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About Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, land of fire! of extremes! Land of hospitality! Land
of culture! Land of beauty. Yes, Azerbaijan is all of these things.
Land of extremes. Azerbaijan has nine of the eleven climate classifications
of the earth - from arid to subtropical. Landscapes from desert
to dense forests. Land of some of the most hospitable people you
could ever meet. People who value the presence of a visitor and
treat the visitor as if he were a king. Land of beauty. Some of
the most beautiful landscapes can be found in Azerbaijan. Some
of the most beautiful works of art can be found in Azerbaijan.
Some of the most attractive people can be found in Azerbaijan.
As part of the former Soviet Union Azerbaijan has always been
considered to be part of Russia by most people in the western
world. Azerbiajan is not a part of Russia and its people are for
the most part not Russian but Azeri with different customs and
origins. Other nationalities such as Talishes, Lezgies, Georgians,
Kurds, Avars, Tats, Jews, Russians, Tatars and other ethnic groups
also contribute to the cultural mosaic of Azerbaijan. Many of
these groups have been able to preserve their cultural traditions,
customs and religions in spite of extreme political conditions.
The official and most spoken language in Azerbaijan is Azeri from
the Turkic language group but Russian and English is spoken in
and around Baku.
Azerbaijan is a secular state which guarantees full religious
freedom to all its citizens. Islam is the principal religion and
the majority of citizens are Moslems but Christians, Jews and
Bahais also co-exist in complete harmony. Since regaining its
independence in 1991 Azerbaijan is now on a steady road to joining
the rest of the world both economically and socially and in 1994
the "contract of the century" was signed opening the doors to
the International oil industry and, thereby, to the rest of the
world. After the signing of this document nine other oil contracts
were signed and the rush for the black gold was on. Business started
booming as the oil companies began drilling for oil and working
on the pipelines.
It is only natural that tourism would follow on. Azerbaijan also
lies on the "Silk Road" making it a natural destination for tourists.
There are several surprises awaiting the tourist or business traveler.
Azerbaijan is a beautiful country! Its people are extremely friendly
and hospitable! Azerbaijan is one of the cradles of civilization.
Thousands of natural and archeological monuments attest to the
fact that this area was civilized more than 15,000 years ago.
There is virtually a wealth of proof as to the beginning of civilized
man in this area.
The natural surroundings in Azerbaijan paint a bright picture
with gold beaches washed by the warm waters of the Caspian Sea.
Green, dense forests with cool mineral springs and a multitude
of flora and fauna harmonises with the picturesque Caucasus Mountains,
eerie rock formations and crystal clear lakes. One of the most
amazing things about Azerbaijan is the level of education and
culture enjoyed by its citizens. Tradition, the arts, original
oriental art, delicious cuisine are all part of the daily life
of the Azerbaijani citizen. Of course, the hospitality of the
Azerbaijani people is a phenomenon which can hardly be matched
by any other country. With this brochure we are inviting you to
come and enjoy this beautiful country, its cultural and natural
riches and to accept the extra ordinary hospitality of its people!
Hope to see you in Baku!
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