Old Town Baku, Azerbaijan
Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls were well protected. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
BAKU,Old City,Walking Tour, AZERBAIJAN
Old City or Inner City (Azerbaijani: İçərişəhər) is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls which were easily defended. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people.[4] In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.It is widely accepted that the Old City, including its Maiden Tower, date at least to the 12th century, with some researchers contending that construction dates as far back as the 7th century. The question has not been completely settled.During this medieval period of Baku, such monuments as the Synyg Gala Minaret (11th century), the fortress walls and towers (11th–12th centuries), the Maiden Tower, the Multani Caravanserai and Hajji Gayyib bathhouse (15th century), the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15th–16th centuries), the Bukhara Caravanserai and Gasimbey bathhouse (16th century) were built.
In 1806, when Baku was occupied by the Russian Empire during the Russo-Persian War (1804–13),[6] there were 500 households and 707 shops, and a population of 7,000 in the Old City (then the only neighbourhood of Baku) whom were almost all ethnic Tats.[7] Between 1807 and 1811, the city walls were repaired and the fortifications extended. The city had two gates: the Salyan Gates and the Shemakha Gates. The city was protected by dozens of cannons set on the walls. The port was re-opened for trade, and in 1809 a customs office was established.[8]
It was during this period that Baku started to extend beyond the city walls, and new neighbourhoods emerged. Thus the terms Inner City (Azerbaijani: İçəri Şəhər) and Outer City (Azerbaijani: Bayır Şəhər) came into use. Referring to the early Russian rule, Bakuvian actor Huseyngulu Sarabski wrote in his memoirs:
Baku City Wall
My roommate and I went exploring inside the original city wall of Baku. Really cool place. Enjoy!
Baku old city Azerbaijan walking tour
Walking around Baku old city Azerbaijan in 2019.
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Old City or Inner City (Azerbaijani: İçərişəhər) is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls which were easily defended. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Baku, Baku Region, Azerbaijan, Eurasia
Palace of the Shirvanshahs is the biggest monument of the Shirvan-Absheron branch of the Azerbaijan architecture, situated in the Inner City of Baku. The complex contains the main building of the palace, Divanhane, the burial-vaults, the shah's mosque with a minaret, Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's mausoleum, a portal in the east - Murad's gate, a reservoir and the remnants of the bath-house. The palace is depicted on the obverse of the Azerbaijani 10,000 manat banknote of 1994-2006, and of the 10 new manat banknote issued since 2006. In the 15th century the Shirvanshah dynasty, under Ibrahim I of Shirvan, transferred his country's capital from Shemakha to Baku following a devastating earthquake, and where he committed himself to the construction of the palace. The building is believed to be a memorial complex built around the sacred place of worship (pir) and a tomb of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi who was a Helwati Sufi saint. The Shirvanshahs were patrons of the Helwati Sufi order and Shirvanshah Khalilullah I was buried with his family in the grounds of the palace. Other historians argue that the building was used as the ruler's palace, however both theories suffer from the absence of evidence. It is known however, that wells inside the grounds of the palace were considered to have healing qualities until recent times, as was the hill where the palace was built. After the Safavid conquest of Baku in 1501, the Sufi order was expelled and over centuries the palace fell into ruin, and was known in Baku as Baku Khans palace; this toponym moved into Russian historiography, first cited by Bartold. The main building of the complex was started in 1411 by Shirvanshah Sheykh Ibrahim I. The two-storey building of the palace numbers about 50 different dimensions and outlines of the constructions connected with 3 narrow winding staircases. The big lancet portal directly leads from the courtyard to the second floor, into a high octahedral lodging covered with a cupola. A small, also an octagonal vestibule, located behind it, connects it with the rest of the lodgings in the palace. Divankhana is a small stone pavilion. It is situated inside a small courtyard surrounded by a gallery-arcade on three sides. The Divankhana pavilion consists of an octahedral hall covered with a stone cupola both inside and outside. year of 845 (1441--1442). Seyid Yahya Bakuvi's Mausoleum is situated in the southern part of the complex. Seyid Yahya Bakuvi was a royal scholar in the court of Shirvanshah Khalilullah. The Mausoleum is of an octahedral shape and covered with an octahedral marquee. It consists of ground and underground parts. The upper part of the Mausoleum served to perform the cult rites, and the lower one housed the sepulchral vault. There are three small lancet windows with a stone bar - shabaka on the southern, eastern and western verges of the Mausoleum. The Shirvanshahs' Palace complex also includes the portal of Eastern Gates, the so-called Sultan Murad's Gate (1585). It was built within the walls of the citadel rather later than all the other constructions of the complex during Ottoman occupation of 1585-1603rd century. The gates were named by them in honor of Sultan Murad III. The Palace Bath-house is situated on the lowest terrace of the complex. It was discovered in 1939 and dates to 17th century. The archaeological excavations exposed a big bath-house consisting of 26 rooms. On the basis of the surviving remains of the walls of the bath-house one can say that its rooms used to be covered with cupolas and the light penetrated through the openings in the cupolas. The bath-house was semi-underground for keeping the heat in winter and the cool in summer.
