10 Things to Know before Going to Azerbaijan !

About Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south. The country has a population of over 9 million people and is the largest country in the region.

Azerbaijan has a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. The country was once part of the Persian Empire and was later conquered by the Russian Empire in the 19th century. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan declared its independence in 1991.

Azerbaijan is a diverse country with a mix of ethnicities and religions. The majority of the population is Muslim, with a large minority of Christians and Jews. The official language is Azerbaijani, but Russian and English are also widely spoken.

The economy of Azerbaijan is largely based on oil and gas production. The country is one of the world’s leading producers of oil and gas, and it is also a major exporter of these resources. Other industries in the country include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

Azerbaijan is a beautiful country with a variety of landscapes. The country is home to the Caucasus Mountains, which offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The country also has a number of lakes, rivers, and forests.

The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku, which is located on the Caspian Sea. The city is a major cultural and economic center in the region and is home to a number of museums, galleries, and other attractions.

Azerbaijan is a great destination for travelers looking to experience a unique culture and explore a beautiful country. The country has a rich history and culture, and its people are friendly and welcoming. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, from exploring the country’s natural beauty to visiting its many historical sites. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure, Azerbaijan has something for everyone.

Cost of Living and Currency in Azerbaijan

The currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). As of February 2023, 1 US dollar is equivalent to approximately 1.7 Azerbaijani manat.

The cost of living in Azerbaijan is generally lower than in many Western countries, although it can vary depending on the location and lifestyle. In general, the cost of living is lower in smaller towns and rural areas than in larger cities like Baku.

Here are some approximate costs for common items in Azerbaijan:

• Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Baku can range from around 800-1500 AZN per month, depending on the location and quality of the apartment.
• Food and groceries: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Baku can cost around 10-20 AZN, while a mid-range restaurant meal can cost around 40-60 AZN. Groceries can be relatively inexpensive, with a liter of milk costing around 1-2 AZN, a loaf of bread costing around 0.5-1 AZN, and a kilogram of chicken costing around 8-10 AZN.
• Transportation: Public transportation in Baku is affordable, with a single bus or metro ride costing around 0.3-0.5 AZN. Taxis are also available and relatively cheap, with a typical ride within the city costing around 5-10 AZN.
• Entertainment and activities: The cost of entertainment and activities can vary widely depending on the activity. Admission to museums and cultural attractions in Baku can range from around 5-20 AZN. A movie ticket can cost around 10-15 AZN, while a fitness club membership can cost around 100-200 AZN per month.

Overall, the cost of living in Azerbaijan can be quite affordable for travelers and expats, especially compared to many Western countries. However, as with any country, it’s important to research and budget accordingly based on your personal needs and lifestyle.

Means of communication in Azerbaijan

There are several options for purchasing a SIM card or renting a wifi router for travelers in Azerbaijan. Here are some of the most popular vendors:

1. Azercell: Azercell is one of the largest mobile network operators in Azerbaijan and offers a range of prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travelers. They offer various plans with different amounts of data, voice minutes, and SMS messages, depending on your needs. You can purchase a SIM card at one of their retail locations or online through their website.
2. Bakcell: Bakcell is another major mobile network operator in Azerbaijan that offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travelers. They also have various plans with different amounts of data, voice minutes, and SMS messages. You can purchase a SIM card at one of their retail locations or online through their website.
3. Nar: Nar is a third mobile network operator in Azerbaijan that offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists and travelers. They have several plans with different amounts of data, voice minutes, and SMS messages, depending on your needs. You can purchase a SIM card at one of their retail locations or online through their website.
4. Wi-Fi rental services: Several companies in Azerbaijan offer portable wifi router rentals for travelers. These devices provide a secure wifi connection that can be used with multiple devices at once. Some of the popular vendors include Rent a Wi-Fi, My Rental Baku, and Azerbaijan WiFi.

It’s recommended to compare the prices and plans of different vendors before making a purchase to find the best option for your needs.

