Baku Guide | Travel Club by Samir Dubendi

FOR ALL SEASONS

BAKU SHAMAKHA SHEKI

GANJA GABALA

NAKHCHIVAN

SHEKI

DISCOVER BAKU european city

Port City of Baku – Capital of Azerbaijan

of the east

Baku, one of the most beautiful world’s cities is located at the joint of Europe and Asia. The capital’s name itself is interpreted as a “wind blow”, “city of winds” or “hill”, “city on the hill”.

Baku

The port city of Baku, the cultural, industrial and political capital of Azerbaijan is located on the western Caspian seaside, on the bay SHOPPİNG 2017 shoresFESTİVAL of the same name in the southern part of the Apsheron Peninsula, rich in its oil fields. Baku consists of 11 administrative districts and 5 townships.

Cultural Baku

Tours & Leisure

Culture & Heritage

Industrial Baku Baku is the largest industrial center. It is the place of concentration of ancient oil fields, well-known Oil Stones, unique plant of deep water foundations, high-capacity derrick barges, and modern drilling floating units. It is also famous for developed oil refineries, petrochemical, chemical, light, food, engineering branches of industry, oil equipment production, building materials, instrumentation, electrical engineering and radio electronics, shipbuilding. Baku is a large rail junction and port terminal in the Caspian Sea. Beginning from 1967 the Baku underground was put into operation in the capital.

Hotels & Restaurants

Airlines & Rent a Car

Sightseeing & Entertainment

Na!onal Cuisine

Baku is the largest cultural center of Azerbaijan. It is the place where a national theatre, the first in Muslim East, lifted the curtain, the first opera was performed, the first Azerbaijan newspaper was published, the first Azerbaijan library was opened. Today Baku is known to have 30 museums, 7 theatres, 11 institutions of higher education, philharmonic, opera theatre, film studio, cinema theaters and libraries housed in the city’s most beautiful buildings having an interior decoration which is every bit as good as their interior cultural content.

TOWERS & CASTLES of Absheron our heritage Maiden Tower By the XI-XII centuries, Baku became a large commercial seaport on the Caspian Sea. For safety reason the Shirvanshakh dynasty’s rulers initiated a large-scale building activity to strengthen the city’s fortification works. The fortress was protected with three rows of walls built around it and also with a deep moat dug near it. Furthermore, the mountains surrounded the city were built up with additional defensive structures in a form of flag towers and small fortresses All these towers and palaces made up a city’s common defensive system which is located on the Apsheron Peninsula today. The beginning of the construction of the towers and castles dates back to the XI-XII centuries. They include the famous Maiden Tower, Sabil fortress, Ramana fortress, Mardakyand fortress and Shikh fortresses. These fortresses were mainly occupied by a military post which was to form the city’s first line of defense in case of attack. In the XI-XIV centuries Baku was subject to attacks of the Turks-Seljuks, Mongols and Russ. In year 1175 Shirvanshakh Akhistan with the help of the towers and fortresses existed by that time, managed to prevent the occupation of Baku by the Russ who had arrived there by 73 ships. These towers, in addition to their defensive function, were used as flag ones. When enemies were approaching the city, its defenders used to burn oil on their tops, thus, warning the city folk about the danger. One of the castles forming the defensive system of Baku was the Bayil Castle submersed almost completely under water. The fortress was built opposite the city in the XIII century in the Bayil bay, but due to the earthquake of 1306 the water level there dramatically increased, and the fortress found itself deep in water. The castle was shaped in irregular rectangular. It was girded by 1.5-m wide walls with 15 towers built along their perimeter. The fortress location was chosen so as to protect Baku from attack from sea.

Mardakan Fortress The Maiden Tower was also a part of the Baku’s defensive system, though whether this function was its main one, the scholars cannot say as yet. The Maiden Tower is an 8-storey building resembling a cylinder by its shape. In the XVIII-XIX centuries the tower was used as a lighthouse. In the township of Ramana, near Baku, there is another fortress of the XVI century – Ramana Fortress. It was built of white stone. The fortress height is 15 m. The Ramana Fortress was built by Shirvanshakhs’ order for defensive purpose. According to documentary records, in the Middle Ages, there was an underground way running from the Ramana Fortress to the Maiden Tower. In Mardakyan township not far from Baku there is another defensive fortress – the Mardakan fortress built in the middle of the XIV century by Shirvanshakh Akhsitan’s order in honor of the victory over the defeated enemy. The fortress was used as a place for accommodation of a military post and as an observation post. The fortress’ height is 22 m. The Shikh fortress or Ishyg Galasi (Light Fortress), another one defensive fortress is located in the same village. This 16 m-high fortress was built in year 1232 as an observation post.