The Shirvanshahs' Palace complex was declared a museum-reserve in 1964 and was taken under the state protection. Major restoration works are ongoing.
TRAVEL WITH ME TO BAKU | 4 Days in Baku Azerbaijan
See a Complete Guide of Baku, Azerbaijan 4 Days / 3 Night Tour. This tour guide is based on a live tour experience of mine. Video helps you understand the 4 days tour package of Baku, which includes below major sightseeing & attractions:
* Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain)
* National Flag Square
* Old Town
* Fortress Wall in Baku
* The Flame Towers
* Maidan Tower
* Carpet Museum
* Nizami Street
* Gabala Cable Car Tufandag Resort Station
* Enjoy Local Lunch
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Baku, Azerbaijan
The capital of Azerbaijan, where past and present intricately intertwined, have always attracted tourists. Of particular interest to guests of Baku is Old City, enclosed within the fortress walls, or Icheri Sheher (Inner City). This open-air museum, together with famous Maiden Tower (XII c.) located here is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architectural appearance of a fortress differs by its unique originality. It contains 44 monuments of medieval architecture, including the unique Palace of the Shirvanshahs, former residence of the rulers of Shirvan (XV c.). 30 km away from Baku, in Surakhani village, there is a Zoroastrian monument – fire worshipers’ temple Ateshgah. A little further into the village of Gobustan (60 km away from Baku), there is a rare monument of world culture, one of the earliest centers of human civilization, where 4,000 rock drawings of people and animals were found. This historical-art reserve is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Of no less interest for the guests is the modern appearance of the capital. Among the new hallmarks of Baku one can distinguish the magnificent building complex Flame Towers, the sports and leisure complex Crystal Hall, which held the Eurovision song contest in 2012, the Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev and others. A favorite walking place for locals and guests is the City Seaside Park (or Boulevard), shining with neon lights. In Baku there are also many shopping centers, boutiques, movie theaters, concert and exhibition venues, museums, restaurants, and world famous brands hotels.
SHIRVANSHAHS' PALACE TOUR BAKU AZERBAIJAN | BAKU CITY TOUR GUIDE
I think wise people never plan )). Because when you plan you may forget that God has His own plans about you. So our old plan didn't work. (You can understand it if you watch this video: ) But we didn't give up and planned some nice historical Baku tour with my nephews Jeyhun and Nihad.
We started our journey to Shirvanshahs' Palace which hides millions of secrets within it's thick walls. I request you to join us in our this walk and I assure you that you will not regret, my friend!
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Baku, Azerbaijan ???????? 2018 | Top sights and tourist attractions
Baku, Azerbaijan 2018 | TRAVEL GUIDE
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city in the Caucasus. It is a city of contrasts, where old and new appear side by side.
The city's main tourist attraction is the Walled City of Baku - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates at least to the 12th century, perhaps even as far back as the 7th century. This part of town is surrounded by a fortress wall from the 12th century and is remarkably well preserved. It is easy to get lost in the charming narrow alleys, where there seem to be more cats than humans.