Azerbaijan Languages ​​and Greetings

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, which is a Turkic language spoken by the majority of the population. Here are some common Azerbaijani greetings and phrases:

1. Salam – Hello (pronounced “sah-LAHM”)
2. Necəsən? – How are you? (pronounced “neh-je-SEN”)
3. Sən necəsən? – How are you? (informal) (pronounced “sen neh-je-SEN”)
4. Çox sağ ol – Thank you very much (pronounced “chock sah-ghol”)
5. Sağ olun – Thank you (pronounced “sah-gholoon”)
6. Bağışlayın – Excuse me (pronounced “bah-ghish-lah-YIN”)
7. Güle güle – Goodbye (pronounced “goo-leh goo-leh”)

Note: Azerbaijani has some unique sounds that may be unfamiliar to English speakers, such as the “ə” sound, which is similar to the “a” in “sofa,” and the “ü” sound, which is similar to the “u” in “put.” It may be helpful to listen to audio recordings or practice with a native speaker to improve your pronunciation.

Food and Cuisine in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has a rich and diverse culinary culture that reflects the country’s history, geography, and cultural influences. The cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, as well as its variety of meats, vegetables, and dairy products. Here are some traditional Azerbaijani dishes and drinks to try:

1. Plov: Plov is a popular rice dish made with saffron, onions, and various meats (such as lamb or chicken). It is often served with herbs, yogurt, or pickles.
2. Dolma: Dolma is a dish made with stuffed vegetables, such as grape leaves, cabbage, or eggplant. The filling usually consists of ground meat, rice, and herbs.
3. Dushbara: Dushbara is a soup made with small dumplings filled with ground meat and herbs. It is typically served with a sour cream-based sauce and fresh herbs.
4. Kebabs: Kebabs are a common meat dish in Azerbaijan, usually made with lamb or beef. They are typically grilled or skewered and served with grilled vegetables, rice, and herbs.
5. Lavangi: Lavangi is a chicken dish that is baked in a clay pot with walnuts, onions, and pomegranate sauce. It is often served with rice pilaf.
6. Pakhlava: Pakhlava is a sweet pastry made with layers of thin dough, honey, and ground nuts (usually almonds or walnuts).
7. Tea: Tea is a popular drink in Azerbaijan and is often served with sweets or pastries. Azerbaijanis also have a tradition of drinking herbal teas made with various herbs and spices.
8. Ayran: Ayran is a yogurt-based drink that is popular in Azerbaijan and other parts of the Middle East. It is often served with meals or as a refreshing drink on a hot day.
9. Sherbet: Sherbet is a sweet drink made with fruit juices, sugar, and water. It is typically served cold and is a popular drink during the summer months.

Azerbaijani cuisine is also known for its use of herbs and spices, such as saffron, sumac, coriander, and mint. Many dishes also feature local ingredients such as pomegranates, hazelnuts, and various herbs that are grown in the region.

Azerbaijan climate and clothing

Azerbaijan has a diverse climate due to its varied landscape, but in general, it has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Azerbaijan is from April to June and from September to November, when the temperatures are comfortable and the weather is generally dry.

In the summer months (June-August), temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F) in some regions of Azerbaijan, particularly in the lowland areas near the Caspian Sea. In these areas, it’s best to wear lightweight, breathable clothing such as cotton or linen. In the mountains, the temperature is generally cooler, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater, particularly in the evenings.

In the winter months (December-February), temperatures can drop to freezing, particularly in the mountainous regions of Azerbaijan. It’s important to bring warm clothing, including a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.

Overall, it’s a good idea to dress modestly in Azerbaijan, particularly in more conservative areas outside of the main cities. Men should avoid wearing shorts in public, and women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants.

It’s also important to note that Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, and visitors should respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques or other religious sites. Women may be required to cover their hair with a scarf when entering mosques, and both men and women should avoid wearing shorts or revealing clothing.

Security and Situation in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is generally a safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and a stable political situation. However, visitors should still exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure their safety.

