Azerbaijan - the Country of Fires
Azerbaijan is an amazing country indeed. Everything is unique there - the nature, the culture, the history, the customs and traditions, the architecture and others. Azerbaijan is often called "the country of fires" (from "azer" – which means fire). Even B.C. there lived tribes of fire worshippers. Since those times the most ancient evidence - rock drawings, statues of gods, ancient temples have survived on the territory of Azerbaijan. Besides, the country has been known for its burning hearths - ateshgahs (temples of fire). There is a place on Absheron Peninsula named Yanardag (burning mountain). In Nakhchivan, Kjalbadzgar, Lankaran, Babadag and other destinations underground hot water is brought to the surface. In Surakhany there is eternally burning Ateshgah (temple of fire) which at different times was worshiped by followers of Zoroastrianism, Hindus and Sikhs.
Once on the territory of Azerbaijan there were ancient states Atropatena and Albania. Each city of Azerbaijan is peculiar in its own way. The center of ancient Quban khanate - the city of Quba - is known for its medieval fortresses and mosques. One of the oldest cities - Sheki - is well-known for its magnificent palaces some of which have been converted to hotels. Particularly noteworthy are the natural beauties, such as Canyon Tenga, Afurdzhi waterfall and reserve Gobustan included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The old quarter of the Baku Icheri Sheher is also in the list of Unesco. Today the places of shootings are very popular among tourists. Among the tourists from the former Soviet countries places in Baku where episodes of “Brilliantovaya ruka (The Diamond Arm) and “Chelovek - amfibiya (The Amphibian Man)” were filmed are very popular.
Azerbaijan will surprise you with its nature too: there are high mountain ridges and plains, semi deserts and woodlands, seas and rivers. You will be delighted to see the most beautiful landscapes, waterfalls and mountain rivers, springs with transparent water, deep gorges, green meadows, thermal and mineral water springs, the purest mountain air …
Tourists relax in resorts of the Caspian Sea ; they enjoy diving, go for a drive on water skis, wave runners, boats. Those who wish to improve their shape can visit numerous well-known resorts of Azerbaijan. Owing to the unique microclimate Lankaran and Talysh are considered among the best balneotherapeutic resorts.
Well-known Quban carpets, authentic wines, high-quality silk, gold ware and many other souvenirs will always remind you of your journey to this unique country.