Maiden Tower is one of Baku's oldest buildings and definitely a must-see when in Old Town. The current structure is from the 12th century, but many historians and scientists believe that earlier structures have existed here since around 700 BC. The views from the top are amazing and definitely worth the 10 manat admission fee.
There is a lot more to Baku than the old town. Before sunset, climb the stairs leading to Upland Park. From the top of the hill, you don't just get to see the Flame Towers upclose, but also the best panoramic view of Baku. Wait here until after the sun has set and the lights of the Flame Towers go on, transforming the three buildings into giant displays.
Downtown is quite busy after dark and probably your best bet at finding a decent place to eat. From local cuisine to Hard Rock Cafe, there is plenty to see and do around Fountains Square and Nizami street.
When you walk around Downtown Baku during the day, you will notice that there are not many people around, which is not surprising with temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius around noon. So if you like it quiet and don't mind the heat, you have the place almost to yourself.
Another part of town worth checking out is the waterfront, which - just like downtown - tends to be deserted during the day and bustling after dark. There is not a lot to do here before sunset, so it is better to come back in the evening hours when the waterfront slowly comes to life. The lack of cafes or restaurants along the coast does make this area appear a bit soulless, but the southern part of the waterfront is nice to walk around at sunset - well, see for yourselves.
Stay tuned for another video from Azerbaijan covering Gobustan National Park, the Mud Volcanoes, Ateshgah Fire Temple and more!
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Azerbaijan, Baku, walking tour - To the Caspian Sea ep 21-Travel vlog calatorii tourism video
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region, with a population of 2,374,000. Baku is located 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world located below sea level.
Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls were well protected. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
My trip to the Caspian Sea
mail: costiflorea1@yahoo.com
The Architectural Landmark you can’t miss in Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku resembled both the old and the new. The old feeling came from the ancient Old City, which is surrounded by massive brick walls on all sides. And the new came from the modern skyline (hello Flame Towers!) and various urban attractions around the city. Lots of oil money has contributed to a fast-developing economy which seems to be growing by the day.
Also, the food was fantastic – lots of kebabs, tea, vegetables, meat and flat bread. I was loving life!
Baku: The City of Ali and Nino | Trailer | Available Now
A fascinating look at the history of the magnificent city of Baku, Kurban Said's city of 'Ali and Nino'.
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At turn of the 20th Century Baku was an astonishing place. An outpost of the Russian Empire on the Caspian Sea, its newly-minted local and foreign oil tycoons had transformed the city from a sleepy oriental trading-post in the desert into a throbbing international city. A bloody revolution resulted in a brief shining period of democracy before it was crushed by the Bolsheviks. Baku’s history has imprinted a colourful tapestry on this city.
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“I went up to the flat roof, from there I could see my world. The massive wall of the town's fortress, Arabic inscriptions at the gate. Inside the wall the streets were narrow and curved, like oriental daggers. Minarets pierced the mild moon. Through the labyrinth of streets camels were walking, their ankles so delicate I wanted to caress them”, says Ali Khan as he looks over the glorious city of Baku.
In 1970, writer Paul Theroux discovered a lost treasure, Kurban Said’s epic love story Ali and Nino. Their love breached class, religion, and ethnicity and documented Baku’s most tumultuous period. Built on the philanthropy of its oil tycoons, Baku at the turn of the century was “like a mixture between medieval Baghdad, Al Capone’s Chicago, and the Paris of the east. It was literally the most extraordinary place. An irrepressible, exciting, fascinating, cosmopolitan kaleidoscope”, says historian Simon Sebag-Montefiore.
But with wealth came inequality. Life was bleak for the oil workers living in the so-called, ‘Black City’. Crime was rife, and the place was alive with the sparks of revolution. As events in the world began to turn, and the great powers were exhausted by war and revolution, the local forces in Baku made their moves. As different ethnic groups fought it out the city suffered. But in September 1918 secular and progressive Azeris were able to proclaim the birth of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. “Calling this territory Azerbaijan for the first time was very important for national identity. At last people thought of themselves as masters of their own land”, says historian Irada Bagirova.
For almost two years democracy flourished, before it was cruelly and viciously extinguished by the Bolshevik thirst for Baku’s oil. With the fall of democratic Baku, Ali and Nino’s love was extinguished. “The life of our republic has come to an end, as has the life of Ali Khan”, wrote Said, as Ali fell on the battlefield, defending his home.
