Welcome back to Azerbaijan, a country that many people might struggle to find on a map. Honestly, I wasn’t sure where exactly it was either before I visited, and I’ve always been pretty good with geography. Located between Eastern Europeand Western Asia, Azerbaijan is at the heart of the South Caucasus, bordered by Russia, Iran, Armenia, and the Caspian Sea.
Baku, Azerbaijan:
From Soviet Blocks to Sleek Skyscrapers
In the first episode, we wandered through the Old Town of Baku, where ancient history and culture surround you. But today, we’re shifting our focus to modern Baku, a city that has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past few decades.
Years ago, Baku’s skyline was mostly filled with Soviet-era buildings—those grey, rectangular blocks that look like they were designed by someone who really liked concrete. They served their purpose but weren’t exactly inspiring to look at. Fast forward to today, and Baku’s skyline is a whole new story. Think Dubai meets Singapore, with futuristic glass towers, twisting shapes, and structures that seem to defy gravity.
A Masterpiece of Modern Design:
The Heydar Aliyev Center:
One of the standout buildings in modern Baku is the Heydar Aliyev Center. This building is a work of art, designed with smooth, flowing curves that make it look more like a giant wave than a traditional structure. It was opened in 2012, and the inside is just as impressive as the outside, featuring vast open spaces and galleries that host exhibitions, conferences, and cultural events. The design feels as though it’s constantly in motion, with not a single sharp corner in sight.
A Blossoming Landmark
The Deniz Mall
Another modern gem is the Deniz Mall, which opened in 2020. Located on the waterfront, this mall has a unique design that resembles a giant flower. The eight sections of the building stretch out like petals, making it look a little like the Sydney Opera House. With its sleek glass and bold structure, the Deniz Mall is more than just a shopping center – it’s a symbol of Baku’s blend of modernity and nature.
A Rolled-Up Carpet:
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
There’s another striking modern building designed to look like a rolled-up carpet. Opened in 2014, it celebrates the country’s rich tradition of carpet weaving. The unique design perfectly matches its purpose, making it both a cultural landmark and one of Baku’s most creative architectural achievements.
Icons of Baku’s Skyline
The Flame Towers
And then, of course, there are the Flame Towers, the iconic flame-shaped buildings that dominate Baku’s skyline.
These towers reflect Azerbaijan’s nickname, The Land of Fire, and they really come alive at night.
As the sun sets, the towers light up with LED displays that make them look like they’re flickering with actual flames.
Whether you’re standing in the Old Town or strolling along the Caspian Sea, the Flame Towers are always in view, a constant reminder of Baku’s blend of ancient history and ultramodern design.
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Exploring Beyond the City:
Gobustan Rock Art
After experiencing modern Baku, we head south to discover the ancient side of Azerbaijan. Just an hour’s drive from the city is Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to over 6,000 petroglyphs. These rock carvings date back more than 40,000 years, depicting everything from hunting and dancing figures to animals and rituals. Some of the carvings might make you laugh – let’s just say they had a bit of fun with proportions back in the Stone Age.
Visiting the Gobustan Museum
Before heading out to the rock carvings, I recommend stopping by the Gobustan Museum. This museum provides a great introduction to the history of the site, explaining the significance of the carvings and how the landscape was formed.
After visiting the museum, you’ll be able to appreciate the petroglyphs even more, understanding them as prehistoric art rather than just simple drawings.
Azerbaijan’s Natural Wonder
The Mud Volcanoes
Right next to Gobustan is another one of Azerbaijan’s most fascinating attractions – the Mud Volcanoes.
These are not your typical volcanoes. Instead of spewing lava, they bubble up cool, mineral-rich mud. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes, and visiting them feels like stepping onto another planet.
Lotta Ladas
As we drove through Azerbaijan, one thing stood out: Ladas. These old Soviet cars are everywhere, and despite their age, they’re still going strong. Built to last during the Soviet era, Ladas have become a cultural icon in Azerbaijan. Driving one is almost a rite of passage here, and when we visited the Mud Volcanoes, we had the chance to ride in one down a bumpy dirt road – a true adventure.
Wrapping Up: What’s Next?
That’s it for today’s journey through Baku and beyond. Next time, we’ll head north, visit some Candy Cane Mountains, and nearly run out of gas in the middle of nowhere. Plus, a traffic accident and a quick exit from the country. Now, how’s that for a teaser?
Stay tuned for more adventures from Azerbaijan, and as always, my name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving!
