AZERBAIJAN

Is Azerbaijan still Europe or is it already Asia? If the question is relevant to you, safely assume that you have not been to this country yet. The travelers, who have already seen Azerbaijan, no longer ask them – not because they have found the answer, they just have completely different priorities. For example, how else to go here and another, and where else to go here.

But nevertheless, nevertheless: Europe or Asia? The answer of the orthodox geographer: “Front Asia” is as accurate as it is useless. Actually, Azerbaijan is Azerbaijan. This is Old Baku, where all the Turkish scenes of the Diamond Hand were shot (it is the same now, neither Istanbul), and pictures of Baku’s streets, especially the evening ones, can easily be taken for Central European. These are beautifully preserved Zoroastrian temples, which are older than many world religions. These are 40 recipes of authentic Azerbaijani plov, which we rightfully put in one paragraph with history and culture: firstly, this is also history and also culture, and even what, and, secondly, how tasty it is!

And, of course, Azerbaijan is oil. Lots of oil. And not only the one “for a barrel”, but also the famous healing one, to which the third century in a row is going to Naftalan.

History of Azerbaijan

The statehood of Azerbaijan is almost 5000 years old. From the end of the 4th century BC. e. Various national formations began to appear on this territory. For example, such strong states as Atropatena and Caucasian Albania were located here. They played a significant role in the formation of single people. Later, in the 2nd century AD e., Azerbaijan fell into the occupation of the Iranian Sassanians, then moved to the Arab Caliphate. So a lot of Arabs and Iranians appeared in the country.

The turning point in the history of Azerbaijan was the adoption of Islam in the 7th century AD e. Religion actually began to unite peoples, form one language, create new customs, traditions. The subsequent political upsurge of Azerbaijan is associated with the appearance on the territory of several states: the Shirvanshahs, Ravvadids, Sadzhids, Salarids, and Sheddadids. Historians call this time the Renaissance.

About 500 years ago, the gradual unification of the lands of Azerbaijan began. Shah Ismail Khatai united the southern and northern lands, as a result of which the Safavid state was formed – one of the strongest empires of the Middle East.

His business was continued by Nadir Shah, who expanded the territory by capturing North India. But after his death, the empire began to disintegrate – into the khanates and sultanates. At the end of the 18th century, Ghajary, a famous Azerbaijani dynasty, came to power in Iran. They wanted to return all the lands subordinate to Nadir Shah and establish a centralized government. However, they met with fierce resistance from Russia, which wanted to seize the South Caucasus. As a result, after years of war, the parties agreed on the division of land: Russia received North Azerbaijan, and Iran – South. During Soviet rule, Azerbaijan became a socialist republic and existed in that status until 1991, until it left the USSR and declared independence.

Climate

The country’s territory is heterogeneous due to weather conditions due to altitudinal zoning (here there are 8 of 11 climate zones in the world). The average July temperature ranges from +5 ° C in the highlands to +27 ° C in the lowlands. January, respectively, from −10 ° C to + 3 ° C. The maximum summer temperature can reach +45 ° C, while in winter, the thermometer in mountainous areas often drops to -40 ° C at night. Characterized by strong northerly winds, mainly in the fall. The best time to visit the country is from April to October.

Tax free

Tax-free system was introduced in Azerbaijan in 2016. Now tourists can return 18% VAT (minus 20% of the total amount of tax on all purchases to pay for the service), making purchases in stores with appropriate stickers. The cost of a one-time purchase should exceed 300 AZN, the system does not apply to medicines, food, raw gems, vehicles, spare parts and a variety of other goods. You can take out purchases outside of Azerbaijan within 90 days. To refund the tax, you will need to provide unpacked goods, a passport and an invoice filled in the store, a stamp, and then – at any authorized bank – the amount due in cash or on a card.

Transport

You can travel between cities of Azerbaijan by train, bus, minibus or taxi. Railway trains in the country are old and untidy, but the fare in them is cheap. Electric trains ply between most cities, more comfortable high-speed express trains run to large populated areas, passenger trains are delivered to remote regions. A trip from Baku to Ganja will cost, for example, 10 AZN.

Bus service is better developed, bus terminals are usually located next to the urban markets. Buses run on schedule, and minibuses depart as you fill. Fare everywhere is about the same and depends on the distance (3-15 AZN). In addition, the old Soviet tradition did not die in Azerbaijan to send a bus from each hotel to the train station or airport for its guests – this needs to be clarified in advance when booking accommodation.

Public transport inside cities
Public transport – city buses and minibuses, in the capital – metro. Bus tickets are sold at drivers or conductors, the fare in cities varies. On average, a trip within a settlement costs 0.20 AZN, you can get to the suburbs for 0.80 AZN. The Baku Metro is open until 0:00 and consists of 3 lines, the fare is paid using plastic cards purchased at the stations for 2 AZN (the cost of one trip is 0.20 AZN).

All signs at the stops are in Azerbaijani, so you have to navigate yourself.

Taxis in Baku are not only fast and comfortable, but also beautiful: black and purple retro cars resemble London cabs. But in the provinces, things are different: there are passengers carrying “Zhiguli” and low-cost foreign cars. You can call the car by phone or catch it on the street, all bus stations and subway stations have parking. Each carrier sets its tariffs, on average, landing costs 1 AZN, each km – from 0.70 AZN. Transfer from the airport to the center costs 15-30 AZN. Before long-distance trips with taxi drivers it is better to bargain.