Under Soviet control for 70 years, Baku is now rediscovering its former glory as it draws on its position as the bridge between east and west, and its rich and varied history.
Between Asia and Europe Ltd. – Ref. 6875
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A visit to old city Baku Azerbaijan
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A visit to old city Baku Azerbaijan
old city of baku is one of most beautiful area of baku city. It is located in the center of the city and near to beach. It is consists of old heritage buildings and some hotels inside it.
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BAKU OLD CITY TOUR I NIZAMI STREET BAKU I BAKU I Azerbaijan ???????? I WAQAR MAQSOOD
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It is widely accepted that the Old City, including its Maiden Tower, date at least to the 12th century, with some researchers contending that construction dates as far back as the 7th century. The question has not been completely settled.[5]
During this medieval period of Baku, such monuments as the Synyg Gala Minaret (11th century), the fortress walls and towers (11th–12th centuries), the Maiden Tower, the Multani Caravanserai and Hajji Gayyib bathhouse (15th century), the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15th–16th centuries), the Bukhara Caravanserai and Gasimbey bathhouse (16th century) were built.
In 1806, when Baku was occupied by the Russian Empire during the Russo-Persian War (1804–13),[6] there were 500 households and 707 shops, and a population of 7,000 in the Old City (then the only neighbourhood of Baku) whom were almost all ethnic Tats.[7] Between 1807 and 1811, the city walls were repaired and the fortifications extended. The city had two gates: the Salyan Gates and the Shemakha Gates. The city was protected by dozens of cannons set on the walls. The port was re-opened for trade, and in 1809 a customs office was established.[8]
It was during this period that Baku started to extend beyond the city walls, and new neighbourhoods emerged. Thus the terms Inner City (Azerbaijani: İçəri Şəhər) and Outer City (Azerbaijani: Bayır Şəhər) came into use. Referring to the early Russian rule, Bakuvian actor Huseyngulu Sarabski wrote in his memoirs:[9]
Baku was divided into two sections: Ichari Shahar and Bayir Shahar. The Inner City was the main part. Those who lived in the Inner City were considered natives of Baku. They were in close proximity to everything: the bazaar, craftsmen's workshops and mosques. There was even a church there, as well as a military barracks built during the Russian occupation. Residents who lived inside the walls considered themselves to be superior to those outside and often referred to them as the barefooted people of the Outer City.
With the arrival of Russians the traditional architectural look of the Old City changed. Many European buildings were constructed during the 19th century and early 20th century, using styles such as Baroque and Gothic.
In 1865, a part of the city walls overlooking the sea was demolished, and the stones were sold and used in the building of the Outer city. The money obtained from this sale (44 000 rubles) went into the construction of the Baku Boulevard. In 1867, the first fountains of Baku appeared in the Boulevard.
In this period two more gates were opened, one of them being famous Taghiyev Gate (1877). The opening of new gates and passes continued well into the Soviet period.
The church mentioned by Huseyngulu Sarabski was the Armenian Church of the Holy Virgin, built under Persian rule between 1797 and 1799 in the shadow of the Maiden Tower, defunct since 1984 and demolished in 1992.
Azerbaijan Tourism: Baku City 2018
Azerbaijan Tourism: Baku City Nightlife
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. Located on the coast of the southern Abşeron Peninsula, the city consists of 2 main parts: City Center and Inner City (21.5 ha). Baku is one of the oldest and largest cities in the East for its antiquity, territory, and population.
In 2007, cultural ministers from Organization member countries of the Islamic Conference declared Baku as the capital of Islamic Culture in 2009. Baku Wall City - along with Shirvanshah Palace and Qız Qalası was registered with the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. According to Lonely Planet ratings, Baku is one of the top 10 destinations in the world for city nightlife.
Baku is divided into 11 districts, such as Azizbayov, Binagadi, Garadagh, Narimanov, Nasimi, Nizami, Sabail, Sabunchu, Khatai, Surakhany and Yasamal and 48 municipalities. Among them are municipalities on the islands located in the Gulf of Baku and the Oil Base built in the Caspian Sea, 60 km (37 mi) from Baku.
