The locals fondly know Azerbaijan as the Land of Fire and the Pearl of the Caucasus. It is a land where eastern colours combine magnificently with western progress. Azerbaijan is a country of unique nature, unmatched culture, centuries of history with its customs and traditions and fine cuisine; a place which will satisfy the expectations of the most sophisticated gastronomists, and finally, it is the country of unrivalled hospitality and friendliness.

Azerbaijan situated at the eastern side of the Transcaucasia (or South Caucasus) on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It shares its borders with Iran, Turkey, Russia, Georgia and Armenia. The population of Azerbaijan exceeds 9.8 million and the territory covers an area of 86 600 square kilometres. According to both of these figures, Azerbaijan is the largest country of the South Caucasus. The City of Baku is the capital and the country’s largest city. The National language is Azerbaijani; however, Russian is also widely used, and many younger residents also speak English.

Azerbaijan is a great place to visit in any season and visitors are welcome year-round. The country has nine of the world’s eleven climate zones and offers a different experience to tourists. But each of the seasons, of course, has its unique colours and features. Many, however, consider Spring as the best time to view the country in its glory. Spring is considered by many as the main and the most spectacular season, which can be enjoyed by everyone who visits Azerbaijan in Spring. The annual Novruz holiday - the symbol of nature’s rebirth held in Spring. Every year before March 21 all Azerbaijanis enjoy the run-up to this ancient national holiday by preparing for it for four weeks. Some holiday traditions and rituals of Novruz holiday will surprise and delight foreigners throughout the whole of March. Travellers specifically travel to the regions, for example to Yukhari Salahli village, where they can witness classic rituals and traditions. During the celebration of the Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan, families and friends visit each other’s homes, exchanging gifts and the many sweets lovingly prepared at home.

Azerbaijan has an incredible historical and cultural heritage with more than 7500 natural, archaeological, architectural, and historical monuments. Cave drawings at Gobustan, Momine-Khatun and Garabaghlar mausoleums, the Palace of Sheki Khans, the Maiden Tower, the castles of Absheron, medieval manuscripts decorated with magnificent miniature paintings, antique rugs, and works of literature, arts and sculpture – all of this is just a small part of the country’s precious and priceless heritage.

Azerbaijan is often referred to by some as the “Land of Fire” as this territory was previously occupied by fire worshippers. Since then, the country has preserved the ancient evidence of that era: cave paintings, statues of gods and ancient temples. Two of the most vivid examples of this heritage are the temple of fire-worshippers (“Ateshgah”) at Surakhani near Baku and “Yanardag”, translated as the “burning mountain”. These lands were considered to be sacred for centuries and throughout history were worshipped by the followers of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism and Sikhism.

Baku is Azerbaijan’s capital and largest city, built around the fortified Icheri-Sheher. Walk through the narrow alleys and discover the many sights around every corner or enjoy the broad promenades and world-class establishments of the more modern parts of the city. You’ll find for yourself that Baku is a charming city on par with many other world metropolises. Explore the history of Azerbaijan at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and climb the Maiden Tower to see Baku in its glory. And for something beyond tourist sites, try some shopping through Baku’s pedestrian streets or a meal at one of the fine restaurants throughout the city, serving both traditional Azerbaijani food and international classics.

Azerbaijan’s cuisine is a mix of a variety of sources from east and west. Be sure not to miss juicy, smoky kebabs or richly filled kutabs, stuffed with meat and greens and folded into a half circle. Some dishes can be found in other countries, like dolma (grape leaves stuffed with meat and rice) and baklava (layers of dough filled with honey), but even then, Azerbaijan adds its spin and style to these more familiar dishes. People in Azerbaijan also love their teas and soups. Try a cold soup with yoghurt (dovga) or traditional hot lentil soup, followed by tea served with sweets and jams.

For Singaporeans interested in visiting Azerbaijan, must first obtain a visa. Singapore is one of the 93 countries whose citizens can now apply for an electronic Azerbaijan visa. The process, which can be provided by iVisa, is entirely online. The visa processing time will depend on the processing fee paid; $45 (standard processing time of four business days), $75 (rush processing time of two business days), $95 (super rush processing time of one business day).

How to Get There?

By Flight

The easiest way to get to Azerbaijan is to fly to Baku, the capital of the country. However, no airlines are flying direct from Singapore to Azerbaijan. However, the flights listed below offer connecting flights for Singaporean travellers to reach the state:

• Emirates
• Lufthansa
• S7 Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• China Southern
• Air France
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Uzbekistan Airways

One of the fastest ways to travel to Azerbaijan from Singapore is to take a flight with Emirates Airlines to Dubai and then a connecting flight to Baku Heydar Aliyev International. Depending on how long the transit is at Dubai, the journey from Singapore to Azerbaijan should take approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes.

