Maiasura

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Mail: info@maiasura.com

Azerbaijan

Capital city description

The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is an exciting mix of cultures, traditions, and remnants of different eras, combined with the results of the new construction boom. The city covers an area of 285 square km and has a population of 3,202,300. It is the most populated city in the entire Caucasus and Caspian region.

It is located alongside the Bay of Baku, at the Absheron Peninsula’s southern shore on the Caspian Sea. It has an elevation of 92 ft below sea level. With such a low elevation, Baku is the world’s lowest-lying national capital.  Baku experiences a temperate semi-arid climate and is renowned for natural features like numerous salt lakes and mud volcanoes.

Climate

The climate in Azerbaijan is slightly continental, with irrelatively cold winters and hot summers; it is also arid in most low-lying areas, while it is colder and generally rainier in the mountains. 

  • Spring: Between March and May
  • Summer: June to August
  • Autumn: September to October
  • Winter: December to March

Languages spoken

Azerbaijani is the official language of Azerbaijan. It is spoken by about 92% of the population. Azerbaijani, also referred to as Azeri Turkic or Azeri Turkish, is closely related to Turkish, Qashqai, Turkmen, and Crimean Tatar, sharing varying degrees of mutual intelligibility with each of those languages.

Fun/Fascinating Facts

1. Azerbaijanis love drinking tea. What makes the tea drinking ways in Azerbaijan unique is their combination with jam. Tea in Azerbaijan is served in small glasses like in Turkey or Egypt and often comes with a side of jam. It is not regular jam but more jammed fruit cooked as if to make jam but not blended into a paste.

2. The Karabakh horse – famous for its effortless speed, intelligence, and endurance – is the national animal of Azerbaijan. They are endemic to the country and one of the oldest breeds in the world.

3. Kutabi – filled pancakes are Azerbaijan’s national dish. The Kutabi is filled with pumpkin, veggies, meat, or just a sprinkling of herbs, then flipped and toasted on a grill.

4. When families are matchmaking, the tea tray indicates how arrangements are progressing. If it’s served without sugar, more negotiating needs to be done; if it’s sweet, a wedding is definitely on the cards.

5. Azerbaijan has more mud volcanoes than any other country on Earth – more than 400. When volcanoes erupt, the flames shoot up to a kilometer in the air, and when dormant, they bubble and pop with toxic gases.


Unique Customs/Traditions

  • There was a tradition in ancient Azerbaijan: when the maid gave the guest a bag full of food, it was a hint for the guest to leave. Azerbaijanis were very considerate, careful, and polite concerning a guest. 
  • Azerbaijani weddings are a long affair, from matchmaking to courtship, engagement, to the wedding. Weddings were necessary when families came together; plenty of rites and ceremonies were part of traditional weddings. 
  • Gulesh is another essential part of Azerbaijani culture. This type of wrestling includes music and dances, plus important ceremonies before beginning. 
  • Although most people dress in modern clothing today, traditional Azerbaijani clothing can still be seen at festivals and other events. There are a lot of different items of men's and women's clothing, all designed to be comfortable yet flattering.

Popular universities

Name Description
Azerbaycan Memarliq ve Insaat Universiteti (Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction) Azerbaycan Memarliq ve Insaat Universiteti (Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Baku, Absheron. Established in 1975 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). Azerbaycan Memarliq ve Insaat Universiteti (AzMIU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
ADA Universiteti (ADA University) ADA Universiteti (ADA University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of Baku, Absheron. Founded in 2006 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). ADA Universiteti (ADA) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees in several areas of study. ADA also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Baki Dövlet Universiteti (Baku State University) Baki Dövlet Universiteti (Baku State University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Baku Absheron. Founded in 1919 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). Baki Dövlet Universiteti (BDU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. BDU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Xezer Universiteti (Khazar University) Xezer Universiteti (Khazar University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of BakuAbsheron. Established in 1991 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). Xezer Universiteti offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. Xezer Universiteti also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, and well as administrative services.
Azerbaycan Tibb Universiteti (Azerbaijan Medical University) Azerbaycan Tibb Universiteti (Azerbaijan Medical University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Baku, Absheron. Founded in 1930 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan), Azerbaycan Tibb Universiteti (AMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. AMU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Ganja, Naxhchivan, Sumgayit, Lenkeran.
Azerbaycan Texniki Universiteti (Azerbaijan Technical University) Azerbaycan Texniki Universiteti (Azerbaijan Technical University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Baku, Absheron. Established in 1950 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). Azerbaycan Texniki Universiteti (AzTU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. AzTU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Azerbaycan Dövlet Neft ve Senaye Universiteti (Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry) Azerbaycan Dövlet Neft ve Senaye Universiteti (Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Baku, Absheron. Founded in 1920 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan). Azerbaycan Dövlet Neft ve Senaye Universiteti (ADNSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study. ADNSU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
Baki Muhendislik Universiteti (Baku Engineering University) Baki Muhendislik Universiteti (Baku Engineering University) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Xirdalan, Absheron. Founded in 2016 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan), Baki Muhendislik Universiteti (BEU). Baki Muhendislik Universiteti (BEU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. BEU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services.
Qerb Kaspi Universiteti (Western Caspian University) Qerb Kaspi Universiteti (Western Caspian University) was established in 1991. It is a for-profit private higher-education institution, Absheron. Officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan), Qerb Kaspi Universiteti (WCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e., certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. WCU also provides academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, and administrative services.
Baki Biznes Universiteti (Baku Business University) Baki Biznes Universiteti (Baku Business University) is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of Baku Absheron. Founded in 1992 and officially recognized by the Azerbaycan Respublikasi Tehsil Nazirliyi (Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan),. Baki Biznes Universiteti (BBU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details BBU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students, including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, and administrative services. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Festivals & Events

Baku International Jazz Festival

Date: October

The Baku International Jazz Festival is an annual jazz event organized by famous saxophonist and Baku resident Rain Sultanov. The festival aims to showcase Azerbaijan's long-running attachment to the American-born art form, a connection first established in the country during the 1950s and 1960s when Soviet authorities outlawed jazz. Many famous musicians from a dozen countries participated in the festival, including Georgia, Portugal, Italy, Israel, USA, Germany, Canada, Russia, and many more.