Modern City ﬁnd your home in our city For several years Baku has been experiencing an incredible building boom. They build new hotels, office buildings, skyscrapers, modern art museums. The parks are clean and they look just perfect! Fountains, neat lawns, benches, illumination... It's very pleasant to be there!

The Flame Towers Flame Towers is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, including the tallest in the country, with a height of 182 m (597 ft). The cost of Flame Towers was an estimated US$350 million. The Flame Towers consist of three buildings: South, East and West. The facades of the three Flame Towers function as large display screens with the use of more than 10,000 high-power LEDs. The lighting of Flame Towers was recognized to be the best in the world according to a survey skyscrapercity.com - an influential forum on urban development. In addition to numerous prestigious architectural awards, in 2004 she was awarded Pittsker Prize for achievements in the field of architecture, and in 2009 in Japan has been awarded the Imperial Prize. Flame Towers decorating the panorama of the city and being its symbol was announce a winner of the contest MIPIM 2013 - the largest

investment exhibition of innovative projects in the European real estate market - in the nomination "The best hotel and tourist center."

Heydar Aliyev Centre Many of those who happened to see the design of the Heydar Aliyev Center for the first time had hard times to believe that such a project might ever come true.In fact,even in theory ,the erection of the building of a such extraordinary design looked far from being anyhow realistic. Construction of the Center’s facility was launched in 2007 and completed on May 10, 2012, to celebrate the National Leader’s 89th anniversary. Recognized as one of the world’s masterpieces in architecture, the Heydar Aliyev Center has immediately grown into a signature architectural landmark of modern Baku. Zaha Hadid, the author of the building's design, is a worldwide recognized architect and the winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. Not a single straight line was used in the Center’s design. The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by gradual descent down to the earth. This is not only a tribute to post-modern architecture, but also a portrayal of an eternal cycle.

GABALA ancient city, nature & sky resort This is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan with a rich and ancient history. Back in the days, this city (Kabbalah) was the capital of Caucasian Albania (an ancient state that used to exist on the territory of modern Azerbaijan) for 600 years. Up to the present time you can still see the ruins of the ancient city and the main gate of Caucasian Albania. There are a great number of historical and cultural monuments covering different eras in this region. Several 5 star hotels of the Azerbaijani hotel chain, Qafqaz, small family hotels, and several tourist camps are in operation in Gabala. The largest amusement park in Azerbaijan – Gabaland is located in Gabala, covering an area of 16 hectares. It’s great fun for kids and adults alike. The town also hosts an annual international music festival of classical music, jazz and Mugham, which is attended by bands, performers and artists from around the world.

SKI RESORT TUFANDAG Tufandag Resort is located 4 km away from the city of Gabala - the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania. The distance from the international airport of Gabala is 20 km, and 220 km from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Tufandag complex is well equipped and can accommodate up to 3,000 people at a time, restaurants, cafeterias, bars and recreation areas, ski school for adults

and children, ski equipment rental and repair are operating on the territory of the complex. The best hotel of the Tufandag resort – Qafqaz Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel 5 * is located directly in the trail skiing area, right at the lower stations of the ski lifts. The trails of the ski resort of Tufandag Gabala have different complexity and are designed for advanced skiers, snowboarders as well as beginners. The total length of the trails is 17 km.

GABALAND Leisure Centre in Gabala - «Gabaland» due to its size and a number of attractions is called “Azerbaijani Disneyland.” It is located in one of the most picturesque regions of Azerbaijan, this centre attracts summer tourists from Russia,Iran and Turkey. There has been built an amusement park equipped with slot machines of British, Italian, German and Israeli production, 6D attraction, «Laser Maxx” playground of 1,000 sq.m. There are two tracks for racing cars, motorcycle track, skating rink, swimming pool, volleyball, football and basketball playgrounds, a fitness centre, etc. There have been provided seven artificial lakes, cafes and restaurants in “Gavaland”, offering dishes both Azerbaijani and world cuisine

SHEKİ city of handicra"s

Culture

Silk

Sheki has one of the greatest density of cultural resources and monuments that include 2700 years of Azerbaijani history. The city boasts a lot of houses with red roofs. In pop culture, probably the most famous feature of Shakinians are their nice sense of humour and comic tales. Sheki's comic tales hero Hacı dayı (Uncle Haji) is the subject of nearly all jokes in the area.

