Anthony Divino the guest from Washington, D.C. arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan on 28 June 2019. He booked a tour below tour from us
Summer Relaxable and Knowledgeable Tour in Azerbaijan
This tour includes most of the must see sightseeings in Baku and in different cities of Azerbaijan as Qobustan, Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Qabala, Shaki and Qax cities. On this article, we share his photo report through Instagram and attractive captions on them.
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Azerbaijan has so much oil and natural gas it has given way to a new form of artwork: literally oil paintings of oil.
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Baku's old city dates back to the 12th century and is surrounded by 10 meter high fortifications. It is very well preserved but only the very rich live there now - politicians and oil/gas executives
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Situated on the Abşeron Peninsula, the Fire Temple (Ateşgah) of Baku was a place of sacrifice founded above a natural gas vent.
Fire rituals at the peninsula’s numerous natural gas vents date back to at least the 10th century. The structure is similar to the caravanserais (travellers’ inns) of the region with 5 walls surrounding a courtyard, in the middle of this sits an altar, the centerpiece of the temple complex where fire rituals were observed.
The altar is situated right a natural gas vent, igniting a large flame in the middle and 4 smaller flames on the rooftop corners. Surrounding the temple altar are a number of small cells for worshippers.
Debate continues as to whether this temple was founded as a Zoroastrian or a Hindu place of worship
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Visited two 12th century castles with some pretty sketchy and claustrophobic steep climbs. They are about 10 miles apart but supposedly are connected by tunnels underground.
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Ventured out into the countryside to visit some mausoleums and mosques when I asked my driver to stop at a vineyard we were passing. Included in the $20 tour/tasting fee were 3 bottles of wine. Needless to say I made my best attempt but only made it through a few glasses. The guide said I was the first American tourist who they have ever met. Strange side note during the tour I asked why they used only bottles made in Italy. The guide said if you use the bottle to hit someone their head would break but not the bottle.
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This mausoleum built into this cliff face was built about the year 1400. It's named after a sacred person who died here and whose body stayed well preserved for several hundred years
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Scattered remains of an old cemetery
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Driving out of Azerbaijans desert like east coast and heading into the lush green Lesser Caucasus Mountains see a lot of fruit, nuts and honey for sale on the side of the road. One of the popular items is Lavasana, similar to a fruit roll up.
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In this region of #Azerbaijan it is common to see girls like this selling headbands made of fresh #flowers
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Made it to Sheki and saw its intricate 17th century palace in mostly original condition built with no nails or glue. Also the Caravansarai, an ancient Silk Road "travelers hotel" which would allow traders and their goods and animals a place to stay overnight safe from roaming bandits.
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Silk scarves for sale
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Lots of Ladas lounging about in the late afternoon.
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This 1st century AD church is the oldest Albanian (unrelated to the country) Christian church in the Caucasus region. Hundreds of these are scattered throughout Armenia and Georgia also. Even after most adopted Islam in the 5th and 6th century Muslims protected this church knowing it was a sacred place.
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UberPool with organic air conditioning
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Sometimes reflections appear clearer than reality. This 17th century tower in a rugged mountainous area overlooks a river and valley below. Soldiers would live here and defend their region from invaders, typically coming from Russia.
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Some pretty nice scenery driving around
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The city of Lahij is very difficult to get to being about 5000 ft up in the Greater Caucasus mountains. It is one of the oldest human settlements here dating back to the first few century AD, and mamy homes are hundreds of years old, still utilizing traditional stone and wood construction that has survived countless earthquakes. They even had their own sewer system installed over 1000 years ago. They speak a Persian dialect. Unfortunately the population is only about 1000 now. People here are copper artisans, tea traders, and sell other sorts of handmade crafts. The person in the 1st picture is in a 300 year old house and is a 5th generation coppersmith, and said 2 of his sons would continue the trade.
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Back in #Dubai in time for a fiery sunset! Omg so hot and humid, think the mall is my only hope.
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