Interesting facts about Azerbaijan for children. Interesting facts about Azerbaijan (Baku). Modern methods of transportation

Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan), official name is the Republic of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan Respublikası). The term "Azerbaijan" as official name state was first used on May 28, 1918 during the proclamation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The toponym "Azerbaijan" comes from the Parthian and Middle Persian name ancient state Atropatena or Mussel Atropatena. Media Atropatena or simply Atropatena, after the Persian campaign of Alexander the Great, began to be called the northern part of Media, where the last Achaemenid satrap of Media Atropat (Aturpatak) created a kingdom for himself. Its other name among ancient authors is Little Media. From the name “Aturpatkan” through the Middle Persian “Aderbadgan” (Persian Âzarâbâdagân‎) comes the modern name Azerbaijan.

On February 5, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted a resolution recognizing the tricolor flag as the state flag of Azerbaijan. The flag is a three-color panel (tricolor). The stripes (blue, green and red) are located horizontally. In the center of the flag on the red stripe there is an eight-pointed star and a crescent. Both images are white. The blue color on the flag is the traditional color of the Turkic peoples and symbolizes Turkism, red - progress, green - Islam. The crescent signifies belonging to the religion of Islam, the eight-pointed star signifies the eight branches of the Turkic peoples.

In the center of the coat of arms is a fire, which symbolizes the “Land of Fire”. The colors used on the coat of arms are the colors national flag Azerbaijan. The eight-pointed star symbolizes the eight branches of the Turkic people. Below is a wreath of wheat ears and oak branches. A wreath of ears symbolizes wealth and fertility. The oak branches symbolize the antiquity of the country.

The capital is Baku. Big cities: Ganja, Stepanakert, Nakhichevan, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Mingachevir, Shirvan, Khirdalan.

It is located in the eastern part of Transcaucasia on the coast of the Caspian Sea. Refers to Western Asia and the Middle East. It has land borders with Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran.

The monetary unit is the Azerbaijani manat, equal to 100 qepik (Azerbaijani qəpik).

The population is over 9 million people. 91st place in the world in terms of population. The majority of the population is Azerbaijanis; Lezgins, Armenians, Russians, and Talysh number more than one hundred thousand.

For tourists visiting Azerbaijan, organized sightseeing tours with a visit to the historical sights of Shamakhi, Ismaillov, Baku, Sheki, Gakh, Guba, beach tours in Baku, Nabran, Khudat, Khachmaz, Lankaran, Astara and medical tours and holidays thermal waters in Massala, Naftalan. Holidays on mineral waters in Ganja. There are over 130 museums in the country.

The earliest structures preserved in Azerbaijan include temples in the Tsakhur villages of Qom and Lekit and the foundations of the Maiden Tower in Baku. The architecture of the early feudal period on the territory of Azerbaijan is characterized by huge defensive structures: Beshbermak, Gilgilchay (see also Chirag-Gala), Shemakha (see also Gulistan) and Zakatala. The oldest Islamic buildings are the 8th century mosques in Akhsu and the Juma mosque in Shamakhi.

Sights of Azerbaijan:

• Agdam Mosque
• Azykh Cave
• Ateshgah
• Bathhouse Gadzhi Gaib
• Upper Govhar Agha Mosque
• Gelyarsan-Gyorarsan
• Tomb of Yusif ibn Quseir
• Mukhtarov Palace
• Palace of the Shirvanshahs
• Palace Mosque in Baku
• Maiden's Tower
• Gobustan Nature Reserve
• Icheri Sheher (Baku quarter)
• Caravanserai (Sheki)
• Round Castle (Mardakyan)
• Mausoleum of Vagif
• Mausoleum of Diri Baba
• Mausoleum of Yahya ibn Muhammad al-Hajj
• Mausoleum of Momine Khatun
• Mausoleum of Nizami
• Mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi
• Carpet Museum
• Bibi-Heybat Mosque
• Mohammed Mosque in Baku
• Tuba Shahi Mosque
• Khinalig Village Museum
• Nizami Ganjavi Museum
• Nardaran fortress
• Sabail Castle
• Opera and Ballet Theatre
• Quadrangular tower at Ramana
• Quadrangular Castle (Mardakyan)

Azerbaijani national food is very diverse, with dozens of different types of dishes: dairy, meat, flour, vegetables, etc. Kebabs and tandoor dishes are widespread in Azerbaijani cuisine. One of the most famous dishes Azerbaijani cuisine is pilaf. Popular dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine include: ovdukh - okroshka in Azerbaijani style; hamrashi - Azerbaijani soup; kutabs with meat; dolma; lula kebab; dushbara (dumplings in Azerbaijani style).

