Baku, Azerbaijan
Region: Baku is located in the municipality of Baku
Geographic Coordinates: 40.366700, 49.835200
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Baku has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The city experiences precipitation throughout the year, but it is more frequent in the winter months.
Population: 2300500
Language: Azerbaijani
Baku, The capital city of Azerbaijan, Is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern architecture. The city lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and is known for its beautiful seaside promenade, Stunning skyline, And rich cultural heritage. Baku has a long history that dates back to prehistoric times. The city has been invaded by various empires including the Persians, Arabs, Mongols, Russians and Turks. One of Baku’s most famous landmarks is the Old City or Icheri Sheher which dates back to medieval times.
The Old City boasts narrow winding streets lined with traditional stone houses adorned with intricate carvings. Visitors can explore historical sites such as Maiden Tower which was built in the 12th century or take a stroll through Palace Square where they can see examples of traditional Azerbaijani architecture. Another must-visit attraction in Baku is the Flame Towers which are three skyscrapers that dominate the city’s skyline. These towers are covered in LED screens that display images of flames at night creating an impressive spectacle that can be seen from miles away.
Baku also boasts several world-class museums such as Azerbaijan National Museum of Art which showcases works by local artists from different periods including Soviet-era art; Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid Architects which houses exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture; Museum of Modern Art showcasing contemporary art from around Azerbaijan; Carpet Museum featuring carpets from different regions across Azerbaijan. Foodies will love exploring Baku’s culinary scene which offers a mix of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with influences from neighboring countries like Iran and Turkey.
Some popular dishes include dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Plov (rice pilaf), Kebab (grilled meat skewers), Lavash (flatbread) and qutab (stuffed pancakes). visitors to Baku can unwind at one of the city’s many parks and gardens. The most popular is the Boulevard which stretches along the Caspian Sea and offers stunning views of the water as well as numerous cafes, Restaurants, And entertainment options. Baku is a fascinating city that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient history and modern architecture.
With its rich cultural heritage, Delicious cuisine and beautiful parks there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant capital city.
Important Landmarks
- Flame Towers
- Maiden Tower
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Baku Boulevard
- Heydar Aliyev Center
- Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
- National Flag Square
- Martyrs’ Lane (Shehidler Khiyabani)
- Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
Primary Industries
- Baku, Azerbaijan is known for its diverse industries and businesses.
- The city’s major industries include:
- Oil and gas
- Tourism
- Construction
- Banking
- Technology
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
- Baku’s rich oil reserves have attracted several international companies such as:
- SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic)
- BP
- ExxonMobil
- Chevron
- Baku is also a popular tourist destination due to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like:
- The Old City (Icherisheher)
- The Maiden Tower
- With a growing population and economy, Baku has seen a surge in construction projects in recent years.
- Banking has also flourished in the city with many local and international banks establishing their presence over the past decade.
- The Azerbaijani government has invested heavily in developing its technology sector with initiatives like Innovations Center aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs.
- Despite being an urban area, Baku also has a significant agricultural industry that produces fruits, vegetables cotton products among others for export purposes.
- Various manufacturing industries like textiles goods production plants are also present in Baku that produce different types of fabrics from cotton or silk fibers for both local consumption and export purposes.
Noteable History
- Baku was a major center of the oil industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with large reserves of crude oil discovered in the region. The city became known as the Black Gold Capital and attracted investors from all over Europe.
- In 1918, Baku became the capital of the newly established Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was one of the first democratic republics in Asia.
- In 1920, Baku was incorporated into the Soviet Union and became an important industrial center under Soviet rule.
- Heydar Aliyev served as Azerbaijan’s president from 1993 to 2003 and is credited with transforming Baku into a modern city with new infrastructure and high-rise buildings.
- In 2012, Baku hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing international attention to Azerbaijan’s capital city.
- The Flame Towers are three skyscrapers located in Baku that were completed in 2012 and have become iconic symbols of modern architecture in Azerbaijan.
- The Maiden Tower is a historic monument located in Old City (Icheri Sheher) that dates back to at least the 12th century and has become one of Baku’s most recognizable landmarks.
- The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature is dedicated to Azerbaijani literature and features exhibits on prominent writers such as Nizami Ganjavi, Fuzuli, and Mirza Fatali Akhundov.
- The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural center designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid that opened in Baku in 2012; it has won numerous awards for its innovative design.
- The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside of Baku featuring ancient petroglyphs and rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
Museums and Things To See
- Heydar Aliyev Center: A modern architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid, with exhibitions and events showcasing Azerbaijani culture.
- Old City (Icherisheher): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient walled city of Baku boasts narrow streets, historic buildings and landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace.
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: A unique museum dedicated to the history, art and craft of Azerbaijani carpets.
- Flame Towers: Iconic skyscrapers in Baku’s skyline that light up at night with a mesmerizing flame effect.