Communication and Wi-Fi

Three major Azerbaijani mobile operators – Azercell, Bakcell and Nar. The average cost of SIM cards is 5-10 AZN, you need an international passport for registration. You can connect in the official salons of communication, there are also sold cards to replenish the balance of 1-50 AZN. Money is also deposited through ATMs and terminals.

Azercell calls to Russia for AZN 0.30 per minute, on weekends around the clock and on weekdays at night, discounts of 25% are provided.

There are pay phones in the central streets of big cities, in some shops and at bus stations. Calls are paid by cards sold at post offices, supermarkets and newsstands. The cost of the card is from 5 AZN, a call home will cost 1-2 AZN per minute.

Wireless Internet access can only be found in large cities. Wi-Fi points are equipped in airports, some cafes and hotels. In public places – parks, stations and subway stations – the Internet is paid and is available only to Bakcell subscribers. It is most advantageous to buy SIM cards with prepaid traffic (from 0.20 AZN per day).

Money

Monetary unit of the country is Azerbaijani manat (AZN), in 1 manat 100 kapik. Actual exchange rate: 1 AZN = 38.45 RUB (1 USD = 1.7 AZN, 1 EUR = 1.95 AZN).

The exchange rate in banks and exchange offices differs slightly. Currency exchange offices are located throughout Baku and other major cities. In hotels, shopping centers and large supermarkets accept credit cards. In small shops and restaurants pay cash.

It is best to carry euros and dollars to Azerbaijan, and changing rubles is not so profitable. At train stations, at airports and close to attractions, the course is the least attractive. Many banks charge a transaction fee, but the larger the amount, the lower the overpayment. ATMs in the capital of Azerbaijan are in most banks, many of them work around the clock – you can withdraw cash AZN and USD.

You should have plenty of small denomination banknotes with you and change the currency only within the estimated costs.

Tips are usually included in the price of the order – from 5 to 10% of the total bill. If there is no such item in the invoice, you can add 10% from yourself. It is enough for the porter at the airport or hotel to leave 3-5 AZN. Tipping taxi drivers is not accepted, it is also recommended to coordinate the fare in advance

Shopping

In the center of Baku, shops are open from 9:00 until late evening, on the outskirts – mainly until 19: 00-20: 00. The lowest prices are in markets and fairs. Local silk, ceramics and other handicraft goods can be bought in Sharg Bazary (a modern indoor market), as well as on the famous Torgovaya Street and in the Old City of Baku. Prices are negotiable, so you can and should bargain.

Some stores accept US dollars. Given the problem of paying by credit cards, you must always carry cash. Basically cash is used everywhere. Many products sold in stores in Azerbaijan are of Turkish origin.

Luxury brand boutiques are focused on Neftyanik prospect and other streets of the modern center. The largest shopping complexes are “Ganjlik Mall” near the metro station of the same name, “Port Baku Mall” on the coast and “28 Mall” near the railway station. The most colorful market is “Teze Bazar”, fresh vegetables and fruits will always be found on the shelves of “Yashyla” and “Nasiminsky”. In the vicinity of the capital there are outlets with substantial discounts on goods of famous brands.

High-quality and inexpensive carpets are sold at the Carpet Weaving Center in the Baku suburb of Nardaran, and expensive masterpieces are sold in specialized capital stores. In addition, it is worth bringing backgammon from Azerbaijan (this is practically a national game, in which both old and young are “cut” in the country) and famous caps – “airfields”. The dishes are good — the traditional pear-shaped glasses, which keep the drinks hot for a long time. Tablecloths embroidered with gold threads will be the decoration of any kitchen. From edible souvenirs – black caviar (which in Russia is not much to buy now), Baku baklava, spices and aromatic herbs, as well as original jam made from white cherries.

Holidays and events

In Azerbaijan, as elsewhere in the post-Soviet space, they love the New Year and celebrate it in a big way. Local Father Frost Mine Baba, dressed in a blue fur coat, congratulates children and adults in the company of the Snow Maiden Garykyz. The main population of the country is Muslims, therefore, the New Year is officially celebrated twice: January 1 and March 21, on the day of the vernal equinox. The “second series” of the holiday, Novruz, symbolizes the renewal of nature and is accompanied by a number of customs. In the morning, it is customary to wash carefully (preferably in a river or stream, if there are any nearby), washing away all bad things. On the table there should be 7 dishes and products with the names on “c”: from special wheat porridge “semeni” to “Sirka” vinegar.

Obligatory attributes of Novruz are a candle and a painted egg placed on a mirror: the first symbolizes the light that protects, the second – the globe that enters next year.

Another nationwide celebration – March 8: a holiday that does not need to be presented. Flowers, candy, smiles – everything is familiar, but always pleasant. May 9 – Victory Day: Azerbaijanis defended the USSR not only on the battlefields, but also in the rear, providing the country with oil, which was invaluable in wartime. May 28 – Republic Day, June 15 – National Salvation Day in honor of the return of Heydar Aliyev to the presidency. June 26 – Armed Forces Day with a mandatory military parade in the capital.

October 18 is Independence Day, November 9, celebrate the national flag. 3 days later, the Constitution Day picks up the baton, and on November 17th – the National Revival Day, which marks the beginning of the liberation movement in 1988. And on December 31, it was chosen as the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the world – you can’t refuse this patriotism of this nation. Read more about all significant events in the country on the page “Holidays and events of Azerbaijan”.