Azerbaijan travel guide

Republic of Artsakh (previously known as Nagorno-Karabakh) is a republic recognised by few, and definitely not by Azerbaijan. It lies within Azerbaijan, but is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Mostly populated by ethnic Armenians, it was however established as part of Azerbaijan during Soviet Times. When the USSR dissolved, the conflict reemerged with fierce fighting going on in 1991-1994 which left Artsakh wartorn. Today, it is possible to visit Republic of Artsakh - but only from Armenia. You will be denied entry to Azerbaijan if they find any proof (souvenirs, photos, visa) that you have been to Artsakh.

Our guide to Artsakh.

Disclaimer: We are not political here on Globe Spots, we are just presenting things from a traveller's point of view.

Baku is city full of contrast. It emerge as an urban oasis on the barren coastline of the Caspian Sea, which otherwise is dominated by oil plants, industry, and dust. Modern condos mixed with Soviet-era apartment blocks make up most of the drab suburbs, but the city center and waterfront is a totally different story and a testimony to what oil money can buy. Wild and crazy architecture, like the Flame Towers (190 m) and Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, dot the city - and more are under construction. But Baku has also some historic and elegant areas. The fine, but touristic, UNESCO-listed Old City is walled with narrow alleys. Right outside its walls lies a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets and fine boutiques, not unlike Paris, which extend to the classy shopping streets near Fountain Square. So Baku can either be dreadfully dull or overly exciting, it depends where you explore.

The Caucasus Mountains are more than just the continental divide between Europe and Asia. They are, instead, a spectacular setting for great hiking and unprecedented exploration. Nestled gentle among the majestic peaks is a tiny village called Xinaliq. This village, so isolated for so long has developed their own language unrelated to Persian, Turkish or Slavic (the other major region languages). While some may be turned off by the fact there are no official accommodation choice, for those wishing to commune with the locals this may be seen as an advantage. Only simple home-stays are available in town. Sadly, hiking and camping opportunities in the region are somewhat limited as the area is largely military controlled. This can be quickly circumvented by merely hiring a local "guide" (aka a local kid) to bring you around. However you choose to visit, the wonderful hospitality and spectacular scenery will make the place truly memorable.

Azerbaijan's attempt at rural tourism comes in the form of the tiny village of Lahic. But don't let that dissuade you. The remote village, where Lahiji is spoken (a Persian dialect) has been renowned for it's mastery of handicrafts, particularly copper-ware, for centuries. Today, Lahic maintain much of it's traditional feel. This is combination with it's beautiful natural setting in the Caucasus Mountains make it an ideal destination for travellers. While there are a few accommodation choices either on the outskirts of town, or a few kms out of the centre, it is instead a down-to-earth home-stay with a local family that will make the experience all the more special.

Former home of Khans (kings) the town of Sheki, in western Azerbaijan, is a treasure-trove of historical architecture. On a small fortified hill, near the centre of town, sits the wonderful Palace of Sheki Khans. An amazing example of period architecture in all it's splendour. Also within the fort grounds are several excellently preserved Albanian churches. And while the town has a number of hotel choices, one cannot resist staying in the 18th century Caravansary Hotel. Although rather simple, this is an absoute bargain considering the building seemingly transports you back to a time long since past. Priceless!

Few buildings are as iconic as the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. The masterpiece was completed in 2012 and is the brainchild of Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid, who have also designed the BMW Central Building (Leipzig, Germany), MAXXI (Rome, Italy) and London Aquatics Center - just to mention a few. Most visitors to Heydar Aliyev just wander the massive grounds to take in the vast building complex from every angle, but the cultural center actually host various concerts in addition to the odd permanent exhibition of gifts received by Azerbaijan's presidents.

Part of the charm of Azerbaijan are the quaint little villages that dot the Caucasus Mountain range. And possibly none are more charming or quaint than Kish. Located a short hop away from the more touristic town of Sheki, Kish is about as traditional as they come. Dating back some 1,900 years, it has changed little over time. Women still gossip around the numerous wells throughout the town (no indoor plumbing), men gather in central squares possibly to complain about whatever it is old men complain about. The narrow cobble-stoned street bob and weave their way up the hillside in a silence only broken by the singing of birds and the playing of children. For those needing more of a goal, the well marked Church of St. Elise has some interesting displays, including ancient burial sites.

A short day trip south of the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, sit two rather different attractions. One of the particularly odd natural phenomenon is the mud volcanoes. With the majority of Azerbaijan's nearly 700 mud volcanoes (over half the number in the world), Gobostan is a great place to see the bubble-bubble action. Although not for bathing, simply wandering around the other-worldly landscape is worth the trip in itself. But, sharing the site is the UNSECO listed Rock Art Cultural Landscape. On the plateau overlooking the mud volcanoes are some 4,000 rock carvings covering 40,000 yeas of rock art. Gobostan is a rare chance to see both natural and man made wonders with having to wander too far.

Seemingly cut off from the rest of Azerbaijan by Armenia, the exclave of Nakhchivan sees very few tourists. With some saying the region was settled by Noah himself (of biblical fame) the area, including it's capital Nakhchivan seem to be stuck in the past. Although largely used for Iranians looking to blow off a little steam in otherwise alcohol-less Iran, there is sufficient tourism infrastructure in the city to use as a base for region explorations. For those not wishing to wander too far off into the unknown, Nakhchivan City has several mausoleum scattered throughout the town to occupy a day or so. Keep in mind, the people here are not as friendly as other in the region, and they are VERY sensitive about issues with Armenia. In fact, it is possible that you will be denied entry to Nakhchivan if you have an Armenian visa (a practice not enforced in the rest of Azerbaijan). To get here, you'll either need two Azerbaijani visas, or fly from Baku.

When the National Flagpole (162 m) in Baku was erected in 2010, it was the tallest in the world. However, the title was short lived as it was overtaken by the Dushanbe Flagpole (165 m) in Tajikistan just 8 months later. And that record was furthermore beaten in 2014 by the Jeddah flagpole (170 m) in Saudi Arabia, which still is the tallest flagpole to this day.