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May 28 – Azerbaijan’s Independence Day: A Symbol of Pride and Freedom
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Caspian Caviar: Discovering the Black Gold of Azerbaijan
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Unveiling Azerbaijani Mugham: The Heartbeat of a Nation's Music
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Discover Nizami Street — Baku’s Cultural and Social Hub
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The Maiden Tower of Baku: Ancient Secrets and a Legend of Love
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Azerbaijani Cuisine: Culinary Traditions You Must Experience
Azerbaijani cuisine is incredibly diverse and rich. Influenced by geography, climate, and cultural heritage, it features a variety of unique dishes that can delight even the most refined palate. Azerbaijani food is all about the harmony of taste, aroma, spices, and fresh ingredients.Key Features of Azerbaijani CuisineThe abundance of meat, dairy, grain, vegetable, and fruit dishes reflects the country's natural landscape (mountains and subtropical climate) and social history. Lamb, chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices are widely used. Herbs like coriander, mint, basil, tarragon, sumac, dill, and parsley give Azerbaijani dishes their distinctive aroma.Meat: The Star of the TableKebabs and tandoor-cooked dishes dominate traditional restaurant menus. Lamb, particularly young lamb, is the preferred meat. Beef, chicken, and fish are used less frequently but are still part of the cuisine.Popular Meat Dishes:Tika Kebab – skewered chunks of lamb.Lyulya Kebab – juicy minced lamb kebabs.Khan Kebab – lamb liver wrapped in fat-tail.Tandoor-roasted chicken or turkey.Fish Kebab – marinated sturgeon grilled over coals.Kebabs are often served with grilled vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants), baked potatoes, and the rich pomegranate sauce Narsharab.Vegetables, Fruits, and SpicesAzerbaijanis use a wide variety of fresh vegetables (eggplant, tomato, cucumber), fruits (pears, quince, apples), and stone fruits (plum, cherry plum, peach). A complex flavor profile is achieved through spices like black and allspice, cinnamon, cloves, sumac, and more.Iconic DishesPitiA traditional soup cooked in individual clay pots, originating from the city of Sheki. Slow-cooked to bring out deep, rich flavors.SadjA mixed platter of meat and vegetables, cooked and served on a flat cast-iron pan called "sadj," placed over burning coals to keep it hot at the table.DolmaStuffed vegetables such as grape leaves, eggplant, cabbage, quince, and even apples. A symbol of Azerbaijani culinary pride.Plov (Ash)Azerbaijan's pride and joy. There are many types of plov, prepared with lamb, chicken, dried fruits, chestnuts, saffron, and herbs. Plov is served with unique traditions and is known for its fluffy texture and exquisite aroma.LavangiDishes made from fish, chicken, or game stuffed with walnuts, onions, and spices, baked in the oven or a tandoor. Especially popular in regions like Lankaran, Masalli, Astara, Lerik, and the Absheron Peninsula.Sweets and DessertsAzerbaijani cuisine offers a wide range of sweets:Baklava (including the famous Sheki baklava)Shekerbura, Kurabia, MutakiSheker-chorek and many moreThese desserts are made with nuts, butter, spices, eggs, and flour.Fun fact: In 2009, a 12-meter-long baklava weighing nearly 3 tons was made in Ganja for Novruz celebrations, earning a place in the CIS Book of Records.Sherbets and DrinksIn Azerbaijan, sherbet is not ice cream but a non-alcoholic sweet beverage made with fruit, berries, and aromatic herbs. It is traditionally served with plov and is perfect for cooling down in the heat.The Role of IslamIslamic dietary principles have shaped Azerbaijani cuisine: pork is not used, and dishes containing alcohol are traditionally excluded.Azerbaijani cuisine is more than food — it's a reflection of the country's soul, history, and hospitality. When you visit, make sure to try the plov, dolma, kebabs, and sweets. It’s a delicious way to experience centuries-old traditions.