During 1850–70, Sheki became international silk production centre. More than 200 European companies opened oﬃces in the city, while silkworms to the tune of 3 million roubles were sold to them in a year.

Geography

Sheki is surrounded by snowy peaks of the Greater Caucasus, which in some places reaches 3000–3600 m. Sheki's climate includes a range of Sheki has always played a central cyclones and anticyclones, air role in Azerbaijani art and more generally in the art and architecture of masses and local winds. The average annual temperature in Shaki is 12 °C. Azerbaijan. Under the name of In June and August, average Nukha, the city is the scene of much temperature varies between 20 and of the action in Brecht's play The 25 °C. Caucasian Chalk Circle.

The mountain forests around the area prevent the city from ﬂoods and Perhaps the best-known aspect of overheating of the area during Sheki cooking is its rich sweet dishes. summer. The main rivers of the city Sheki is traditionally held as the home are the Kish and Gurjhana. of special type of baklava, called Demographics Sheki Halva. Others include nabat The number of Shaki population is boiled sugar and sweet pesheveng. 174.1 thousand people. Including, the Sheki also has some famous dishes, rural population is 105.7 thousand including girmabadam, zilviya, piti, a stew created with meat and potatoes people, while the urban population is 66.9 thousand people. Population and prepared in a terracotta pot. density is 72 people per 1 square Language kilometer. Of the total population, 86.4 The city of Sheki has developed its thousand or 49.6% of men, 87.7 own dialect of Azerbaijani language, thousand or 50.4% are women. 38.4 which is mainly spoken in the city, and percent of the population lives in the the region of Sheki. Residents of city city and 61.6 percent lives in the are known for their cheerful intonation village. of the words.

Cuisine

SHAHDAGH Shahdag Mountain Resort Tourist complex "Shahdagh" is the ﬁrst ski resort in Azerbaijan. Shahdagh is located in the northeast corner of the country on the territory of Shahdagh National Park, in Gusar region of Azerbaijan near Shahdagh mountain. This complex occupies a well-deserved place in the list of the most beautiful corners of the Caucasus. The Shahdag Mountain Resort Complex (Şahdağ Turizm Merkezi) was open to the public in 2012. It is located in the Azerbaijan's Greater Caucasus range, the site is located near Shahdag National Park, which is known for having an intact ecological system and an untouched ﬂora and fauna. Shahdag National Park Shahdag National Park is a national park of Azerbaijan. It was established by the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, on an area of 115,900 hectares (1,159 km2) in the Quba Rayon,

Qusar Rayon, İsmayıllı Rayon, Qəbələ Rayon, Oğuz Rayon and Şamaxı Rayon administrative districts on December 8, 2006. It was enlarged by presidential decree on July 8, 2010 from 115,900 hectares (1,159 km2) to 130,508.1 hectares (1,305.081 km2). It is located in northern Azerbaijan, close to the border with Russia at the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Mount Bazardüzü, the highest mountain of Azerbaijan is located in Shadag National Park. The Shahdag National Park is the largest national park not only Azerbaijan but in the whole Caucasus. The World Bank has allocated a $17 million loan and $8 million grant for the national park's creation, while the government of Japan has provided $8 million as a grant for the project implementation. The Shakhdag National Park will help address ecological issues and build a tourist infrastructure in the Caucasus for visitors.

where mountain meets hospitality

The Guba-Khachmaz region is located in the north-east of Azerbaijan. Travelling to this region, you will have the opportunity to enjoy kicking back and relaxing in some of the most picturesque places of Azerbaijan. You can take a tour of the Chyrag-gala fortress, visit the high mountain village of Khinalig, the population of which represents a unique and separate ethnographic group, and if you are a winter sports enthusiast, visit the state-of-the-art ski resort near Shahdag mountain. Guba Due to its convenient and easily accessible location and comprehensive infrastructure, the Guba region is one of Azerbaijan’s favorite tourist destinations. Visitors have long chosen Gechresh as a place to relax in the shady woods, Tangaalti Gorge where the river carries the Velvelichai’s stormy waters and the famous Afurdzhi waterfall, listed in the Monuments of Azerbaijani Nature List.