Azerbaijan Tourism: Baku City Nightlife
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Baku yacht-club, Baku, Baku Region, Azerbaijan, Eurasia
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region. Baku is located 28 meters below sea level, wch makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world. Baku is also the largest city in the world located below sea level. It is located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, which projects into the Caspian Sea. The city consists of two principal parts: the downtown and the old Inner City (21.5 ha). Baku's urban population at the beginning of 2009 was estimated at just over two million people. Officially, about 25 percent of all inhabitants of the country live in the metropolitan city area of Baku. Baku is divided into eleven administrative districts (raions) and 48 townships. Among these are the townships on islands in the Baku Bay and the town of Oil Rocks built on stilts in the Caspian Sea, 60 km (37 mi) away from Baku. The Inner City of Baku along with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. According to the Lonely Planet's ranking, Baku is also among the world's top ten destinations for urban nightlife. The city is the scientific, cultural and industrial center of Azerbaijan. Many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters there, including SOCAR, one of the world's top 100 companies and others. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago to the east and the Absheron Peninsula to the north, is capable of handling two million tons of general and dry bulk cargoes per year. Baku hosted the 57th Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 and will host the 2015 European Games. Baku has a subtropical semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk) with warm and dry summers, cool and occasionally wet winters, and strong winds all year long. However, unlike many other cities with this climate, Baku does not see extremely hot summers. This is largely because of its northerly latitude and the fact that it is located on a peninsula on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Baku and the Absheron Peninsula on which it is situated, is the most arid part of Azerbaijan (precipitation here is around or less than 200 mm (8 in) a year). The majority of the light annual precipitation occurs in seasons other than summer, but none of these months are particularly wet. During Soviet times, Baku with its long hours of sunshine and dry healthy climate, was a vacation destination where citizens could enjoy beaches or relax in now-dilapidated spa complexes overlooking the Caspian Sea. The city's past as a Soviet industrial center has left it as one of the most polluted cities in the world. At the same time Baku is noted as a very windy city throughout the year, hence the city's nickname the City of Winds, and gale-force winds, the cold northern wind khazri and the warm southern wind gilavar are typical here in all seasons. Indeed, the city is renowned for its fierce winter snow storms and harsh winds. The speed of the khazri sometimes reaches 144 kph (89 mph), which can cause damage to crops, trees and roof tiles. The daily mean temperature in July and August averages 26.4 °C (79.5 °F), and there is very little rainfall during that season. During summer the khazri sweeps through, bringing desired coolness. Winter is cool and occasionally wet, with the daily mean temperature in January and February averaging 4.3 °C (39.7 °F). During winter the khazri sweeps through; driven by masses of polar air; temperatures on the coast frequently drop below freezing and make it feel bitterly cold. Winter snow storms are occasional, snow usually remains only for a few days after each snowfall. Until 1988 Baku had very large Russian, Armenian, and Jewish populations which contributed to cultural diversity and added in various ways (music, literature, architecture and progressive outlook) to Baku's history. With the onset of the Karabakh War and the pogrom against Armenians starting in January 1990, the city's large Armenian population was expelled. Under Communism, the Soviets took over the majority of Jewish property in Baku and Kuba. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev returned several synagogues and a Jewish college, nationalized by the Soviets, to the Jewish community. He encouraged the restoration of these buildings and Is well liked by the Jews of Azerbaijan. Renovation has begun on seven of the original 11 synagogues, including the Gilah synagogue, built in 1896, and the large Kruei Synagogue. Today the vast majority of the population of Baku are ethnic Azerbaijanis (more than 90%). The intensive growth of the population started in the middle of the 19th century when Baku was a small town with a population of about 7,000 people.
