern shield against the background of an arc woven from green oak branches and yellow ears of wheat. The shield symbolizes the military power of the state and heroism, the branches of the oak tree symbolize glory and strength, the antiquity of the state, and the ears of corn symbolize fertility and abundance. In the center of the coat of arms on the shield, against the background of the colors of the flag of Azerbaijan, there is a white eight-pointed star, in the heart of which a red fire burns, symbolizing the “land of fire” - Azerbaijan. Fire in heraldry means progress, and this symbol also recalls the fire worship of Azerbaijanis in ancient times and the traditions associated with the worship of fire (Novruz holiday). The state emblem of Azerbaijan represents the independence of the Azerbaijani state.

Anthem of Azerbaijan was adopted on May 27, 1992 after the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence. Words by Ahmed Javad, music by Uzeyir Hajibeyov.

Telephone codes in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan international code: +994 (8-10 994)

Telephone codes of city lines of large cities of Azerbaijan.

Leading mobile operators in Azerbaijan:

Foreign embassies and consulates in Azerbaijan.

There are 51 embassies and consulates of different countries of the world in Baku.

Embassies and consulates of Azerbaijan abroad.

Azerbaijan has 60 diplomatic missions in Europe and Asia, as well as in Canada and North Africa.

Information services of Azerbaijan.