Functioning as an ultra-modern a ski resort in winter and a recreational resort in summer, it lies in the foothills of the stunning Caucasus Mountains. Khachmaz Khachmaz district is located in the north-west of the country and covers the greater part of the Samur–Davachi lowlands. In the north, the district borders with the Russian Federation. Khachmaz district is famous for its coastal resort area – Nabran. Khachmaz has a rich ﬂora and fauna. There are good conditions for hunting and ﬁshing in this area. SamurYalama National Park is also located here. Khinalig

The village is located at an altitude of 2100-2200 meters above sea level. They say that this area is associated with Noah. According to legend, when Noah saw this tall and ﬂat terrain, he dropped anchor and told everyone to leave the Ark. There are about 380 houses that are between 200-300 The district has a unique mountain years old. Since the slopes here are village known as Khinalig, located at very steep, the houses are built very an altitude of 2100-2200 meters close to each other. The roof of one above sea level. The population of the house is the courtyard for the one village is a separate ethnographic located above. group, with its own language, customs The locals are one of the Albanian and culture. A unique place and well tribes and they speak a completely worth a visit. original language. Khinalig village is Guba is famous for its apples which known not only for its ancient have long become its symbol. There traditions, but also for the fact that are more than 40 diﬀerent varieties of Bigfoot has been seen there... Watch apples grown here. out! Gusar Gusar is often called the “Northern Gates” of Azerbaijan – and with good reason – as it borders with the Republic of Dagestan in the Russian Federation. Four out of the nine climatic zones existing in the Republic are present across the territory of Gusar district. The year-round Shahdag tourist complex has become a highlight in the district and is very popular.

Bilgah Beach Hotel Your journey begins with our premier accommodations‚ all with sea-facing balconies and thoughtful amenities ranging from complimentary wireless Internet access to spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate bathtubs. The hotel also oﬀers seven restaurants and bars including a night club, Spa and Fitness with modern gymnasium, traditional Turkish and Finnish saunas and steam baths, relaxation areas with heated thermal beds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sport facilities, private beach, waterpark with a variety of slides, billiards room, bowling alley, conference centre and meeting rooms and unique indoor and outdoor areas for weddings and special events. All suites evoke a serene, residential feel and provide spectacular sea views. All hotel rooms and suites are fully equipped with the latest in-room technology. 14 Duplex Three-Bedroom Cottages located in the front gardens of the hotel, each approximately 156 m2 with a residential garage, private courtyard, and a spacious outdoor terrace on the top ﬂoor.

CASPIAN SEA sunny & healthy

showcases its golden sands, gently buffeted by the Caspian Sea, where you can relax on sun loungers, drink ice cool drinks in the sun, or head to the sea for fun in the surf. In winter, cosy up in one of our private dining rooms and chic, modern indoors restaurants serving up a range of delicious cuisines, with entertainment in the sports bar and dazzling performances in the cabaret theatre. As a resort, Amburan offers the complete package for a fun-packed day out with family and friends. With beach sports tournaments, mini golf, shopping and fancy dress for kids and much, much more, the hours of excitement simply fly by. Feel the sea breeze on your skin, the sand between your toes, cosy up by a glowing winter’s fire or glam up at Amburan Beach the cabaret club… find your Amburan offers an ideal escape favourite pastime and let us look throughout the year. With a carousel after you. You deserve it. of seasonal activities and dining options, you have a 12-month retreat just down the road. In summertime, Amburan best

Bilgah

Located to north-east of Baku, on the coastline of the Caspian Sea, Bilgah is bordered with Mashtagha, Nardaran and Kurdhakan settlements. Rich with cultural monuments, Bilgah has been distinguished for such industries as carpet-making, silkworm breeding, weaving. It has also been renowned for its ﬁg, vintage, pomegranate and pistachio as well as vast saﬀron plantations. It also functioned as a port city. Other features of the area are its healthy climate, clean atmosphere and nature. Once very popular in the former USSR is the Bilgah Cardiological Resort which functions nowadays.

WELCOME MESSAGE everything for you Baku Guide Travel Club offer several travel options through all Azerbaijan. We are committed to offering travel services of the highest quality, combining our energy and enthusiasm, with our years of experience. Our greatest satisfaction comes in serving large numbers of satisfied clients who have experienced the joys and inspiration of travel. You will discover that Baku Guide Travel Club is quite diverse. We use our diversity in and out of the travel industry to address various global concerns. By planning and organizing events, we address current issues such as the environment and international relations. We narrow the gap of misunderstanding between people by promoting international business and cultural exchanges and by serving as a major source of information.

We offer full range of services from accommodation to guide all over the country. Telephone: +99412 4347877 Email: travel@dair.az

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