From ancient traditions to modern innovations, Azerbaijan captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, and enduring heritage. Let’s look at some of the interesting facts that illuminate the grand allure of this Eurasian gem!
1. Azerbaijan is known as the “Land of Fire”
Due to its rich historical association with natural gas vents and oil seeps that have been burning for thousands of years, Azerbaijan is often referred to as the “Land of Fire”. This moniker stems from the country's ancient association with fire worship under the influence of Zoroastrianism and the eternal flames of Yanardag on the Absheron Peninsula. This unique phenomenon is caused by natural gas combustion in the fissures in the rocks.
2. Azerbaijan is the home to the World’s Largest Landlocked Exclave
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the world's largest landlocked exclave, is an integral part of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is situated between Armenia, Iran, and Turkey and shares cultural heritage, language, and national identity with Azerbaijan, despite its geographical separation from the mainland.
3. Azerbaijan was the first country to give voting rights to women in the Muslim world
Azerbaijan was the first Muslim-majority country to become a democracy by declaring its independence from Russia. Fueled by the women's suffrage movement across many European countries, it also became the first Muslim nation and one of the first nations across the world to grant voting rights to women.
4. The mythical Atlantis of the Caspian Sea was once a part of Azerbaijan
The Sabayil Castle, built in 1235 by Shirvanshah Fariburz III is known as the "Underwater City" or the “Atlantis of the Caspian”. It once served as the Shirvanshah family palace and stronghold against Mongol attacks. The castle was destroyed by a big earthquake in 1306, and it fell into the Caspian Sea. Archaeological expeditions have uncovered stone slabs with Arabic inscriptions and mysterious drawings, offering glimpses into its past. Ongoing research aims to unravel its secrets and shed light on Azerbaijan's history.
5. Neft Daslari, a city in Azerbaijan is a fully stilted city
Situated approximately 40 km from the Azerbaijani coastline and over 60 km from the capital city of Baku, this unique settlement is built on platforms constructed atop the expansive waters of the Caspian Sea. The city began as a single bridge path on the water and grew into a system of paths and platforms, building a functional city that included nine-story hostels, hotels, cultural palaces, bakery factories, and lemonade workshops.
6. World’s Largest KFC joint was functional in Baku, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan was the home to the world’s largest KFC restaurant up until a few years ago. Located in Baku’s former Sabunchu train station from the Stalin era, the fast food joint spanned over 1,600 square meters. The beige-colored building with domed towers and an arched entrance still stands as a testimony to traditional architecture. The interior of the building has cathedral ceilings and panels that are decorated with colorful kaleidoscopic patterns.
7. Bread is considered sacred in Azerbaijani culture
Bread holds a special significance and a sacred place in Azerbaijani culture. It symbolizes abundance and prosperity and plays a central role in daily life and ceremonial occasions. The leftover bread is not thrown away in trash bins, instead it is hung from a tree or any other higher surface. Wasting bread or throwing it away at a place where it can be stepped on is considered disrespectful.
8. World’s largest collection of miniature books is in Azerbaijan
The Baku Museum of Miniature Books was Established in 2002 by Zarifa Salahova. It was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest private museum of miniature books in 2015. The remarkable collection of over 6500 books from 64 countries includes miniature editions of literary classics, religious texts, scientific publications, and more.
9. Zoroaster, the world’s first oil tanker ship made its run from Baku
Constructed in 1878 by the Nobel brothers, Ludvig and Robert, Zoroaster revolutionized the oil industry by introducing an in-built tanker on the ship for transporting crude oil across the Caspian Sea. It made its first run from Baku to Astrakhan. The success of Zoroaster paved the way for the development of larger and more advanced oil tankers, shaping the future of the global oil trade.
10. More than half of the world’s mud volcanoes are in Azerbaijan
The Gobustan region in Azerbaijan is home to the highest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world. These volcanoes spew a combination of mud, water, and gases and are often accompanied by flames as well. The mud oozing out from them is known for its therapeutic properties. You can take mud baths which are known to be very effective for skin health and stress reduction.
11. Azerbaijan has some of the world’s oldest people
A small town in Azerbaijan, Lerik is known as the "Land of Centenarians,". Lerik owes this title to the extraordinary number of inhabitants who have surpassed the remarkable milestone of being 100 years old. According to the data collected in 2018, approximately 10,000 people in the city are over 90 years old. The Museum of Longevity in Lerik, which was opened in 1991, showcases over 2,000 artifacts honoring and documenting the lives and legacies of the region's Centenarians.
12. Azerbaijan’s capital Baku is the lowest-lying country capital in the world
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and also the largest city in the country. It is located on the shore of the Caspian Sea, 28 meters below sea level. This makes it the lowest-lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world which is located below sea level.
13. Azerbaijanis have a unique way of having tea
Azerbaijan is known for its tea culture which is a part of its hospitality. Azerbaijani people have a unique way of drinking tea. Before sipping the tea, they take a bite of a sugar cube or jam and keep it in their mouth while sipping the tea. This way, the sip mixes with the sugar or the jam inside their mouth, adding a unique flavor to the tea.
It is evident that Azerbaijan is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its UNESCO-listed historic sites to its modern architectural marvels, Azerbaijan offers a captivating blend of tradition and innovation.