Azerbaijan Travel

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku , one of the most beautiful cities of the world, is located at the meeting-point of Europe and Asia . The very name of the capital is interpreted as "wind blow”, “windy city” or "hill", “city on a hill”. Port city Baku , a cultural, industrial, political capital of Azerbaijan , is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea , on the shores of the same name gulf in southern part of Absheron Peninsula rich in oil deposits.
Baku consists of 11 administrative districts, 5 urban settlements
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Ganja, Azerbaijan

Ganja is called the mother of Azerbaijan cities. It is one of the most ancient and most beautiful cities of Azerbaijan ; from time immemorial it has been famous for its richest culture, original architecture, magnificent silk and carpets. All this made Ganja a cultural and political center of the entire Middle East . According to ancient sources the city evolved from a densely populated settlement in the 9th century. Ganja used to be a part of different states: Sheddadid, Seljuk, Eldegezid and others. In the 10th century it was an actively developing city with various crafts, fortresses, palaces and mosques. Each epoch left a cultural layer in the historical past of the city. Many times the city has been destroyed powerful earthquakes. Ganja is the birthplace of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjevi. It was there that Mikhail Lermontov wrote his famous Persian poems.
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Quba, Azerbaijan

It is one of major cities in Azerbaijan . It is located 165 km to the north of Baku . The city was founded in the 15th century; in the second half of the 18 th century it was the capital of Quba Khanate.
The country's most beautiful city, Quba is especially attractive in spring when its numerous gardens and parks are in blossom. There are a lot of historical monuments both in Quba and its outskirts - numerous mosques - the Cathedral Mosque (19th century), Sakhiny-Khanum Mosque (18th century), Ardabil mosque (19th century), a well-known Djuma Mosque have survived there. There are also a Quban khan's house, medieval baths, and a 15 th -century fortress. The local lore museum's collection is rich in various objects of material culture as well as skillfully crafted Quban carpets. The vicinities of Quba are picturesque. 30 m-high Afurdzhin Waterfall and Tengi gorge are especially popular with tourists.
Quba is the recognized center of carpet weaving. Famous Quba carpets and souvenirs made by local craftsmen make great gifts. .
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Lankaran, Azerbaijan

Lankaran is a subtropical paradise and resort. It is located in the southeast of Azerbaijan practically on the border with Iran . In the east the city is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea . The nature of Lankaran harmoniously combines high mountain tops, fertile lowlands and pebbly sea coasts. Territorially and historically Lankaran was a part of different states. In ancient times it was known as Talish area which was included in Smaller Midia or Atropatena. Lankaran was also under the rule of Seljuks, Khulaguids and Timurids. In the 16th century it was within the structure of Iranian dynasty of Sefevids. In the 18th-19th centuries it became a capital of independent Talish khanate. In the 19th century it was a part of Russia . The city's major landmark is Lankaran Fortress (18th century) and Kichik-Bazar mosque (19th). 100 km from Lankaran lies one of the most medieval beautiful cities - Khanege where you can see the fortifications (12th -14the centuries), a mosque and the tomb of Pir Hussein, a minaret and other ancient structures
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Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan

It is the most ancient city of Azerbaijan . It emerged in the 6th century BC as one of the cities of Caucasian Albania. In the 11th century it became the capital of Seljuk state. In the 12 th – 13 th centuries it was the capital of Ildigizid state. From 1828 to 1923 it belonged to Russian Empire, after that it became a part of Azerbaijan . The monuments of medieval architecture are considered as the major tourist attraction of the city: the mausoleums of Yusuf ibn Kuseiyr (11th century) and Momine Khatun (12 th century .) , Gyaur-Kala fortress ( Shahtahty , 2,000 BC) as well as unique Khudaferin bridges across the Araks river.
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Sheki, Azerbaijan

The history of this small town began 2,700 years ago. And by right it is considered one of the oldest settlements and cultural centers of Azerbaijan . Sheky is famous for its severe but at the same time impressive nature: stout hills, blue ribbons of mountain rivulets, dark greens of coniferous woods.
In the past Sheky had been the capital of Sheky khanate which after its conquest in1805 was included in the structure of Russian Empire.
For all its centuries-old history this city was exposed to numerous destructions.
The old city had been practically completely destroyed, so in 1772 Sheky was restored in a new place. In this connection the majority of monuments which have survived until now are dated 16th - 19th centuries.
The major landmark of the city is Azerbaijani's architecture jewel - "Sheky Khans' Palace" (18th century) constructed without a single nail.
In the vicinities of Sheky you can find Christian monuments of architecture of the Caucasian Albania: the unique Albanian church (5th century) is located in the village of Kish , in the vicinities of the city the fortress named "Gelersen - gerersen" ("You come - you'll see") has survived. The beauty of Sheky inspired Alexandre Dumas (father), Lev Tolstoy, Mikhail Lermontov.
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Shamakhi, Azerbaijan

Only 130 km separates Baku from one of the most ancient and most interesting cities of the country - Shamakhi. In the 9th - 16th centuries this city was the capital of Shirvan and the residence Shirvan Dynasty (before it was moved to Baku ). Standing on the crossing point of caravans routes it was one of the largest centers of commerce and crafts in the Near East . In 1222 after the long siege Shamakhy was conquered and destroyed by Mongols. In the mid-18 th century it became the capital Shamakhy khanate. In 1805 it was annexed by Russia . The destiny of city might be regarded as tragic. Destructive earthquakes shook the city in 1667, 1669, 1828, 1859, 1872 and 1902. Many historical monuments suffered. For example the former Shirvan Dynasty Palace (12 th century) was completely destroyed; Present day Dzhuma Mosque has been practically restored from scratch. The ancient structures which have survived are Gyulistan Fortress (11 th – 12th centuries) – the last refuge of Shirvan Dynasty, Eddi Gumbez Mausoleum (“Seven Domes”) - Shamakhy rulers' tomb, Dzhuma mosque, etc.
The lands of Shamakhy are famous for its vineyards, pastures, wines and cognacs. The absence of extreme frosts and exhausting heat, original nature, mild climate, mineral water springs - all these attract tourists from all over the world.
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