What to do There?

Gobustan

Museum of Petroglyphs is another name for Gobustan - a high place in the southeast of the Major Caucasian ridge located 60 km from Baku. The archaeologists found there the ancient sites of primitive people who left behind numerous rock drawings - Petroglyphs. This primitive art displays the culture, economy, outlooks, customs and traditions of ancient people. These images attracted the attention of the well-known scientist and traveller Thor Heyerdahl who repeatedly visited this place. Apart from the old drawings, a remarkable Latin inscription found at the foot of Mount Beyuk-dash in Gobustan. It is dated 1st century AD and testifies about the Roman armies stay near Baku. Since 1966 the territory of Gobustan has been regarded as a national reserve. Today is an open-air museum.

Ichari Sheher

Sometimes called the Old Town or the Inner City, Icheri Sheher is a unique historical ensemble right in the centre of Baku, at the heart of the city. Ancient Baku founded where Icheri Sheher is today, which used to be right on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The buildings built out of limestone, cut locally and polished to a smooth surface, so most of the buildings share the same colours, and the roads are narrow and winding, making Icheri Sheher feel a bit like a maze. Icheri Sheher is the oldest inhabited part of Baku. It was declared a historical and cultural reserve in 1977 and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. Three sides are surrounded by a thick fortress wall, with one side open to the Caspian Sea.

Ateshgah Temple

The Temple of Eternal Fire - Ateshgah - is an authentic Azerbaijani exotic. It is well-known practically all over the world. The temple located 30 km from the centre of Baku in the suburb of Surakhany. This territory is known for such unique natural phenomenon as burning natural gas outlets (underground gas coming onto surface contacts oxygen and lights up). The temple in its present state constructed in the 17th-18th centuries. The temple built by the Baku-based Hindu community related to Sikhs. However, the history of the Temple is even longer. From times immemorial this was the holy place of Zoroastrians- fire worshippers (approximately beginning of our era). They attributed mystical significance to the inextinguishable fire and came there to worship the relic.

Lagich Village

Lagich Village is a must-see historical landmark in Azerbaijan. Lagich Village built in the 5th century B.C. on the canyon of the river Girdimanchai (Upper Caucasus). The village is small but very picturesque. The territory is recognised as a cultural reserve and is considered a popular touristic destination of the Great Silk Road. Lagich Village has carefully preserved its trade and craft centre. Travellers can obtain their unique hand-made copper items, adorned with carving in the form of oriental ornaments, knitted and weaved goods, wood and leatherware, souvenir knives and many others.

Where to Stay?

Main Street Hostel

The Main Street Hostel is a comfortable property, set within walking distance to the beachfront. This hostel is situated 250 meters away from Fountain Square and 30 minutes by car from Heydar Aliyev airport. The hotel is close to several well-known attractions, 1.1 km from Taza Pir Mosque, 1.3 km from Ismailiyya Palace and one kilometre from The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theatre is also a mere 1.9 km from the accommodation, while Muhammad Mosque is 1.9 km away. The hostel highlighted with modern décor. All rooms at the hostel come with a TV with satellite channels, a kitchen and a dining area. Free Wi-Fi is accessible to all guests, while selected rooms also feature a balcony. All guest rooms equipped with an oven. Other facilities include a currency exchange, a designated smoking area, a safe deposit box, a storage room and a barber shop also offered.

Empire Hotel Baku

Blending a warm ambience with attentive services, the 3-star Empire Hotel Baku provides ideal lodging in Baku. Its location is strategic for travellers wanting to explore the capital city. It is near the Maiden Tower, and it will take short 20 minutes to walk to Old City Baku. A subway station is also a 5 minutes’ walk away. The hotel offers a heating system, high-speed internet, pay TV, a dining area and IDD phone in every room. Some rooms include views of the city. The units have en-suite bathrooms equipped with a hairdryer, a walk-in shower and towels. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast daily. Guests can dine at the onsite lounge restaurant.

AYF Palace

Located in the centre of Baku, the AYF Palace Hotel with its impressive architectural style will impress guests with authentic Azerbaijan hospitality. AYF Palace Hotel is erected in a classical style and has magnificent design and interior, with cosy rooms, unique restaurants, and is perfectly equipped for carrying out meetings and conferences. AYF Palace Hotel is ideally suitable both for people in business and leisure travellers. The Hotel is in immediate proximity to the major city attractions, and also offices, diplomatic missions, and other sights of the Azerbaijan capital. The hotel takes pride in ensuring that the guests every need is taken care of with great care and the highest quality service no matter the purpose of the visit.