TOURISM AND HOTEL MANAGEMENT SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM
PROJEct
AZERBAIJAN
ELCHIN MAMMADOV -20090717
Sara hacizade - 20102236
AZERBAİJAN REPUBLİC
AZERBAİJAN OFFİCİALLY THE REPUBLİC OF AZERBAİJAN İS THE LARGEST COUNTRY İN THE CAUCASUS REGİON LOCATED AT THE CROSSROADS OF WESTERN ASİA AND EASTERN EUROPE. IT İS BOUNDED BY THE CASPİAN SEA TO THE EAST, RUSSİA TO THE
NORTH, GEORGİA TO THE NORTHWEST, ARMENİA TO THE WEST AND IRAN TO THE SOUTH. THE EXCLAVE OF NAKHCHİVAN İS BOUNDED BY ARMENİA TO THE NORTH AND
EAST, IRAN TO THE SOUTH AND WEST, WHİLE HAVİNG A SHORT BORDERLİNE WİTH TURKEY TO THE NORTHWEST. AZERBAİJAN HAS AN ANCİENT AND HİSTORİC CULTURAL HERİTAGE, İNCLUDİNG THE DİSTİNCTİON OF BEİNG THE FİRST MUSLİM-
MAJORİTY COUNTRY TO HAVE OPERAS, THEATER AND PLAYS.THE
AZERBAİJAN DEMOCRATİC REPUBLİC WAS ESTABLİSHED İN 1918, BUT WAS İNCORPORATED İNTO THE SOVİET UNİON İN 1920.
Tourism in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan - a miraculous country with its rich natural resources, and ancient culture, history and people; whose lifestyle presents a unique and harmonious combination of the traditions and ceremonies of many different cultures and civilizations. Azerbaijan has great potential for the
development of the tourism industry - with such fascinating sights as ancient cities, palaces, fortresses, mausoleums, and mosques. Azerbaijan has always been famous for its sources of eternal fire - the "atashgehs". There is a place called Yanardag (blazing mountain) in Absheron
and thermal springs in some parts of Nakhichievan, Kelbejar, Masali, Lenkoran, and Babadag provinces.
In Surakhani, there is a site of eternal flame. From ancient times, fire worshippers from remote places, and even Indian priests, came to Absheron in search of fire, and found it here. They
built large temples here in Surakhani and in Ateshgah. There are more than 6 thousand historical architectural monuments on the territory of Azerbaijan. The natural climatic
conditions of Azerbaijan are also unique. As is well known, 9 climate zones exist in Azerbaijan, out of the 11 in the world.
WALLED CİTY OF BAKU WİTH THE SHİRVANSHAH'S PALACE
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
The Azeri city of Baku has numerous historical and architectural monuments dating to various historical epochs.
The Walled City of Baku is the ancient historical core of Baku. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Walled City of Baku or Icheri Sheher hosts over 50 historical and
architectural monuments from various eras. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower and Synyg Gala (The Broken Tower) are among the
monuments which survived until present day. The Palace of Shirvanshahs is one of the pearls of Azerbaijani architecture. It was built in the beginning of the 15th century. It includes a historical complex, the palace, a divankhana, the Shirvanshah's room, a palace mosque with minarets, bath house, a room of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, and the Western divankhana monuments, which were built during a later stage. The complex construction began in 1441,
while the Western divankhana was completed by architect Amirshah in 1558.
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
The Azeri city of Baku has numerous historical and architectural monuments dating to various historical epochs.
The Walled City of Baku is the ancient historical core of Baku. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Walled City of Baku or Icheri Sheher hosts over 50 historical and
architectural monuments from various eras. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower and Synyg Gala (The Broken Tower) are among the
monuments which survived until present day. The Palace of Shirvanshahs is one of the pearls of Azerbaijani architecture. It was built in the beginning of the 15th century. It includes a historical complex, the palace, a divankhana, the Shirvanshah's room, a palace mosque with minarets, bath house, a room of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, and the Western divankhana monuments, which were built during a later stage. The complex construction began in 1441,
while the Western divankhana was completed by architect Amirshah in 1558.
