Exploring Azerbaijan Facts: Geography, Culture, And Beyond

Azerbaijan, also known as the Land of Fire in the past, is a nation of contrasts. It is a nation where advanced urban centers intersect with charming rural hamlets, where European influences clash with Western Asian flavors, and where the scenery alternates between the striking (Caucasus Mountains) and the tranquil (calm, reflective lakes).

Azerbaijan is one of those destinations that is best left undiscovered; although being bordered by Georgia and Russia, it sees very little tourist traffic.

Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, put Azerbaijan at the top of your list for a unique travel experience.

If you are just beginning to prepare for your vacation, these interesting facts about Azerbaijan will help you better understand the nation and everything it has to offer.

Still not convinced? Here are a few interesting Azerbaijan facts you should be aware of.

10 Interesting Facts About Azerbaijan That'll Blow You Away!

Azerbaijan is an Asian country surrounded to the east by the Caspian Sea and to the north by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran. It is a newly popular travel destination worldwide. Although the country has not received enough attention from foreign travelers, things appear to be quickly changing as more foreigners come here annually. If you are familiar with some fascinating facts about Azerbaijan, you might also want to visit this location soon. Here are 10 interesting facts about Azerbaijan that'll blow you away:

1. Baku is 28 meters below sea level

Baku's capital was once a bustling Silk Road town. The best way to explore Baku is on foot since you can walk the promenade along the Caspian Sea, which is really 28 meters below sea level, making it the lowest-lying country capital in the world.

Another part of Baku is called Little Venice, and gondolas are the perfect method to navigate between all the stores, eateries, and other establishments along a man-made canal!

Baku is 28 meters below sea level

2. Azerbaijan is often referred to as The Land of Fire

Why is Azerbaijan commonly called "The Land of Fire"? Well, where do we begin? Azerbaijan is the center of fire worship and its name literally translates to "protector of fire." It also has several of the oldest hearths on Earth.

Moreover, Azerbaijan boasts a renowned attraction known as Yanar Dağ, or the 'Burning Mountain,' where a natural, enduring fire has been ablaze for a minimum of 65 years. This phenomenon is sustained by the constant release of natural gases from the underlying ground. Additionally, in the capital city of Baku, the iconic Flame Towers stand tall, comprising three skyscrapers that symbolise the elements of fire. 

3. Azerbaijanis love drinking tea

This is one of the fun facts about Azerbaijan. Azerbaijanis love drinking tea. Anybody who has traveled to Africa or Asia has probably sipped a glass of hot tea in a carpet store or steeped a bag in a pot. Azerbaijan's tea-drinking customs are distinctive in that they combine tea with jam.

This isn't your typical jam; rather, it consists of whole fruits that have been cooked to the consistency of jam but not pureed. The customary practice involves sipping tea while holding a piece of the jam in your mouth, allowing the tea to flow through it. Despite the inherent sweetness of the jam, it is not intended to replace sugar, which is still offered. You can balance the sweetness with a slice of lemon. You sure will find the experience of having tea in this manner enjoyable.

Azerbaijanis love drinking tea

4. Pancakes are Azerbaijan’s National Dish

Kutabi, or stuffed, savory pancakes, are served in almost every restaurant in Azerbaijan. Typically stuffed with meat, vegetables, pumpkins, and herbs, they are baked on a griddle and taste amazing.

Furthermore, when you find yourself in the northern part of the country, don't miss the opportunity to savor the dumpling soup called dushbara. Another delightful culinary experience is tasting tandir, a traditional Azerbaijani bread.

Explore more about the national dish of Azerbaijan.

5. 45% of the world’s mud volcanoes

With about 400 mud volcanoes in total, Azerbaijan has the highest concentration of mud volcanoes worldwide. Mud volcanoes are unique experiences in and of themselves and are mostly located around Baku. These mud volcanoes were formed by escaping gas that was channeled through soft soil due to the area's location above significant gas deposits. The best site to go to is located in the Gobustan area on an Azerbaijani map.

Although mud volcanoes often only cover a few kilometers in diameter, witnessing their churning, bubbling, and chaotic appearance is one of the most fascinating experiences in the country.

Aside from being a unique site to visit, the locals believe the mud volcanoes are packed with goodness and spend time covered in mud, inside the volcanoes, enjoying their healing properties.

Azerbaijan has the highest concentration of mud volcanoes worldwide

6. There's a Tiny Book Museum

The world's first private Museum of Miniature Books is located in Baku's Old City, a historically significant area and World Heritage Site. With over 5,500 little books on exhibit, the museum has the greatest collection of miniature books in the world.

7. Azerbaijan’s flag represents different cultures

Are you curious about Azerbaijan culture facts? The flag of Azerbaijan is composed of three horizontal stripes, red, green, and blue, with a crescent and star in the center. The eight-pointed star and blue color of the flag stand in for the Turkic-speaking people of the region, while the red and green colors represent Europe and Islam, respectively (despite being in Asia, several of Azerbaijan's northern regions are thought to be geographically in Europe).

The crescent in the center of the flag is also among the symbols of Islam. The flag was adopted in 1918 and has since grown to be the most recognizable and prevalent sign of Azerbaijan. 

The flag of Azerbaijan represents different cultures

Explore more: 15 best places to visit in Azerbaijan

8. There’s a city built on stilts

In spite of its tiny size, the country boasts substantial oil wealth. Thanks to its oil deposits, Azerbaijan is one of the world's leading producers of crude oil.

Neft Daşlar was originally an oil rig with elevated walkways built into the Caspian Sea. It had been abandoned for a while, but in 1949, locals moved in and built an entire city on top of it, complete with bakeries, hotels, shops, hostels, and much more. 

It is amazing how Azerbaijan managed to turn an abandoned oil rig into a fascinating place to visit in the country.

9. Human history here dates back 2 million years

Archaeologists have discovered human remains and tools from prehistoric times in the Azikh Cave in Western Azerbaijan. The cave contains six complete chambers where these artifacts have been discovered, and the archaeologists estimate that the cave was inhabited approximately two million years ago.

A jaw from an ancient person—a Neanderthal—was the most intriguing discovery made here, but specialists say there are still many mysteries to solve.

10. Its horses are heroes

When it comes to the oldest breed of horses in the world, the Karabakh horse is the national animal of Azerbaijan and is known for its effortless speed, intelligence, and endurance. While horsemeat was once a common food in Azerbaijan, it has since become less popular and is now replaced with lamb and beef.

The Karabakh horse is the national animal of Azerbaijan

Discovering Azerbaijan fun facts has never been easier

You have many reasons to travel to and discover Azerbaijan, and now you have some Azerbaijan fun facts to entice you to do so. As travelers embark on a journey to discover the beauty and complexity of this unique Land of Fire, you can conveniently apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa via the Azerbaijan Immigration Services website, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Our user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation, and our platform prioritizes efficiency and speed, enabling quick visa applications. With a focus on security, our website employs advanced measures to protect personal information. The 24/7 accessibility allows applicants to submit their documents at their convenience, while our prompt customer support addresses any queries. 

Apply for eVisa Azerbaijan today to discover the magic of this beautiful country.