BakuPersonal travel impressions in stories and pictures from Baku, Azerbaijan. Click on the pictures to enlarge, send as a free e-card, or download for personal use. You can locate Baku and navigate the world using Google Earth Show on map
N 40° 22.305
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One of many republics which emerged from the former Soviet Union, Azerbayan is probably one of the less known. This does not mean that this country is not interesting. It has certainly been discovered by the oil multinationals from the West. But when you visit the capital Baku, it becomes clear soon that this coutnry has always been a crossroads for travelers 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. The last time the country rose to international attention was when it, like many other ex-Soviet republics, became immersed in a war at the beginning of the 1990s. That is now over, and the country strives to become a prosperous nation.
For me, it was interesting to wander around Baku which has such a long history. Wandering around the maze of little streets and alleys in the old city centre or Ichari Shahar, means feeling very much like walking in the city of any Middle East country. Inevitably, one ends up at the Maiden Tower, dating back to the 12th century. Climbing the tower means allowing yourself a view of the city centre. The Caspian Sea is your horizon. It is amazing to hear how much this inner sea recedes, as the tower was bordering it not even long ago.
Another mandatory visit is the market, which anyway is one of my favourite places to taste the local life. It is interesting to see the local produce, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Often, goods are on sale also in the streets, when cars serve as mobile market stalls. Foreigners are not very common in this overlooked country.