THE MAİDEN TOWER
THE MAIDEN TOWER THE MAIDEN TOWER
The distinguishable landmark of Baku is none other than the Maiden Tower.
Azerbaijanis are incredibly proud of this monument that is shrouded in mystery and that even scholars and historians are unable to speak about its origin and meaning. The Maiden Tower is a round bastion tower located along the ancient coast of Baku. It may once have been part of the fortress wall that embraced the
old town. The foundations of the tower date back to the sixth and the seventh centuries, while the main part of the building is supposed to have been
completed by the twelfth century. The tower has really unique form - it consists of a wide cylinder connected to a wall that is trapezoidal in some of its sections.
The view from the top of the tower is stunning. It covers almost all of today's city port, the slopes of surrounding hills and the crystal clear sea. Without any
doubt, this is one of the most impressive places around Baku.
The distinguishable landmark of Baku is none other than the Maiden Tower.
Azerbaijanis are incredibly proud of this monument that is shrouded in mystery and that even scholars and historians are unable to speak about its origin and meaning. The Maiden Tower is a round bastion tower located along the ancient coast of Baku. It may once have been part of the fortress wall that embraced the
old town. The foundations of the tower date back to the sixth and the seventh centuries, while the main part of the building is supposed to have been
completed by the twelfth century. The tower has really unique form - it consists of a wide cylinder connected to a wall that is trapezoidal in some of its sections.
The view from the top of the tower is stunning. It covers almost all of today's city port, the slopes of surrounding hills and the crystal clear sea. Without any
doubt, this is one of the most impressive places around Baku.
AZERBAİJAN HİSTORY MUSEUM
AZERBAİJAN HİSTORY MUSEUM
Azerbaijan History Museum
Azerbaijan History Museum is considered the main Museum of the Republic. It is located in one of the most beautiful buildings of Baku - the mansion where Gadji Tagiyev, the oilman, the notorious sponsor and
patron used to live. The total number of the Museum collection artifacts exceeds 300,000. The numismatic collection covers the entire coin
minting history and monies circulation of Azerbaijan territory.
The Museum's collection includes numerous stone and obsidian tools of paleolith, mesolite, late Stone Age. The museum's pride is the fragment of a 300 – 350-thousand old fossil man's jaw found in Azykh Cave (the
city of Fizuli ).
GOBUSTAN ROCK ART CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
GOBUSTAN ROCK ART CULTURAL LANDSCAPE
One of the most ancient and exciting monuments of Baku is Gobustan, famous around the world for its rock carvings. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was
established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-
stones in the region.
Gobustan is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock engravings dating back between 5,000 - 40,000 years. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age,
from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The site, which covers an area of 537 ha, is part of the larger protected Gobustan Reservation.[8]
Most of the rock engravings depict primitive men, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel
caravans, pictures of sun and stars.[9]
In 2007 Gobustan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Universal value. It is the most popular reserve and is an invaluable treasure-house of Azerbaijan.
One of the most ancient and exciting monuments of Baku is Gobustan, famous around the world for its rock carvings. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was
established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-
stones in the region.
Gobustan is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock engravings dating back between 5,000 - 40,000 years. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age,
from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The site, which covers an area of 537 ha, is part of the larger protected Gobustan Reservation.[8]
Most of the rock engravings depict primitive men, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel
caravans, pictures of sun and stars.[9]
In 2007 Gobustan was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Universal value. It is the most popular reserve and is an invaluable treasure-house of Azerbaijan.
THE PALACE OF SHEKI KHAN
THE PALACE OF SHEKI KHAN
Sheki is famous for the 18th century Khan's Palace. It was built in 1762 by Hussein khan who was also well known as a poet under his pen-name Mushtag. The two-storied building is decorated with magnificent frescos (one 24 m long) and exquisite stained glass work, known
as 'shebeke' (northern part of the city). The Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet wrote: "If there will be no other building in Azerbaijan it will be enough to show Khan Palace to the world".
Measuring thirty-two meters by eight and a half meters on the exterior, the palace is a two- story brick masonry structure elongated on the north-south axis and covered with a wooden
hipped roof with long eaves. The layout of both floors is identical; three rectangular rooms are placed in a row, separated by narrow, south-facing iwans that provide access to the
rooms.