Azerbaijan, Baku
The capital of Azerbaijan, where past and present intricately intertwined, have always attracted tourists. Of particular interest to guests of Baku is Old City, enclosed within the fortress walls, or Icheri Sheher (Inner City). This open-air museum, together with famous Maiden Tower (XII c.) located here is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The architectural appearance of a fortress differs by its unique originality. It contains 44 monuments of medieval architecture, including the unique Palace of the Shirvanshahs, former residence of the rulers of Shirvan (XV c.). 30 km away from Baku, in Surakhani village, there is a Zoroastrian monument – fire worshipers’ temple Ateshgah. A little further into the village of Gobustan (60 km away from Baku), there is a rare monument of world culture, one of the earliest centers of human civilization, where 4,000 rock drawings of people and animals were found. This historical-art reserve is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Of no less interest for the guests is the modern appearance of the capital. Among the new hallmarks of Baku one can distinguish the magnificent building complex Flame Towers, the sports and leisure complex Crystal Hall, which held the Eurovision song contest in 2012, the Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev and others. A favorite walking place for locals and guests is the City Seaside Park (or Boulevard), shining with neon lights. In Baku there are also many shopping centers, boutiques, movie theaters, concert and exhibition venues, museums, restaurants, and world famous brands hotels.
Baku: The City of Ali and Nino - Trailer
A fascinating look at the history of the magnificent city of Baku, Kurban Said's city of 'Ali and Nino'.
Available on iTunes:
Amazon Video:
Vimeo:
Google Play:
At turn of the 20th Century Baku was an astonishing place. An outpost of the Russian Empire on the Caspian Sea, its newly-minted local and foreign oil tycoons had transformed the city from a sleepy oriental trading-post in the desert into a throbbing international city. A bloody revolution resulted in a brief shining period of democracy before it was crushed by the Bolsheviks. Baku’s history has imprinted a colourful tapestry on this city.
Subscribe to journeyman for daily uploads:
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“I went up to the flat roof, from there I could see my world. The massive wall of the town's fortress, Arabic inscriptions at the gate. Inside the wall the streets were narrow and curved, like oriental daggers. Minarets pierced the mild moon. Through the labyrinth of streets camels were walking, their ankles so delicate I wanted to caress them”, says Ali Khan as he looks over the glorious city of Baku.
In 1970, writer Paul Theroux discovered a lost treasure, Kurban Said’s epic love story Ali and Nino. Their love breached class, religion, and ethnicity and documented Baku’s most tumultuous period. Built on the philanthropy of its oil tycoons, Baku at the turn of the century was “like a mixture between medieval Baghdad, Al Capone’s Chicago, and the Paris of the east. It was literally the most extraordinary place. An irrepressible, exciting, fascinating, cosmopolitan kaleidoscope”, says historian Simon Sebag-Montefiore.
But with wealth came inequality. Life was bleak for the oil workers living in the so-called, ‘Black City’. Crime was rife, and the place was alive with the sparks of revolution. As events in the world began to turn, and the great powers were exhausted by war and revolution, the local forces in Baku made their moves. As different ethnic groups fought it out the city suffered. But in September 1918 secular and progressive Azeris were able to proclaim the birth of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. “Calling this territory Azerbaijan for the first time was very important for national identity. At last people thought of themselves as masters of their own land”, says historian Irada Bagirova.
For almost two years democracy flourished, before it was cruelly and viciously extinguished by the Bolshevik thirst for Baku’s oil. With the fall of democratic Baku, Ali and Nino’s love was extinguished. “The life of our republic has come to an end, as has the life of Ali Khan”, wrote Said, as Ali fell on the battlefield, defending his home.
Under Soviet control for 70 years, Baku is now rediscovering its former glory as it draws on its position as the bridge between east and west, and its rich and varied history.
Between Asia and Europe Ltd. – Ref. 6875
BAKU CITY TOUR - BAKÜ ŞEHİR GEZİSİ
Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background.
Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically.
At its heart, the Unesco-listed İçəri Şəhər (Old City) lies within an exotically crenellated arc of fortress wall. Around this are gracefully illuminated stone mansions and pedestrianised tree-lined streets filled with exclusive boutiques.
The second oil boom, which started around 2006, has turned the city into a crucible of architectural experimentation and some of the finest new buildings are jaw-dropping masterpieces.
Meanwhile romantic couples canoodle their way around wooded parks and hold hands on the Caspian-front bulvar, where greens and opal blues make a mockery of Baku’s desert-ringed location.