azerbaijan
Being part of both Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan is full of contradictions and contrasts that make it look even fascinating to visit. It’s a captivating nexus of ancient historical empires. When you the nation’s cosmopolitan capital, it becomes clear soon that this country has always been a crossroads for travellers from Europe and the East. Landmarks confirming this can be seen throughout the city. The Greeks, Persians, and so many other ancient peoples have visited and left their marks in this country. Surrounded by semi-desert on the oil-rich Caspian Sea, Baku is a dynamic boomtown, where flashy limousines and mushrooming skyscrapers sweep around a picturesque Unesco-listed ancient core. Yet barely three hours’ drive away lies an entirely different world: timeless villages clad in lush orchards from which shepherd tracks lead into the soaring high Caucasus mountains. Where Baku is multilingual and go-ahead, the provinces shuffle to the gently paced click of nard (backgammon) on tree-shaded teahouse terraces: women stay home, herds of cattle wander aimlessly across highways, and potbellied bureaucrats scratch their heads in confusion on finding that an outsider has wandered into their territory.
Visiting the country takes creativity and imagination, as the tourist industry is at best ‘nascent’. Although there are plenty of rural ‘rest-zones’ for holidaying city folk, they cater mainly for locals who want to unwind with hefty feasts and family chats, so rarely provide any activities. Very few people outside Bakuspeak English, but the challenge is a great part of the appeal. Azerbaijan is considered to be one of the best places to visit in East along with Turkey. Azerbaijan is a unique reserve of the world nature.
- 9 climatic zones out of 11 existing on the Earth: from subtropics up to high mountainous Alpine meadows
- relic woods and seacoast
- mountains, falls and rivers, lakes, hot springs and mineral sources and the only deposit of curative oil in the world.
- blue light of glaciers of the Caucasus and almost 3000 sundials per year.
There are 15 natural-historical reserves, 20 hunting ground and plac¬es for hunting in Azerbaijan. 7 rest zones are at the coast of the Caspian Sea. By the number of the reserves per each sq.km of Azerbaijan wins the first place in the world. So where to, then? Southern Azerbaijan is one of the country's more pleasant regions, both along the coast and inland: Lәnkәran is a quaint seaside town famed for its flowers, while Masalli& around makes a good entry point for exploring the Talyshmountains.Northern Azerbaijan is where you'll find the Caucasus Mountains and the incredible village of Xinaliq, with its jaw-dropping views and traditional mountain culture.