The summer residence is renowned for the lavish decoration of its exterior and interior. The façades are covered in tiles with floral and geometrical motives. The interior walls of the
residence are covered with frescoes painted during the eighteenth century. Many of the frescoes feature flowers in vases, while a series of paintings on the first floor halls depict hunting and battle scenes. Signatures on frescoes list the names of artists Ali Kuli, Kurban Kuli and Mizra Jafar from Shemaha, Usta Gambar from Shusha, and Abbas Kuli, who may
also have been the architect of the summer residence.
Sheki is famous for the 18th century Khan's Palace. It was built in 1762 by Hussein khan who was also well known as a poet under his pen-name Mushtag. The two-storied building is decorated with magnificent frescos (one 24 m long) and exquisite stained glass work, known
as 'shebeke' (northern part of the city). The Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet wrote: "If there will be no other building in Azerbaijan it will be enough to show Khan Palace to the world".
Measuring thirty-two meters by eight and a half meters on the exterior, the palace is a two- story brick masonry structure elongated on the north-south axis and covered with a wooden
hipped roof with long eaves. The layout of both floors is identical; three rectangular rooms are placed in a row, separated by narrow, south-facing iwans that provide access to the
rooms.
The summer residence is renowned for the lavish decoration of its exterior and interior. The façades are covered in tiles with floral and geometrical motives. The interior walls of the
residence are covered with frescoes painted during the eighteenth century. Many of the frescoes feature flowers in vases, while a series of paintings on the first floor halls depict hunting and battle scenes. Signatures on frescoes list the names of artists Ali Kuli, Kurban Kuli and Mizra Jafar from Shemaha, Usta Gambar from Shusha, and Abbas Kuli, who may
also have been the architect of the summer residence.
MUD VOLCANES
MUD VOLCANES
What makes the mud volcanoes near Qobustan, situated southwest of Baku, so interesting? First, the national park Qobustan is the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world - about 300. Secondly, Azerbaijani mud volcanoes
are fed by a huge underground reservoir and unlike many other popular volcanoes of that kind never dry out. Also there are located the largest mud volcanoes - some cones exceed to a height of 200 meters. The volcanoes throw
not only mud but also different gases - mainly methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen. The combination of gases is sometimes explosive and regularly from
the ground erupt flames. For example, in 2001 one of the Azerbaijani mud volcanoes throw out a 15-meter high fire pole. On the territory of the reserve are located not only mud volcanoes, but over 6,000 rock paintings of primitive
people. Their age is between 5,000 and 40,000 years and they depict animals, people, battles, warriors with spears, stars and planets.
What makes the mud volcanoes near Qobustan, situated southwest of Baku, so interesting? First, the national park Qobustan is the largest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world - about 300. Secondly, Azerbaijani mud volcanoes
are fed by a huge underground reservoir and unlike many other popular volcanoes of that kind never dry out. Also there are located the largest mud volcanoes - some cones exceed to a height of 200 meters. The volcanoes throw
not only mud but also different gases - mainly methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen. The combination of gases is sometimes explosive and regularly from
the ground erupt flames. For example, in 2001 one of the Azerbaijani mud volcanoes throw out a 15-meter high fire pole. On the territory of the reserve are located not only mud volcanoes, but over 6,000 rock paintings of primitive
people. Their age is between 5,000 and 40,000 years and they depict animals, people, battles, warriors with spears, stars and planets.
FOUNTAİN SQUARE
FOUNTAİN SQUARE
Fountains Square
(Azerbaijani: Fəvvarələr meydanı) is a public square in downtown Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. The square was previouslycalled Parapet and is often referenced to by the same name now. The name of the fountains square derives from the presence of dozens of fountains
throughout the square first constructed during Soviet rule of Azerbaijan.
The square is a public gathering place, especially after business hours and during the weekend. It is an attractive tourist destination with many boutiques, restaurants, shops, hotels and passage. It starts from the Istiglaliyyat Street and
walls of the Icheri Sheher and stretches throughNizami Street, also called in popular culture as the Torgovaya street running parallel to Baku Boulevard. The
fountains square is a location where the city authorities hold many public festivals, shows and celebrations.