• The motto of Azerbaijan is “Land of Fire”.
• Azerbaijan cannot boast of an impressive area. Despite this, the country is located in 9 climatic zones (11 in total).
• Azerbaijan is the birthplace of the first modern oil well and the oldest oil platform at sea, “Oil Rocks,” which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Now “Oil Rocks” is a whole village on stilts with shops, houses and cultural centers.
• Azerbaijan became the first Muslim country in the world to adopt a democratic form of government and provide women with the same opportunities as men.
• Azerbaijani historians claim that the famous Monomakh Cap was made by craftsmen from the local mountain village of Lahij.
• There are more mud volcanoes located on the territory of Azerbaijan than in any other state on our planet. Of the 800 mud volcanoes known today, 350 are located on the territory of Azerbaijan.
• In Azerbaijan, there is an entire mountain that constantly spews fire - Yanar Dag is located not far from Baku, and the gas field located under it feeds the flames.
• Baku has Little Venice, a man-made canal that runs between shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. There are several rows of islands connected by bridges and walkways, and the best way to get around the area is by gondola.
• Located not far from Baku salt Lake Masazir, where the water is pink. The reservoir has huge salt reserves suitable for industrial extraction.
• The national symbol of Azerbaijan is the Karabakh horse.
• The Carpet Museum was opened in Baku in 2014, which is interesting not only for the exhibition presented in it, but also because of the building itself - it is built in the shape of a rolled carpet.
• From a very young age, girls are taught to crochet as part of preparation for the traditional competition of the Seven Beauties. In it, girls must crochet counterclockwise; The winner is the one who knits the best pair of stockings.

Azerbaijan for children

In Baku, you can visit the Ferris wheel with children, which is located on the coast. Nearby there is a landscaped park with benches and playgrounds. In summer the water park is open to the public. The city has many beautiful and well-maintained parks, where the whole family will also have a pleasant time. Nagorny Park is considered one of the most interesting; you can get to it by cable car. The city's attractions include the Baku Zoo. Will be found in Baku and attractive to family vacation museums, including the small private Baku Museum of Miniature Books. Those who prefer to relax in the fresh air should visit the Gala Historical and Ethnographic Museum.

Geography

Azerbaijan is located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, at the junction between Europe and Asia. Exactly this large state Transcaucasia. The area is 86,600 square kilometers. Baku is the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Today it is a large industrial, scientific and technical center. The city is more than five and a half thousand years old. The country's population is 8 million 265 thousand people. Almost half of the territory is occupied by the Caucasus Mountains and the Talysh Mountains. Many beautiful mountain lakes, among them Batabat, Maralgel and others. The largest river is the Kura (its length is 1515 kilometers), and there are 1250 rivers in total in the country. Large cities: Baku, Ganja, Cuba, Lankaran, Nakhichevan, Sheki, Shemakha.

State structure

Azerbaijan is a presidential republic. The President is elected for a 5-year term by popular vote. The unicameral National Assembly is the highest legislative body, also elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. The composition of the government and major officials is appointed by the president. In total, there are more than 30 parties and political movements in the republic. The largest is the president’s party “New Azerbaijan”.

Main attractions

• Agdam Mosque.
• Azykh cave.
• Palace Mosque in Baku.
• Mukhtarov Palace.
• Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
• Baku Botanical Garden.
• Gobustan Nature Reserve.
• Historical complex "Caravanserai".
• Maiden Tower in Baku.
• Mausoleum of Nizami.
• Khudaferin bridges in Nakhichevan.
• Carpet Museum.

Language

Official official language— Azerbaijani. Belongs to the group of Turkic languages, to the Oguz subgroup along with the Tatar, Turkish, Gagauz and Turkmen languages. Almost 30 million people speak Azerbaijani around the world.

Religion

The main religion of Azerbaijan is Islam. 99% of the population is Muslim, of which 85% are Shiites and 15% are Sunnis. In addition, the country has 6 Orthodox churches (3 of them in Baku), synagogues and Lutheran churches. According to the country's Constitution, Azerbaijan is a secular state and in the republic religion is separated from the state.