- National Museum of History of Azerbaijan: The largest museum in Azerbaijan displaying artifacts from prehistoric times to modern-day culture.
- Martyrs’ Lane (Shehidler Khiyabani): A memorial complex honoring those who lost their lives during the Soviet era and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
- Baku Museum of Modern Art: Featuring contemporary art from local and international artists in a renovated Soviet-era building.
- Nizami Street (Torgovaya): A bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues in downtown Baku.
- Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): An eternal flame burning on a natural gas vent on a hillside near Baku that has been burning for centuries.
- Gobustan National Park: Located outside of Baku, this park is home to ancient rock carvings dating back 40,000 years depicting hunting scenes, animals and human figures.
Sports Teams
- Neftchi Baku PFC – Founded in 1937, Neftchi Baku is the oldest football club in Azerbaijan. The team has won eight Azerbaijani Premier League titles and six Azerbaijani Cup trophies.
- FK Qarabag – Founded in 1951, FK Qarabag is another prominent football club from Baku. The team has won seven Azerbaijani Premier League titles and four Azerbaijani Cup trophies.
- Azerrail Baku – Azerrail is a women’s volleyball club based in Baku that was founded in 2000. The team has won multiple national championships and also competed at the European Champions League.
- Bakcell Arena – Bakcell Arena is a multi-purpose stadium located in the city of Sumgayit near Baku. It hosts various sports events including football matches, athletics competitions, and concerts.
- Gabala SC – Gabala SC is a professional football club based in the city of Qabala near Baku that was founded in 1995 as Karvan Yevlax FC before being renamed to its current name in 2005. The team has won one Azerbaijani Premier League title and two Azerbaijani Cup trophies.
- Khazar Lankaran FK – Khazar Lankaran FK was a professional football club based in the city of Lankaran near Baku that was founded in 2004 before being dissolved due to financial problems during the 2016-17 season of the Azerbaijan Premier League.
- Bakı Basketbol Klubu (Bakı Basketball Club) – Bakı Basketbol Klubu or simply Bakı BC for short was founded on February 25th,1998 as an amateur basketball organization by Mr.Farid Niftaliyev who later became the club’s President. The team played in various amateur leagues and tournaments before finally being admitted to the Azerbaijan Basketball Super League in 2003. Bakı BC has won several domestic titles including the Azerbaijan Cup and League championships.
Cultural Events
- Baku International Jazz Festival
- Baku International Film Festival
- Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving Festival
- Novruz Bayrami (Azerbaijani New Year)
- Azerbaijan Grand Prix Formula 1 race
- Baku Shopping Festival
- Gabala International Music Festival
- Uzeyir Hajibeyli International Music Festival
- Azerbaijan Fashion Week
- Baku Street Food and Sweet Festivals
Cuisine
- Plov Center – a restaurant that specializes in traditional Azerbaijani plov (pilaf) dishes.
- Dolma Restaurant – known for its delicious stuffed grape leaves and other Azerbaijani specialties.
- Firuze Restaurant – offers a variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes, including kebabs and stews.
- Sahil Restaurant – located on the Caspian Sea waterfront, this restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes.
- Nargiz Restaurant – serves authentic Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist.
- Mugam Club Restaurant – offers live music performances while serving traditional Azerbaijani food.
- Qalaalti Fish House – another great seafood restaurant located on the Caspian Sea waterfront.
- Sirvansah Museum-Restaurant Complex – combines museum exhibits with an upscale dining experience featuring traditional Azerbaijan cuisine.
- Chinar – one of the most famous restaurants in Baku known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious international menu options.
- Mangal Steak House- serves some of the best steaks in town along with other grilled meat specialties.
- Boulevard Park: This waterfront park offers a beautiful promenade, bike paths, cafes, and entertainment options.
- Heydar Aliyev Park: Enjoy modern amenities such as fountains, playgrounds, and green spaces for picnics and relaxation at this park.
- Yanar Dag Nature Reserve: A natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries can be seen in the hills outside of Baku at this reserve.
- Gobustan National Park: Discover ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) and mud volcanoes at this archaeological site.
- Baku Olympic Stadium: This multi-purpose stadium hosts sports events and concerts in Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: Learn about Azerbaijani carpets and weaving traditions at this museum dedicated to the art form.
- Maiden Tower Museum-Reserve: Located in the Old City of Baku, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape from its rooftop terrace while exploring an ancient tower.
- Tofiq Bahramov Stadium: International football matches are regularly played at Azerbaijan’s national football stadium.
- Flag Square (Dövlət Bayrağı Meydanı): One of the largest flagpoles in the world stands tall here with an Azerbaijani flag on top weighing over 350 kilograms!
- Nizami Street (Nizami küçəsi): Shop ’til you drop on downtown Baku’s main shopping street filled with stores, restaurants, cafes, street performers & more!