In 2010, the square was renovated by Baku authorities. A "Fountains Square" salad has been named after the square.
Fountains Square
(Azerbaijani: Fəvvarələr meydanı) is a public square in downtown Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. The square was previouslycalled Parapet and is often referenced to by the same name now. The name of the fountains square derives from the presence of dozens of fountains
throughout the square first constructed during Soviet rule of Azerbaijan.
The square is a public gathering place, especially after business hours and during the weekend. It is an attractive tourist destination with many boutiques, restaurants, shops, hotels and passage. It starts from the Istiglaliyyat Street and
walls of the Icheri Sheher and stretches throughNizami Street, also called in popular culture as the Torgovaya street running parallel to Baku Boulevard. The
fountains square is a location where the city authorities hold many public festivals, shows and celebrations.
In 2010, the square was renovated by Baku authorities. A "Fountains Square" salad has been named after the square.
THE GOVERMENT HOUSE
THE GOVERMENT HOUSE
That magnificent building hosts various state ministries of Azerbaijan. It is designed to accommodate more than 5,500 people. In 1934, the Soviet authorities decided to build Baku Soviet Palace (later renamed to Government House). The building of the Government House was finished between 1936 and
1952. It housed many organizations and business firms after restoration of Azerbaijani independence in 1991. After complete renovation of the building, all business firms were moved to other locations in the city and the offices were
provided to public organizations and institutions. Being situated in the heart of Baku, the Government House is one of the most visited tourist attractions of
Azerbaijan.
That magnificent building hosts various state ministries of Azerbaijan. It is designed to accommodate more than 5,500 people. In 1934, the Soviet authorities decided to build Baku Soviet Palace (later renamed to Government House). The building of the Government House was finished between 1936 and
1952. It housed many organizations and business firms after restoration of Azerbaijani independence in 1991. After complete renovation of the building, all business firms were moved to other locations in the city and the offices were
provided to public organizations and institutions. Being situated in the heart of Baku, the Government House is one of the most visited tourist attractions of
Azerbaijan.
THE CAUCASUS MOUNTAİNS
THE CAUCASUS MOUNTAİNS
The Caucasus Mountains is a mountain in Eurasia situated between the Black and the Caspian Seas. The mountain is composed of two different ranges - the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south. The highest peak is Mount Elbrus which rises majestically with its 5,642 meters. The western part of the Caucasus is a unique place that hosts a wide range of ecosystems and species.
It is recognized as "the only large mountain area in Europe that has not
experienced significant human impact, containing extensive tracts of undisturbed mountain forests unique on the European scale". The Caucasus Mountains formed largely as the result of a tectonic plate collision between theAfrican plate
moving northward with respect to the Eurasian plate. The entire region is regularly subjected to strong earthquakes from this activity. The Lesser Caucasus
Mountains on the other hand, is largely of volcanic origin. The Javakheti Volcanic Plateau in Georgia and the surrounding volcanic ranges which extend
well into central Armenia are some of the youngest features of the region.
The Caucasus Mountains is a mountain in Eurasia situated between the Black and the Caspian Seas. The mountain is composed of two different ranges - the Greater Caucasus in the north and the Lesser Caucasus in the south. The highest peak is Mount Elbrus which rises majestically with its 5,642 meters. The western part of the Caucasus is a unique place that hosts a wide range of ecosystems and species.
It is recognized as "the only large mountain area in Europe that has not
experienced significant human impact, containing extensive tracts of undisturbed mountain forests unique on the European scale". The Caucasus Mountains formed largely as the result of a tectonic plate collision between theAfrican plate
moving northward with respect to the Eurasian plate. The entire region is regularly subjected to strong earthquakes from this activity. The Lesser Caucasus
Mountains on the other hand, is largely of volcanic origin. The Javakheti Volcanic Plateau in Georgia and the surrounding volcanic ranges which extend
well into central Armenia are some of the youngest features of the region.
