AZERBAIJAN: AZERBAIJAN: The The Land Land of of Fire Fire
Azerbaijan is considered one of the ancient places of the world
Most ancient archeological and paleontological materials recently found in the territory of Azerbaijan prove that first primitive men settled here 1.7-1.8 million years ago.
Discovery 1968 year of jaw bone of Azikhantrop who lived here 300-400 thousand years ago in a cave of Azikh located near Fuzuli city
Based on this discovery, Azerbaijan was included to the “The oldest inhabitants of the Europe map.
Since an ancient period of time its name was Odlar Yurdu (Fire Lands).
People who lived here very long time ago were fire worshippers There are eternal hearths remaining from ancient time People are still surprised when they see “burning soil” in Yanardag
The Republic of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan first became independent in 1918. It was first democratic Parliamentary republic in The Muslim World
(28 May 1918 - 18 April 1920 occupied by Soviet Army)
Restored independence in 1991 Capital: Baku Territory: 86 600 km² Population: 8 436 000 Official language: Azerbaijani State structure: Presidential republic Currency: Azerbaijani manat
Nature ….Landscape
Azerbaijan is characterized by a diversed landscape. There are two major forms of landscape-plains and mountains.
Mountains cover 60% of the total area of the Azerbaijan republic
Vegetation…
Azerbaijan has a rich flora. Almost all types of plants, found in the world are spread on the territory of this relatively small country
Nearly 4500 species of higher, spore-bearing flowering plants
Nearly 240 species are endemic and it is home to a number of rare trees and bushes
Forests account for 11.4% of the total area of the country
Fauna…
Due to the diverse natural conditions Azerbaijan formed a colorful animal kingdom
The fauna of plains is represented by a great number of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and numerous sedentary and migrant birds
Unfortunately, the number of Caspian seals decreased from 1.5 million in early 20th century down to 360-400 thousand in 1980th
The minerals…
The region accounts for most part of metallic minerals: iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, copper, cobalt, complex ore, antimony, gold, silver, molybdenum, etc
Azerbaijan is famous for its oil and gas deposits
2/3 of the republic is rich in oil and gas
Culture … Folklore
The classical music of Azerbaijan is called mugam and is usually a suite with poetry and instrumental interludes
UNESCO proclaimed the Azerbaijani mugam tradition a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on November 7, 2003.
There are a number of Azerbaijani dances, these folk dances of the azerbaijani people are old and extremely melodious. It has a very fast rhythm, so the dancer must have inherent skill
Culture‌.. Architecture ď Ž
Architecture went through many different stages over the centuries. Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower included in UNESCO World Heritage Site
Culture…..the decorative and applied art
Azerbaijan is famous for its carpets. Carpet is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of art in Azerbaijan. You'll find two types of carpets: knotted and flat-weaved
The form of antiquity is represented by a wide range of handicrafts, such as chasing, jeweler, engraving in metal, carving in wood, stone and bon
Azerbaijan Cuisine, Food
Food is an important part of the country's culture and is deeply rooted in the history, traditions and values of the nation
Azerbaijani cuisine has over 30 kinds of soups, including those prepared from plain yogurt. There is a wide variety of kebabs including lamb, beef, chicken, and fish (baliq) kebabs
I like: Plov Kababs
Qutabs with Yogurt
and
…of course CAVIAR!
This comes from three different varieties of Caspian sturgeon, rated top to bottom as beluga, osietra and servyuga, and is actually affordable
The 113 gram pots run from $25-$55, depending upon the type of fish and grade