What Is the Origin of the Name "Azerbaijan"? 4 Theories Behind the Country's Name
The name Azerbaijan resonates with ancient history, a rich culture, and the enduring identity of a proud people. This name has been associated with the region for centuries — even during the time of the Arab Caliphate, the land was known as the Emirate of Azerbaijan, with historical texts already referring to the name as ancient. To this day, scholars debate the etymology of “Azerbaijan”, and while no consensus has been reached, there are four major theories that attempt to explain the roots of the country’s name. 1. From Atropatena: A Kingdom of Fire and Legacy The most widely accepted theory links the name "Azerbaijan" to the ancient kingdom of Atropatena, which existed in the 4th century BCE in what is now Northern Iran and parts of modern Azerbaijan. The kingdom was named after its founder, Atropates, a former Persian general. Over centuries, the name Atropatena evolved linguistically through Greek, Latin, Arabic, and Persian influences, eventually becoming Azerbaijan. Linguists and historians point to this theory as the most historically grounded. 2. The Land of the Fire Keepers Another compelling theory relates to Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, which worships fire as a divine element. Azerbaijan’s natural eternal flames — such as those at the Ateshgah Fire Temple — made it a center for fire worship. In Middle Persian, the term “Adurbadagan” (later Adherbaijan) meant “Land of the Fire Guardians.” This interpretation reflects Azerbaijan’s spiritual heritage as a land of sacred fire and mystical tradition. 3. "Khazarbaijan": Land of the Caspian People According to a third theory, the name Azerbaijan may have originally sounded like Khazarbaijan, derived from the word “Khazar” — the Caspian Sea. In Azerbaijani, “Khazar” is the traditional name for the sea that borders the country to the east. If this theory is correct, Khazarbaijan means “Land of the Caspians,” pointing to the country’s close connection with the Caspian Sea and its historical coastal communities. 4. The Land of Azar-Bey: A Spiritual Ancestry The most recent theory draws from religious texts and explores the connection between the name Azerbaijan and the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim). According to the Quran, Abraham’s father was named Azar. Azerbaijani researchers note that “Azar” is a name commonly used in the region and rarely found elsewhere. The theory suggests that Azar-Bey (with “bey” meaning ruler or noble) was a local leader and that Azerbaijan means “Land of Azar-Bey.” Some even hypothesize that the birthplace of Abraham might have been in this region rather than Mesopotamia. Which Version Is True? History is not always precise — it is shaped by time, perspective, and interpretation. Each of these four theories provides a unique lens through which to view Azerbaijan’s past. Perhaps the truth lies in a combination of all of them. One thing is certain: the name Azerbaijan carries a deep, historical meaning that reflects the soul of a country shaped by ancient kingdoms, sacred traditions, and enduring culture.
Magical Waters: Lakes of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan can rightfully be called the land of lakes. Its entire eastern border lies along none other than the world’s largest lake — the Caspian Sea. Despite its name, the Caspian is technically classified as a lake, although its vastness truly feels oceanic. Millions of years ago, the Caspian was part of the global ocean, but due to tectonic shifts, it eventually became isolated. Today, it forms a unique enclosed ecosystem along with the Aral Sea (another lake with a marine name). These lakes of Azerbaijan, connected through underground waterflows, represent a rare and fascinating natural union.But it’s not just the Caspian that defines the lakes of Azerbaijan. The Absheron Peninsula, home to the capital city of Baku, is dotted with numerous salt lakes. According to one version, the name "Absheron" comes from the Persian words "ab" and "shoran," meaning "salty water" — a fitting origin, as the region hosts around a hundred salt lakes, some of which are actively used for salt production.During the “Gobustan–Absheron” tour by Azerbaijan Travel International, visitors get a chance to explore Boyuk Shor, the largest salt lake of the peninsula, and marvel at the stunning pink hues of Masazir Lake, which is especially magical at sunset. When it comes to freshwater lakes of Azerbaijan, they are mostly found in the scenic mountainous regions. Near Ganja, nestled in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus, lies the fairy-tale-like Lake Goygol, famous for its crystal-clear waters. On the “Shamakhi–Gabala” tour, travelers can also visit Lake Nohur, a true gem of the Gabala region, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus.In addition to natural lakes, Azerbaijan is also home to several man-made reservoirs. The largest of these is the Mingachevir Reservoir, affectionately called a "sea" by locals due to its impressive scale. To the north of Baku, along the route to Quba, lies the Jeyranbatan Reservoir, another example of Azerbaijan’s vital water infrastructure.For centuries, water has been a precious and essential resource for the peoples of the Middle East. The freshwater lakes of Azerbaijan are not only beautiful natural wonders but also a life-sustaining gift. And the salt lakes of Absheron? They’re a symbol of the local spirit — bold, flavorful, and never bland.