YANAR DAG
YANAR DAG
Yanar Dag (Azerbaijani: Yanar Dağ, translated as "Fire Mountain"), is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron
Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, which itself is known as the "land of fire." Flames jet out into the air 10
feet (3.0 m) from a thin, porous sandstone layer. However a visual comparison of the photos of Yanar Dag compared to images of "
Mud volcanoes" will show the difference between this seep and the
"sedimentary volcanoes" or "gas – oil volcanoes" concealed below land and sea in the Caspian region and which Azerbaijan has the largest concentration globally, though others exist in Turkey, Turkmenistan and
elsewhere.
THE FİRE TEMPLE ATESHGAH
THE FİRE TEMPLE ATESHGAH
In early history Azerbaijan was called the “land of the sacred fire”. Although the
“everlasting fire” mentioned by early travelers such as Alexandre Dumas was due to the gas and oil deposits erupting from the earth, it became surrounded by
legend and mystery. Some 2,600 years ago, Zarathustra was formulating Zoroastrianism, one of the first major monotheistic religions. His idea to use fire
as a metaphor for the mysteries of God probably came from witnessing the spontaneous flames that rise so eerily from Azerbaijan's Absheron Peninsula.
Today some such fires still burn. Most notable is Yanar Dagh near Mammedli, where a small hillside is constantly and naturally aflame.
On Absheron there were many temples of Fire as well. From their variety the most famous is the well-preserved temple Ateshgah ("the Fire Place") in Surakhany, located 20 kilometers east of the town center. The temple was built over a pocket of natural gas that fuelled a vent providing an 'eternal' fire. This kind of use of fire
in Zoroastrian temples led to the followers of Zoroaster (Zarathustra).
In early history Azerbaijan was called the “land of the sacred fire”. Although the
“everlasting fire” mentioned by early travelers such as Alexandre Dumas was due to the gas and oil deposits erupting from the earth, it became surrounded by
legend and mystery. Some 2,600 years ago, Zarathustra was formulating Zoroastrianism, one of the first major monotheistic religions. His idea to use fire
as a metaphor for the mysteries of God probably came from witnessing the spontaneous flames that rise so eerily from Azerbaijan's Absheron Peninsula.
Today some such fires still burn. Most notable is Yanar Dagh near Mammedli, where a small hillside is constantly and naturally aflame.
On Absheron there were many temples of Fire as well. From their variety the most famous is the well-preserved temple Ateshgah ("the Fire Place") in Surakhany, located 20 kilometers east of the town center. The temple was built over a pocket of natural gas that fuelled a vent providing an 'eternal' fire. This kind of use of fire
in Zoroastrian temples led to the followers of Zoroaster (Zarathustra).
BEACHES İN AZERBAİJAN
BEACHES İN AZERBAİJAN
Azerbaijan have very nice beaches, a lot of foreigners don't know about it due it is not well covered in media so I think this is good and very informative topic to help them learn about it.
There are a lot of beaches in Azerbaijan, most famous of them are based in Absheron peninsula such as Shikhovo, Zagulba, Amburan (My favourite), Sahil, Min Bir Gece (One Thousand Nights), Garadagh beach and so on. Currently, a lot of these beach sides are developing with
great progress but there are also areas that suffers due poor ecological control.
Even though Azerbaijan have very nice beaches, a lot of foreigners don't know about it due it is not well covered in media so I think this is good and very informative topic to help them learn about
it.
There are a lot of beaches in Azerbaijan, most famous of them are based in Absheron peninsula such as Shikhovo, Zagulba, Amburan (My favourite), Sahil, Min Bir Gece (One Thousand Nights), Garadagh beach and so on. Currently, a lot of these beach sides are developing with
great progress but there are also areas that suffers due poor ecological control.
Azerbaijan have very nice beaches, a lot of foreigners don't know about it due it is not well covered in media so I think this is good and very informative topic to help them learn about it.
There are a lot of beaches in Azerbaijan, most famous of them are based in Absheron peninsula such as Shikhovo, Zagulba, Amburan (My favourite), Sahil, Min Bir Gece (One Thousand Nights), Garadagh beach and so on. Currently, a lot of these beach sides are developing with
great progress but there are also areas that suffers due poor ecological control.