Currency

The only one currency unit— Azerbaijani manat (AZM). There are 100 kapiks in one manat. You can exchange currency in banks and exchange offices. The course is the same everywhere.
1 dollar is approximately 0.78 manat.

Useful and interesting

• The country's telephone code is 994.
• Telephone code Baku-12, Nakhichevan-136, Ganja-22, Imishli-154, Naftalan-255.
• Ambulance -103, Fire - 101, Police - 102, Information - 109.
• Network voltage is 220V.
• Azerbaijan is the country where the world's first oil well was drilled.
• Here, there is the largest number of mud volcanoes in the world - 350 in total.
• Baku is the most international city in the world - representatives of 72 nationalities live here.
• The Nobel Prize consists of the capital that Alfred Nobel earned from Baku oil.
• It was here that everyone’s favorite films, “The Diamond Arm” and “Amphibian Man,” were filmed.

Famous natives

• Muhammad Fizuli - Azerbaijani poet.
• Nizami Ganjavi is a luminary of world poetry.
• Fikret Amirov is a composer.
• Polad Bulbul-ogly- singer, composer, actor.
• Lev Landau is an outstanding theoretical physicist.
• Muslim Magomayev - singer, People's Artist of the USSR.
• Mstislav Rostropovich- musician, conductor.
• Vitaly Vulf is a famous TV presenter.
• Nadezhda Alliluyeva- wife of I. Stalin.
• Vladimir Menshov- director, actor, screenwriter, producer.
• Larisa Dolina - singer, People's Artist of the USSR.
• Emmanuel Vitorgan- People's Artist of Russia.
• Garry Kasparov is the 13th world chess champion.

Azerbaijani customs and traditions They went a long way before they formed into the species that are familiar to us now. It took many centuries for their formation, and many events, both positive and negative, caused their occurrence. Azerbaijani traditions also reflect different religious worldviews of people, the peculiarities of their mentality, and the influence of other cultures. The centralized (Soviet) government of the republic tried to eradicate many of the traditions in the 20th century, but no one will ever be able to destroy in a person what is part of him. That is why many ancient traditions are still alive.

After drinking tea, main courses, greens and fresh vegetables are served, and then sweets or dovga. It is not customary to take food with your left hand. Rice is taken with a pinch; it is also considered not shameful to take some dishes with your hand or a piece of bread. In urban settings, meals are usually carried out according to European standards, with the presence of cutlery and individual portions. In rural areas, especially if we are talking about some kind of community holiday, the rules of behavior at the table are more free and informal.

One of the main features of Azerbaijani cuisine, like any oriental one, is the unique aroma and spicy taste of dishes. A variety of spices give such an amazing effect to Azerbaijani food. Particular attention should be paid to saffron and sumac (barberry powder). The first has become an integral component of numerous pilafs. And sumac is served with meat dishes. By the way, another distinctive feature of Azerbaijani cooking is the use of lamb. Dolma is prepared from it, which is very similar to cabbage rolls.

Dishes such as kufta-bozbash (broth with meatballs, potatoes and peas), dovga (sour milk soup) and, of course, lula kebab are widely known. Different regions of Azerbaijan also boast special cooking methods. For example, in the north-west of the country a popular dish is khingal, which is very similar to dumplings. Its filling is made from meat, kurut (dried cottage cheese) and fried onions. Lankarania is famous for chicken stuffed with nuts, jam and onions. Confectionery products can be divided into two groups: cookies (shaker-luku, unlanan, kurabiye) and pies with nut filling, which are famous as baklava. The most common national drink is sherbet. It is made from lemon, saffron, sugar, basil and mint seeds, and various fruits.

Don't be surprised if the first dish served is tea. Among Azerbaijanis, tea drinking has long turned into a cultural and aesthetic heritage, which has its own techniques and rules. After tea drinking, main courses, fresh vegetables and herbs are served, and at the end - dovga or sweets. Many dishes need to be eaten with the hands, for example, rice is usually taken with a pinch. An Azerbaijani lunch can last about three hours. However, in urban settings, meals are often served according to European standards familiar to foreigners.