As with any destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and keep an eye on their belongings, particularly in crowded areas such as markets, public transportation, and tourist sites. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in some areas, particularly in the larger cities such as Baku.

There are no major health or safety risks in Azerbaijan, but visitors should be aware of the potential for earthquakes, particularly in the mountainous regions of the country. Azerbaijan is also prone to forest fires in the summer months, particularly in the southern part of the country.

It’s also important to note that Azerbaijan has an ongoing territorial dispute with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has led to occasional outbreaks of violence in the past. Visitors should avoid travel to the border regions with Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the surrounding areas.

Overall, Azerbaijan is a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, but it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the latest developments and to exercise caution when traveling.

Religion and Culture of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country, with approximately 96% of the population practicing Islam, mostly of the Shia branch. However, Azerbaijan is a secular country, and the government promotes religious tolerance and freedom of worship for all faiths.

Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Persian, Ottoman, and Russian empires. Azerbaijani culture is centered around hospitality, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated as honored guests.

One of the most important cultural traditions in Azerbaijan is the art of mugham, a form of classical music that is characterized by complex vocal melodies and intricate instrumental accompaniments. Other traditional art forms in Azerbaijan include carpet weaving, embroidery, and ceramics.

Azerbaijan is also known for its cuisine, which is influenced by both its geographic location and its history. Azerbaijani cuisine features a variety of meat dishes, such as kebabs and stews, as well as flavorful soups and vegetable dishes. Some of the most popular Azerbaijani dishes include plov (a rice dish with meat and vegetables), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and dushbara (small meat-filled dumplings).

In terms of traditional dress, Azerbaijani women often wear colorful, embroidered dresses known as chadors, while men wear long coats known as arkhalig or gandjig. However, western-style clothing is also common in Azerbaijan, particularly in the larger cities.

Transportation in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has a variety of transportation options for visitors to choose from, including:

1. Buses: Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel around Azerbaijan. There are both local and long-distance bus services available, with frequent routes between major cities.
2. Metro: Baku, the capital city, has a modern and efficient metro system with two lines and 25 stations. The metro is a convenient way to travel around the city, with trains running every few minutes.
3. Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Azerbaijan, particularly in Baku. Visitors should always negotiate the fare before getting in a taxi, as fares are not always metered.
4. Car rental: Visitors can rent a car to explore Azerbaijan on their own. However, it’s important to note that driving in Azerbaijan can be challenging, particularly in Baku, where traffic can be congested and chaotic.
5. Train: Azerbaijan has a small rail network, with trains running between major cities. While train travel can be slower than other modes of transportation, it can be a scenic way to see the countryside.
6. Flights: Azerbaijan has several airports, including Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, which serves as a hub for international flights. Domestic flights are also available between major cities in Azerbaijan.

Overall, transportation in Azerbaijan is affordable and convenient, with a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets.

Major cities of Azerbaijan

Here are three major cities in Azerbaijan and an overview of each:

1. Baku – Baku is the capital and largest city in Azerbaijan, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a mix of modern and historic architecture. Baku is known for its beautiful seaside promenade, the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Flame Towers, a trio of distinctive skyscrapers that have become a symbol of the city. Visitors to Baku can also enjoy a wide range of restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops.
2. Ganja – Ganja is the second-largest city in Azerbaijan, located in the west of the country. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and has been an important center of commerce and culture for centuries. Highlights of Ganja include the Juma Mosque, the Ganja Gate, and the Ganja History Museum. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, shopping, and traditional music and dance performances.
3. Sumgait – Sumgait is the third-largest city in Azerbaijan, located on the Absheron Peninsula, north of Baku. It is a major industrial center, with a thriving chemical industry, and is known for its petrochemical, steel, and textile production. Sumgait also has a growing tourism industry, with several parks, museums, and cultural centers. Visitors can explore the Sumgait Boulevard, which runs along the Caspian Sea and offers scenic views of the coastline.