Goychay Pomegranate Festival

Date: October or November

The Azerbaijan Pomegranate Festival in Goychay celebrates this healthy, luscious fruit and the impact it has had on Azerbaijani life and culture. As the center of pomegranate production, the central Goychay Region is also the staging ground for one of Azerbaijan’s most funfairs. 

In Azerbaijan, the rich symbolism of pomegranates (called nar in Azerbaijani) has elevated them to the king of fruits. As a symbol of love and fertility, many songs and poems have been dedicated to it, and its form can often be seen replicated on carpet patterns and wall hangings. The skin of the pomegranate is used as a dye in carpet production, while the fruit itself is widely incorporated into a national cuisine.

Festival Of Colours In Azerbaijan

Date: June

During the Festival of Colors in Azerbaijan, hundreds of people chucked powdered paint at each other. The first-ever “Summer Festival of Colors” was held in the country’s picturesque region of Guba.

The origin of this increasingly popular festival lies in the Hindu festival of Holi – an annual celebration held on the first day of spring.

People of all ages take to the streets to throw colored water and a powdery paint known as gulal.

The two-day festival took place near the Chanlibel lake in Guba.

The festival brought many people from the country’s different corners to enjoy the holiday and experience unforgettable feelings.

Ramazan (Ramadan) Bayram

Date: June

 In Azerbaijan, celebrate the last day as Eid Ul Fitr; this day is Ramazan Bayram. People who have fasted the whole month with pure heartbreak fast after seeing the full moon.

Families and friends come together to celebrate this festival by exchanging gifts and sweets and donating money to charity. Prayers are offered at mosques, and later everybody greets each other with "Id-Mubarak."

Gabala Music Festival

Date: February

The Gabala Music Festival is a classical music festival held annually in Azerbaijan, where musicians perform in an open-air setting.

The festival gathers some of the country's most talented musicians. Participants have included musicians from Europe, the US, and Israel, and musicians from republics of the former USSR. 

Attractions / Top Sights

Flame Tower

When to visit: June ( best in evening time)

When to visit: https://www.tourtoplanet.com/tourist-attractions-in-azerbaijan/

 Flame Tower is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan; the height of the tallest tower is 182 m (597 ft). It is a modern architectural complex that is a symbol of the prosperous and new Azerbaijan.

These buildings are enormous glass skyscrapers in the form of flames that are aimed at the sky. In the evening, the facade lights up, imitating a blazing fire. Flaming towers are visible from almost anywhere in Baku. It is one of the top tourist spots in Azerbaijan.

Gobustan National Park

When to visit: April to June

When to visit: https://www.tourtoplanet.com/tourist-attractions-in-azerbaijan/

Gobustan National Park was located in the west of Gobustan, about 45 miles away from southwest Baku. This Park was established in 1965. This reserve was also a UNESCO world heritage site. You can see one of the most famous mud volcanoes beating from the ground mixed with oil and water in the Park and a cave of paintings preserved from the prehistoric era demonstrating the beliefs and everyday life of primitive people. At the foot of Beyukdash mountain, the inscriptions of Roman legionnaires who also visited here in the 1st century have been preserved.

Maiden Tower

When to visit: April to June and September to October

When to visit: https://mycaucasus.com/en/azerbaijan/sight/maiden-tower

The Maiden Tower is one of the oldest structures in Baku. This is a mysterious building on this territory of ancient Baku fortress Icheri Sheher. This Maiden Tower is located in the ancient Zoroastrian temple, where all the people worship the fire and sun. 

A mysterious and unique tower symbolizes Azerbaijan's capital city, and even appears on the Azerbaijani Manat's national currency. The monument and the city walls are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Shirvanshahs Palace

When to visit: April to June and September to October

When to visit: https://guidedazerbaijan.com/shirvanshah-palace

The Shirvanshahs Palace is one of the oldest and most fascinating monuments of Azerbaijan architecture, which belongs to the rulers of Shirvan. Has long been palace ensemble attracted the attention of researchers throughout the country because there was no such famous monument, which so many scientists occupied.

The Palace is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Baku. The Palace, with its incoming buildings, occupies a reasonably ample space, but it is a two-story structure, quite simple in architectural design. 

Garasu Volcano

When to visit: Between April to June and September to October

When to visit: https://www.tourtoplanet.com/tourist-attractions-in-azerbaijan/

One of Azerbaijan's best-known mud volcanoes is Garasu Volcano, known to spew mud over 1,000 meters into the air. The volcanoes are caused when gases under the earth build up and push the mud high into the air as a release. The first mud volcanoes are said to have erupted in Azerbaijan 25 million years ago, and visitors to Garasu often say that it looks like the moon's surface!

Old Baku

When to visit: Between April to June and September to October

When to visit: https://www.tourtoplanet.com/tourist-attractions-in-azerbaijan/

Old Baku is one of the most ancient residential quarters of Azerbaijan. That's is surrounded by the well-preserved fortress walls. In all of this area, people are lived here since the bronze age. Even now, people live in houses, most of which are hundreds and thousands of years ago. In the middle of the stone streets of Icheri Sheher, Time seemed to stop here course. In Old Baku, you can fully feel the color and atmosphere of this country.