AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan occupies the southeastern part of the Greater Caucasus range descending to the Caspian Sea at the stretch of 800 km. The Republic has a unique geopolitical and geographical position, lying on the juncture of Europe and Asia and retains its significance for world economic and cultural links. The total area of Azerbaijan including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic comprises 86.6 thousand sq.km. To the north Azerbaijan borders on Russian Federation, to the west with the Republic of Armenia, to the northwest with the Georgian Republic, to the southwest with Turkey, in the south with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Azerbaijan is surrounded by mountains, occupying more than half of its territory: to the north is the Greater Caucasus with the highest peak of the country Bazaar - dyuzy - 4480m, to the southwest is the massive Transcaucasian upland extending to Armenia and Georgia, mounted by the Lesser Caucasus, to the south the Talysh Mountains join them. So, the northeast half is in Europe and the southwest half is in Asia. Have this in mind, when looking for Azerbaijan, since you never know if it is classified under 'Europe' or under 'Asia'.

Once a major stopover on the   Great Silk Road  , there are many captivating sights to see in this ancient country - Bronze Age petroglyphs, medieval minarets and mosques and Azerbaijan's famous carpets.
As the gateway to Central from the East Asia and lapped by the waters of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan history is dominated by the old trade routes of Eurasia - especially the Silk Road. Some 6,000 historical monuments dating from thousands of years ago and built by a myriad of cultures beckon travelers to this nation in the Caucasus.

Ancient cities and towns, palaces, mausoleums, churches and mosques, chapels, caravanserais and watchtowers are just some of the monuments which remain to fascinate visitors, warmly welcomed by the Azeri people whose reputation for hospitality is legendary.

Besides its historical attractions, Azerbaijan also offers the stunning natural beauty of its diverse landscape which includes the seashore, forest, mountain and plain, and a climate so diverse that one can experience the four seasons in one day in various parts of the country. The natural climatic conditions of Azerbaijan are also unique. As it is well known, out of 11 climatic zones 9 exist in Azerbaijan. (!)

You can get in some fine hiking in the parks around Baku and on the Apsheron Peninsula. Many tourists also come to enjoy the country world-class health spas and mineral springs. Taking the waters - soaking in medicinal mud, oil and hotsprings - is a popular pastime in Azerbaijan. Some of the best spas are in Guba, Ganja-Naftalan and Nakhchivan.

Following their ambigous geographic location, Azeris have their feet in both Islamic and European cultures, the latter mostly Russian and Turkish, struggling with deep divisions between the old and the new. About 90% of the population is ethnic Azeri, with a smattering of Dagestanis, Russians, Armenians, Jews and other groups. Azerbaijan is one of the most liberal Muslim-majority states.

  Zoroastrianism   (sometimes called less correctly 'fire worshipping'), one of the world's oldest religions, first began in Azerbaijan. In the ancient language of the land, Azer means fire, and no other name seems quite as appropriate for Azerbaijan, since it once was the land of Zoroastrianism, where fire has an important role, even today, fire is still part of the country's symbols.
And finally, there are national traditions and an exquisite   national cuisine   .