Teahouse

Another tradition associated with the tea ceremony. Unlike a standard Central Asian teahouse, where you can drink tea and have a hearty lunch, the Azerbaijani teahouse serves only tea. They can only offer sweets and candies with it, but not food. In the modern understanding of a foreigner, a teahouse can confidently be called a club, and exclusively for men. Here they discuss news, affairs, make plans, remember the past, and most importantly, maintain relationships. In a sense, this is an institution designed to maintain stability in society. Neighbors who quarreled during the day meet in the teahouse in the evening. And here, among neighbors and friends, over a glass of tea, they can calmly discuss their problems and find a mutually beneficial way out of the current situation.

Holidays

Among the holidays celebrated by Azerbaijanis, Kurban Bayram (feast of sacrifice) and Orujluk (feast of fasting) are widely celebrated. Novruz Bayram is the most widely celebrated holiday. This ancient one folk holiday new year and spring. It is celebrated on March 21 - the day of the spring equinox. They have been preparing for it since the end of winter: renovating apartments, sewing new clothes, but most importantly, growing wheat on plates, then boiling it in a special way. In the evening on the day of the holiday, a table with rich dishes is set so that the year will be rich and fertile. Small fires are lit in the courtyards, over which children jump under the supervision of older children. Celebrating Novruz is one of the interesting folk traditions of Azerbaijan. Novruz is a holiday of spring, the beginning of the new year. Before the celebration of Novruz, Azerbaijanis celebrate a number of previous days, which are holidays marking the end of the Old Year and the beginning of the New Year. We are talking about four pre-holiday Wednesdays: Su Chershenbe (Wednesday on the water), Odlu Chershenbe (Wednesday on fire), Torpag Chershenbe (Wednesday on land) and Ahyr Chershenbe (last Wednesday). According to popular belief, on the first Wednesday the water was renewed, standing water started to move. In the second - fire, in the third - earth. On the fourth Wednesday, the wind opened the buds of the trees, and according to popular belief, spring was coming.

Cloth

As for traditions in clothing, the national costumes of Azerbaijanis are very beautiful and original. Women's dresses have a graceful silhouette and cut, highlighting the flexible countries of Azerbaijani beauties. They are decorated with intricate embroidery and trimmed with beautiful “golden” braid. Men's clothing is also very distinctive. It emphasizes their masculinity and does not hinder their rapid movements. Women's clothing was made mainly of silk and velvet, and men's clothing was made of cloth and homemade cashmere fabric. A notable element of the Azerbaijani costume is the underwear. It (both women's and men's) was sewn from canvas and cotton fabric. Rich beauties have silk. Women's clothing was distinguished by bright colors. Over the shirt they wore a short, fitted caftan with a gathered hem, and in winter an additional quilted sleeveless vest. The woman's hair was tied up in a narrow straight cover, and a low cap with a scarf was put on her head. When leaving the yard, especially in the city, they would throw a shawl or a special long cape over the scarf - a veil. The men's shoes were leather shoes, soft boots and shoes with their toes turned up. Women wore their own knitted socks at home, sometimes with hemmed leather soles, and when leaving the house they wore mules with small heels and pointed, turned-up toes. In conditions of sharp social inequality, large differences were observed in the clothing of different social groups of the population. Wealthy men wore clothes made from expensive materials - fine cloth, silk; The Circassian coat was decorated with breast pockets, which in the past served as cartridge belts and gazyrs, and was belted with a thin leather belt trimmed with inlaid silver jewelry. Rich women also sewed clothes from expensive fabrics - silk, brocade, velvet; They wore a wide leather or velvet belt with elaborate silver buckles and hanging coins. Their costume was complemented by numerous jewelry - bracelets, monistos, bells, rings. Currently, both men and women wear clothes of the pan-European type. Certain elements of the national costume (hats for men, and wide skirts for women, shawls, scarves) can only be found in rural areas, mainly among older people.

Wedding

The richest national rituals and ceremonies were and remain wedding ceremonies. They start with a preliminary notification...

The groom's relatives send a close relative to the girl's house. He must say about his intention to come to the matchmaking ceremony. It happens that girls in the house do not give consent to this. In this case, the most respected of the groom’s family tries to obtain consent from the girl’s parents.

In the Azerbaijani tradition, tea is an indispensable attribute of matchmaking. It is not customary for the people of this country to say directly: they say, marry your daughter to our son. The fact that matchmakers will come to the house is announced in advance, and without much publicity. During the matchmaking process itself, the conversation is conducted only in hints and half-hints. And the answer is also given ambiguously, and a non-Azerbaijani would not understand such an answer. In general, it is given through tea: if sugar is added to the tea offered to matchmakers, then one must prepare for the wedding. If sugar was served separately from tea, then this means refusal.