Even though Azerbaijan have very nice beaches, a lot of foreigners don't know about it due it is not well covered in media so I think this is good and very informative topic to help them learn about
it.
There are a lot of beaches in Azerbaijan, most famous of them are based in Absheron peninsula such as Shikhovo, Zagulba, Amburan (My favourite), Sahil, Min Bir Gece (One Thousand Nights), Garadagh beach and so on. Currently, a lot of these beach sides are developing with
great progress but there are also areas that suffers due poor ecological control.
RURAL TOURİSM
RURAL TOURİSM
Azerbaijan's attempt at rural tourism comes in the form of the tiny village of Lahic.
But don't let that dissuade you. The remote village, where Lahiji is spoken (a Persian dialect) has been renowned for it's mastery of handicrafts, particularly copper-ware, for centuries. Today, Lahic maintain much of it's traditional feel.
This is combination with it's beautiful natural setting in the Caucasus Mountains make it an ideal destination for travellers. While there are a few
accommodation choices either on the outskirts of town, or a few kms out of the centre, it is instead a down-to-earth home-stay with a local family that will
make the experience all the more special.
Azerbaijan's attempt at rural tourism comes in the form of the tiny village of Lahic.
But don't let that dissuade you. The remote village, where Lahiji is spoken (a Persian dialect) has been renowned for it's mastery of handicrafts, particularly copper-ware, for centuries. Today, Lahic maintain much of it's traditional feel.
This is combination with it's beautiful natural setting in the Caucasus Mountains make it an ideal destination for travellers. While there are a few
accommodation choices either on the outskirts of town, or a few kms out of the centre, it is instead a down-to-earth home-stay with a local family that will
make the experience all the more special.
GASTRONOMY İN AZERBAİJAN
GASTRONOMY İN AZERBAİJAN
GASTRONOMY İN AZERBAİJAN
Azerbaijani cuisine refers to the cooking styles and dishes with origins in the nation of Azerbaijan and prepared by Azerbaijani people around the world. Throughout the centuries, Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by the foods of different cultures,
though at the same time, it remained distinctive and unique. Many foods that are indigenous to the country can now be seen in the cuisines of other cultures. For the Azerbaijanis, food is an important part of the country's culture and is deeply rooted in the
history, traditions and values of the nation.
Out of 11 climate zones known in the world, the Azerbaijani climate has nine.[1] This contributes to the fertility of the land, which in its turn results in the richness of the country’s cuisine. It is famous for an abundance of vegetables and greens used seasonally
in the dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, coriander, dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, leek, chive, thyme, marjoram, green onion, and watercress are very popular and often accompany main dishes. The Caspian Sea is home to many edible species of fish, including the sturgeon, Caspian salmon, kutum, sardines, grey mullet, and others. Black caviar from the Caspian Sea is one of Azerbaijan’s best known delicacies well sought after
in other parts of the world, including former Soviet countries
Azerbaijani cuisine refers to the cooking styles and dishes with origins in the nation of Azerbaijan and prepared by Azerbaijani people around the world. Throughout the centuries, Azerbaijani cuisine has been influenced by the foods of different cultures,
though at the same time, it remained distinctive and unique. Many foods that are indigenous to the country can now be seen in the cuisines of other cultures. For the Azerbaijanis, food is an important part of the country's culture and is deeply rooted in the
history, traditions and values of the nation.
Out of 11 climate zones known in the world, the Azerbaijani climate has nine.[1] This contributes to the fertility of the land, which in its turn results in the richness of the country’s cuisine. It is famous for an abundance of vegetables and greens used seasonally
in the dishes. Fresh herbs, including mint, coriander, dill, basil, parsley, tarragon, leek, chive, thyme, marjoram, green onion, and watercress are very popular and often accompany main dishes. The Caspian Sea is home to many edible species of fish, including the sturgeon, Caspian salmon, kutum, sardines, grey mullet, and others. Black caviar from the Caspian Sea is one of Azerbaijan’s best known delicacies well sought after
in other parts of the world, including former Soviet countries
