Azerbaijan - Land of Flames

Azerbaijan, which stretches across the heights of the Caucasus Mountains and curves along the low Caspian shores, is famed for its natural beauty, ethnic diversity, and geo-strategically vital location. Being a key geopolitical power in the Caucasus, Azerbaijan has enormous potential as a regional hub due to its oil and gas resources and extensive network of international ports, pipelines, railroads and highway routes.

Azerbaijan has international land borders with 5 states. The neighboring countries are Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Iran to the south, and Turkey and Armenia to the west. To the east, Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea, which is classified as the world's largest lake and also as a closed sea.  The Caspian is bounded by Kazakhstan to the northeast, Russia to the northwest, Azerbaijan to the west, Iran to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southeast.

 

 

The climate of Azerbaijan is very diverse. Azerbaijan contains 9 out of the 11 recognized climate zones. Azerbaijan’s climate can be described as a continental climate with warm summers and very cold, dry winters. The three largest climate zones of Azerbaijan can be found north of the mountainous regions, south of the mountainous regions, and along the coast of the Caspian Sea.

 

Azerbaijan is also popular for its sources of eternal fires - the atashgehs. There is a place named Yanardag (blazing mountain) in Absheron and thermal springs in some parts of Nakhichivan, Kelbejar, Masali, Lenkoran, and Babadag.

 

 

 

Azerbaijan holds the world record for the highest number of mud volcanoes. Out of the 800 mud volcanoes in the world, 350 are located in Azerbaijan. The mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan won 5th place in the “Seven Natural Wonders” competition, an international contest held by a non-commercial Swiss organization. On September 15th, 2004 Azerbaijan’s largest mud volcano was registered into the Guinness Book of Records for being the biggest of its kind in the world.

 

The musical culture of modern Azerbaijan includes various kinds of oral traditional music. Mugham is a national music form belonging to the peoples of the East. It is an example of classical music based on oral traditions. Azerbaijani jazz is a popular variety of jazz, widespread in Azerbaijan. It encompasses a broad range of musical styles and often incorporates elements of traditional Azeri music.

  

 

Azerbaijani cuisine is one of the most interesting cuisines in the East. It includes a unique array of different meats, fish and vegetable dishes supplemented by special herbs and spices. When you are in Baku, don't miss the chance to taste our delicious national dishes!  

 

Come and touch the soul of Azerbaijan!