Wedding traditions are especially interesting Azerbaijan . There are many different pre-wedding customs in this country. One of the very first is Khabar gendyarmya or matchmaking notification. If the girl’s family does not agree to matchmaking, the boy’s relatives ask for help from respected people to help them obtain consent. There is also a custom of small matchmaking, according to which the bride is matched by the young man’s mother and another close relative.

Azerbaijanis have Small and Large betrothal. At the first engagement there is no groom, but the guy's relatives give the bride an engagement ring, a scarf and sweets. A few months later comes the main engagement. For this engagement, the girl is given many gifts, with the exception of shoes. The most interesting traditional gift is the “check”. It is a wedding decoration made from a tree branch on which candles, a mirror, brocade, fruits and sweets are attached. The bride's dowry is brought to the groom's house a few days before the wedding.

Religious legitimation of marriage takes place before the wedding. The ceremony is performed by Molla (a representative of the Muslim mosque), who is thanked with money and a lump of sugar. During this ceremony, only the closest relatives are present. The wedding itself (“Toi”) can last up to three days. All guests express kind words to the newlyweds and dance. To the left and right of the groom are his closest friends (young ones). The groom's mother should prepare gifts for them. The main thing is that the bride and groom dance a lot.

Choosing a name

The choice of names for newborns can also be distinguished as a custom. Choosing a name usually involves certain difficulties. Representatives of the dominant people are more free when choosing a name for a child. The choice can be settled on a name that rhymes with the name of the previous child, without special attention to the meaning, the name of the previous representative of the family, or simply at the discretion of the parent or other relative.

Family and family life are carriers of the rich traditional culture of the ethnic group. Family life Azerbaijanis were distinguished by a large number of patriarchal relations. The man - the head of the family - was the sovereign administrator of movable and immovable property, excluding his wife's dowry. Children were brought up in strict obedience to their father and older men. The wife was in unquestioning submission to her husband, as well as to her mother-in-law and other older women in her husband's house. In creating a family, giving birth and raising children, emotional and emotional communication, organizing leisure and recreation, running a household, caring for elderly parents and many other aspects of family life, various elements of the traditional way of life appear and function.

Dancing

National dances of Azerbaijan, as well as real street performances, are called an integral component of the culture of this country. Dancers dressed in national costumes circled passers-by and gathered crowds of curious onlookers around them. One of the most popular is the “kosa-kossa” ritual - dancing about the arrival of spring. Young people gathered in small groups and staged cheerful improvisations right on the street, receiving various sweets as a reward from grateful spectators. The difference between men's dances and women's dances is striking. Azerbaijani dancers perform the dance mainly with the upper part of the body: head, arms, body. The girls bewitch the audience with smooth movements of their hands, the bend of their waists, a mischievous smile and turns of their heads.

A modest, but mysterious and proud country with the beautiful name Azerbaijan is neatly located on the Caspian Sea. Keeping up with the progressive society, the Azerbaijani people, building gigantic complexes in the capital and other densely populated cities, developing projects for office outlets, modernizing oil rigs, continues to respect the spiritual richness of the heritage of his descendants. In Azerbaijan, both young and old strictly observe national traditions. Here, every person from infancy is immersed in a unique atmosphere of originality.

Childbirth traditions

To prevent the birth of a sick child, pregnant Azerbaijani women try to constantly be friendly and courteous. It is especially useful, according to ancient customs, to linger on beautiful flowers, water or the sky. After birth, the baby was immediately bathed in salt water so that the child would be honest and courageous. But during the first bath, the mother should not be with the child. When the baby’s first teeth appeared, a special ritual was performed in which a dish was prepared from 7 types of grains. P After the child turned 1 year old, they began to trim his nails and cut his hair. It is customary to store the first cut hair and nails.

The listed traditions of Azerbaijan are not a complete list of the amazing traditions of this country. By visiting it, you will be able to feel for yourself all the diversity of the people living in this territory. In any case, getting to know the ancient traditions of Azerbaijanis will not only be educational, but also useful, and sometimes instructive.

The Russian portal “Vestnik Kavkaza” published an article entitled “ Amazing facts that you didn’t know about Azerbaijan” about the nature, cuisine, culture of Azerbaijan, its national customs and traditions, modern buildings. brings to the attention of readers this article, accompanied by interesting photographs.

After hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and the first European Games in Baku, perhaps no one in Europe has any doubts that Azerbaijan is a modern state connecting Europe and Asia. The oldest British daily newspaper The Daily Telegraph devoted material to Azerbaijan in the “Travel” section, where it reveals some features of Azerbaijani culture and mentality.

The country loves pancakes

Kutab - spring roll - National dish Azerbaijan. They are stuffed with pumpkin, vegetables, meat or simply aromatic herbs, then wrapped and fried in a frying pan. Forget Nutella: Azerbaijani pancakes taste amazing.

Homeland of ancient man

At the very bottom of the Azykh cave in the western part of Azerbaijan, archaeologists found tools that were made 1.5 million years ago. In six halls cave complex there are a huge number of prehistoric remains. It is believed that these caves have been inhabited for two million years.

Problems at the borders

In western Azerbaijan, you can cross the border into Nagorno-Karabakh, a self-proclaimed autonomous region. Nagorno-Karabakh is an internationally recognized region within Azerbaijan. It is famous for its incredibly beautiful mountain ranges, mulberry groves and vineyards that grow in the valleys of the region.

Azerbaijanis drink tea with jam

Not a single social event is complete without tea, which is accompanied by a variety of treats. The tea is usually drunk with jam and flavored with thyme, lemon, mint or rose water.

No sugar - no wedding

During matchmaking, tea is an indicator of further developments. If it is served without sugar, then this is a sign that the discussion needs to continue; if the tea is sweet, then, of course, the wedding will take place.

Horse heroes

Known for its speed, intelligence and endurance, the Karabakh horse is considered the national symbol of Azerbaijan. This is an endemic animal, one of the oldest breeds in the world.

The country is actually small

The size of Azerbaijan is insignificant compared to its bordering countries, Turkey, Iran and Russia. However, Azerbaijan's area of ​​86,600 km² is approximately four times the size of Wales.

The country loves proverbs

Well-known examples: “You can’t make good soup from cheap meat,” “Politeness is not sold at the market,” “Not in the eye, but in the eye.”

There is a city in Azerbaijan built on stilts

The village of Neftyanye Kamni was originally represented by a single drilling rig in the Caspian Sea and several pedestrian paths. Today it is a whole city on stilts with shops, cultural centers and hotels.

Huge gas reserves

The Fire Mountain (Yanar Dag) spits out flames, the source of which is huge underground gas deposits. The mountain, located near Baku, has attracted travelers and conquerors for many centuries. In the 13th century, explorer Marco Polo wrote about the mysterious fires that burned in those places. Natural gas is a significant source of income in Azerbaijan: 29 billion cubic meters of fuel were produced in 2013.

A huge number of vineyards

Despite the fact that the country receives large profits from the sale of oil and gas, Azerbaijan also grows grain crops, grapes, cotton, and breeds farm animals.

The country's currency is similar to the euro

Azerbaijan's currency, the manat, is very similar to euro banknotes - similar sizes, colors and fonts. But each note represents a different aspect of national identity: the five-manat note features an excerpt from the national anthem, the 20-manat note features a sword, shield and helmet.

Azerbaijanis are a strong nation

If you find yourself in Baku, you can take part in an arm wrestling competition. Armwrestling Federation, which represents the professional league of the country. This is a very serious activity in the gyms and bars of Baku.

Smell of eggs? Volcanoes are to blame

Azerbaijan has more mud volcanoes than any other country in the world - more than 400. When volcanoes erupt, the flames rise up to a kilometer. When at rest, they bubble and release harmful gases.

People in Azerbaijan love good carpets

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was opened in 2014 on the Baku embankment, in a building designed in the shape of a giant rolled carpet. Inside you can see carpets of all times, from all over the country. In addition, contemplation is accompanied by a demonstration of the carpet production process.

National game with musical accompaniment

Chovgan resembles polo: it is played on horseback using curved wooden sticks. But that's where the similarities end. The game is accompanied by music, and all players are dressed in national costumes - embroidered tunics, hats, and trousers.

All children can crochet

Girls are taught to crochet from a very young age, in preparation for the traditional "Seven Beauties" tournament: girls must knit socks against the clock, and whoever knits the best pair is declared the winner.

