Azerbaijan is know as the “Land of Fire.” It traditionally terraforms ancient everything to make modern luxury. This hidden jewel lays the crossroads of Europe and Asia and boasts of spectacular landscapes, vibrant cities and rich culture in its heritage. There’s a medieval feeling to the very beautiful and well-preserved streets of Sheki or a futuristic skyline in Baku; or a wonderful nature spectacle in the Gobustam, and the former and the latter have something different to offer each traveler. Those coming from the UAE; indeed, they must have Azerbaijan visa before entering into this lovely country. The hassle of getting an Azerbaijan visa from Dubai is processed and the charm of this country can be experienced without any inconvenience.
Visitors to Azerbaijan experience everything: from the beautiful Caspian Sea coastline to the ancient fire place temples and Unesco-listed sites. The capital city known for its monuments of architecture, the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center, is Baku, the rest of the countryside offers stunning mountain views and historical sites. This country has already become a familiar place in the to-do list of many travelers around the world due to its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine and diverse attractions.
Here are some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Azerbaijan
1. Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
Icherisheher, the historical core of Azerbaijan’s capital, is Baku’s Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Narrow cobbled streets, historic mosques, and medieval buildings give testament to Azerbaijan’s rich past in this ancient walled city. However, the Maiden Tower is one of its many attractions which is a mystery shrouded landmark. Visiting the Palace of the Shirvanshahs puts us back in the 15th century when Islamic design was at its zenith and appreciated its greatness. Old City is something that feels truly like stepping back in time and immerse you into the local atmosphere, with its traditional markets, small cafés, amazing views of Caspian Sea.
2. Flame Towers
The Flame Towers are the most striking modern landmarks in Azerbaijan and they dominate the skyline of Baku. These three glass skyscrapers, the shape of flames, symbolize Azerbaijan’s historical link to fire. The towers are lit up at night with smashing LED displays of flickering flames to look mesmerizing! The Flame Towers also house luxury hotels, restaurants, and offices, offering visitors a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s rapid modernization. To get the best view, go to the Highland Park, where you will see the illuminated view of Baku.
3. Gobustan National Park
Gobustan National Park is a must visit spot for any history and archaeology lovers. This UNESCO listed site is famous for its ancient rock carvings which are over 40,000 years old and are located about 64 kilometers southwest of Baku. They show scenes of hunting, dancing and other aspects of daily life, giving information about the prehistoric human civilization. The rock art is joined by fascinating mud volcanoes in Gobustan, bubbles and erupting with natural gas. The park is a one-of-a-kind combination of history and natural wonders, which makes it an unmissable stop in Azerbaijan.
4. Sheki Khan’s Palace
The Sheki Khan’s Palace is a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture and is nestled in the charming town of Sheki. The palace was built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Sheki Khans and is famous for its exquisite stained-glass windows, beautiful frescoes and wooden carvings. Here, the craftsmanship is breathtaking, not to mention thousands of pieces of colored glass arranged without the use of nails or glue. Pictureque gardens and cobbled streets surround the palace, which in turn gives the whole scene a fairytale type feel. With a rich history, Sheki itself is a delightful town, so there is plenty to explore beyond the palace.
5. The Caspian Sea and Baku Boulevard
View and relaxation opportunities abound along Azerbaijan’s coastline along the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water. The best way to enjoy the sea is to walk along Baku Boulevard, a few kilometers long promenade along the waterfront. This area is lined with parks, cafés and entertainment centers and is great for daytime or evening visits. The boulevard is a lively place to spend time with attractions such as the Baku Eye Ferris Wheel, the Carpet Museum and the Mini Venice Waterways. Baku Boulevard is a great place for you to relax, whether on a boat ride or just to enjoy the sea breeze.
6. The Fire Temple of Ateshgah
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is an incredible historical site reflecting Azerbaijan’s ancient connection to fire worship, which is situated in the suburb of Surakhani, near Baku. Built in the 17th century, this temple was a Zoroastrian and Hindu Indian trader place of worship, where the eternal flames were revered that once naturally burned from the ground because of underground gas deposits. The temple is preserved today as a museum to preserve Azerbaijan’s deep cultural and religious heritage. The on-site exhibits and artifacts provide a fascinating cultural experience to visitors by explaining the history of fire worship in the region.
Conclusion
Azerbaijan is a rare hybrid of the old and the new, and it is worth turning away from the places where one usually gets travel experiences and towards those that it provides. This beautiful country doesn’t skimp on stunning sights and unforgettable activities for travelers of all kinds with the area’s busy streets of ostentation in Baku and the ancient rock carvings in Gobustan. You will enjoy such Azeri dishes, such Azerbaijan cultural history, and, of course, everything related with history. While traveling to this beautiful country from the UAE is quite easy, it is important to have an Azerbaijan visa before a trip, although obtaining an Azerbaijan visa from Dubai is rather easy because of the online process.
Azerbaijan will offer you something whether you’re a history buff, an adventurous lover, a city lover. Anyone interested will find the ideal getaway in this country, with nature, history, and modernity. If you are planning your next trip, make sure Azerbaijan is at the top of your list and experience an adventure that does indeed exist.