Azerbaijan

History

It became independent in 1918. The country became under the rule of Soviet Socialist in 1920 after the invasion of the Red Army. The country restored to independence in 1991.

Food/ culture

Its culture was formed under the influence of Caucasian, Turkic and Iranian cultures.

The major crops grown in the country are grapes, cotton, tobacco, vegetables and citrus fruits.

The most popular dishes in Azerbaijan are plov, dolma, baliq and lavangi.

Wildlife

Wildlife animals that can be seen here include wild boar, goitered gazelle, Asiatic mouflon, roe deer and red deer.

Annual events/ celebrations/ festivals

International Baku Jazz Festival is an annual event conducted by saxophonist and Baku resident Sultanov to display the country’s long bond to jazz.

Gabala International Music Festival is an annual festival for classical music conducted at Gabala.

Pomegranate Festival is a cultural festival held at Goychay which features the country’s frit cuisine but mainly pomegranates at Goychay.

Things to see

There is the Baku old city, a historic city which is surrounded by walls.

Also, there is the Maiden Tower has existed since the 12^th century and Palace of Shirvanshahs of the 15^th century was both listed in UNESCO World Heritage Historical Monuments.

People also visit the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan Museum preserves the cultural heritage of the country.

Interesting facts

Burning Mountain has a natural glowing fire for 65 years on the hillside along the Caspian Sea.

The official language is Azerbaijani.

Majority of the population is Muslim who adhere to Shia Islam.

Borders

Azerbaijan is bordered on the east by the Caspian Sea, on the north by Russia, on the northwest by Georgia, on the west by Armenia and the south by Iran.