Baku people are very unusual

The capital of Azerbaijan is often compared to Dubai due to its outlandish architecture and love of gold. Architectural highlights include the magnificent Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid; SOCAR mirror skyscraper; and the Flame Towers, which symbolize Azerbaijan's oil and gas reserves.

You can go boating in the capital

Baku has "Little Venice", an artificial water canal along which there are restaurants and entertainment venues. "Little Venice" has islands connected by bridges and passages - but The best way to explore it - on a gondola.

Long history of the Russian language

Azerbaijanis speak Azerbaijani, but Russian is a second language. Few people speak English, so take a phrasebook with you.

Bread is sacred

When bread becomes stale, Azerbaijani cooks don't just throw it in the trash - they take it out in bags, separate from the rest of the trash, as a sign of respect. If you drop bread on the floor, then according to tradition you need to kiss it as an apology.

The country has one of the last collective farms

A relic of Soviet times, the Ivanovka collective farm is represented by an entire community. (The collective farm named after Nikitin is a truly unique phenomenon for Azerbaijan. In 1996, an agrarian reform took place in the country, the land was transferred to private property. But no one made an attempt on the life of the Nikitinites. They lived on a collective farm - let them continue to live, they decided in Baku. This exception was made for the sake of preserving this community, for the sake of preserving the compactness of the Russian population according to their wishes - approx. ed.)

Children are bathed in salt water

It is believed that if you bathe newborn children in salt water, they will be strong, honest and courageous.

Azerbaijan is a small state located in Transcaucasia, on the territory of the Middle East, although a certain part of geographers, for certain reasons, relates it more to Eastern Europe. Disputes on this issue continue to this day. A very proud people live on the territory of Azerbaijan, who greatly respect their customs and foundations.

It was on the territory of this state that a well was first discovered long ago, from which oil (black gold) began to be extracted.

The capital of Azerbaijan is famous for one thing historical event, dated 1926, it was then that the very first electric train in the Soviet Union was launched. This state distinguished itself by another important event, becoming the first Muslim country in the whole world to introduce equality and from now on women had the same privileges as the male half. If, after visiting this beautiful country, you decide to stay here forever, it will be useful for you to read reviews about Azerbaijani organizations here - www.spr.az - a very useful service.

According to historians of this state, the producers of the well-known Monomakh Cap were local craftsmen.

There are a huge number of mud volcanoes on the lands of Azerbaijan; there are many more of them here than anywhere else in the world.

Some 5,000 years ago, a place was discovered where they began to mine salt - the Araz River valley.

In Surakhany there is a unique structure, which was erected on the site of the “eternal flames” - incredibly beautiful and strikingly different from the typical ones, the Ateshgah Temple, translated as “House of Fire”.

Another notable place is the mountain from which flames are constantly erupting - Yanar Dag, its location is very close to the capital of this state. There is a source of gas located under the mountain itself, which initiates the erupting flame.

The Absheron Peninsula and part of other coastal territories of this beautiful state with an interesting history are very heavily polluted, and this puts them among the most unfavorable areas in environmental terms. The only plant in the USSR where air conditioners are manufactured is located in Azerbaijan.

Did you know that not so far from the capital of Azerbaijan there is a salt lake, the water of which has a salty taste and is called Masazir. This reservoir is notable for the fact that the water in it is of an unusual color - pink.

At a certain period of time, in the capital of Azerbaijan there was a personal Nobel Prize, which was established by Emmannuel himself, who was Alfred Nobel’s nephew. This trophy was given to those who somehow distinguished themselves in the field of oil production.

Did you know that the residents of Azerbaijan like to drink tea with jam, and also add various spices to it, such as: mint; thyme, or dilute it with rose water.

The state symbol is the Karabakh horse, which belongs to a very intelligent and hardy breed. These animals are quite nimble, are considered one of the most ancient in the whole world, and beautiful animals live exclusively within the boundaries of this state.

Another interesting event dates back to 2014, when the Carpet Museum opened. It received its name not only due to its internal filling, but also due to the form in which the building was built - a carpet wrapped in a roll.

The “Seven Beauties” competition is held annually in Azerbaijan, and in order to win it, the contestants need to be able to beautifully crochet patterns. For this purpose, girls are taught this kind of needlework from a young age, so that the beauties can easily fit into the allotted period of time and knit the best pair of socks, according to which the winner is ultimately selected.