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Highlights of Baku

June 8, 2017
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Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan has a population of approximately 4 million people. The city’s strategic location on the Caspian Sea and the Silk Road maked it an ideal trade center during the 19th century. The city is rich with history and is one of the world’s greatest tourism destinations. While there are numerous things to see or do while in the city, we've shortlisted the top five must visits of Baku for you! 

 

Azerbaijani Carpet Museum

Established in 1967, Baku’s Carpet Museum is one of the most unique institutions available, with the richest collections of Azerbaijan carpets in the world. Named after Latif Karimov, the famous Azerbaijani carpet designer known for his contributions to a variety of artistic fields, the museum was one of the first in the world to include carpet weaving and designs. Today, the museum has numerous works of applied art and impressive colourful works by modern weavers and craftsmen on display. If that is not enough to get you to visit the museum, the exterior of the building shaped like a giant carpet is not to be missed!


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Baku International Jazz Festival

The Baku International Jazz Festival is a yearly jazz event hosted by the famous saxophonist Rain Sultanov. Baku’s Jazz festival showcases its country’s involvement with the American form of art, a connection first recognized in Baku in 1950. Numerous renowned musicians from all over the world take part in Baku’s Jazz Festival. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this musical event!


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Flame Towers

Flame Towers is the tallest skyscraper in Baku and gets its name from the towers’ LED lights that display movements of fire seen from far away. Reaching a height of 620 ft, the estimated cost behind such a distinctive project was around 350 million US dollars! The Flame Towers are basically three towers called east, south and west and the frontages of the three towers consist of massive display screens that use more than 10,000 high-powered LED lights. Construction began in the year 2007 and was completed almost five years later in 2012. Flame Towers consist of hotels, apartments, offices and a huge shopping mall. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this extraordinary place!


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Mud Volcanoes

You’re probably thinking what on earth? Yes, mud volcanoes are a thing in Baku. Located South of Gobustan, those mud volcanoes are unique in a sense that they reach a maximum height of 2 meters only. Yet, the majority of mud volcanoes in the world are located in Azerbaijan. Contrary to many beliefs that its lava is hot, the mud bubbles inside those volcanoes are quite cold, making it ideal for tourists to wash themselves with. Moreover, the mud produced from those volcanoes has many beneficial medical purposes and also makes a great facial mask!


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Palace of the Shirvanshahs

One of Azerbaijan’s biggest monument, the Palace of Shirvanshahs is extraordinary. It serves as the perfect example of medieval architecture in Azerbaijan, dating back to the 15th century. The palace is over the highest hill of the inner city, combining residential structures, mosques and mausoleums. With its intricate designs and massive beautiful domes, it is definitely a masterpiece and a must visit!


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If you ever visit Baku, don’t miss out on those exciting tourist attractions!

By Mohammed Al-Ameen