The Land of Fire
Universally known as «The Land of Fire», Azerbaijan is an ancient settlement appeared on the scene of history 5000 years ago, where ancient inscriptions were found using fire as a symbol of blessing and immortality.
Azerbaijan is rich in natural resources, deep rooted culture and ancient history. It has a total population of more than 9,000,000 people, who are known for their kindness and decency and have their own traditions in addition to traditions of various civilizations, making life a unique and harmonious blend of local and international traditions.
Geographical Location
Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region in Eurasia and expands into Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan geography is characterized by three main elements: the Caspian Sea -which is the natural coastal border- to the east, the Great Caucasus Mountains to the north and the vast plains in the center of the country.
It is bordered by Russia and Georgia in the north, Armenia and Turkey in the west, Iran in the south and, in the east, the Caspian Sea, with a coastline of 713 km sq., while Azerbaijan covers a total area of 86,600 km sq. of land.
Brief History of Azerbaijan
The earliest evidence of the existence of human settlements in Azerbaijan dates back to the Late Stone Age, and is related to the Guruchay culture of Azikh Cave. It is represented in the first ethnic political units found in the Lake Urmia basin in the late 4th millennium BC.
Recently in 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence for the first time after many years of Tsarist Russian occupation, yet it only lasted for 23 months since Azerbaijan was occupied again by the Soviet Union. In 1991, it regained independence.
Azerbaijan is a secular state. Ilham Aliyev is the current President of Azerbaijan. In this regard, the name of “Heydar Aliyev”, the public leader of Azerbaijan people who played an important role in its independence, is worth mentioning. In terms of its political system, it is a presidential republic.
Culture
Particularly, Azerbaijan culture is part of the Islamic culture, and the Eastern culture in genetal. Islamic culture has played main role in enriching of Azerbaijan culture, due to its geniuses and the cultural schools.
It is worth mentioning that Azerbaijan is known for making beautiful rugs, as well as its music maqams (types) with their special melodies. It is also famous for science and literature that reflects its identity.
Climate and Nature
You can visit Azerbaijan any time of the year as it has 9 out of 11 climatic zones, and of course each season has its unique special colors.
Due to different climatic conditions, plant and animal diversity is richer in Azerbaijan than any other South Caucasus republic. Rivers and lakes form the main part of Azerbaijan’s water system.When to travel
Trips to Azerbaijan can be planned for any time of the year: winter is best for ski resorts, summer is best for relaxing in the mountains or on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and spring and autumn are perfect for exploring the many sights of the Land of Fire. Make sure to check out international exhibitions and cultural and religious holidays held annually in Azerbaijan.
Arriving
The easiest way to get to Azerbaijan is to fly to Baku, the capital of the country. There are daily flights from many CIS countries and Europe, making Azerbaijan easily accessible. It is also possible to arrive by train from Georgia, or via land borders from Russia, Georgia, or Iran.
Port City of Baku – Capital of Azerbaijan
Baku, one of the most beautiful world’s cities is located at the joint of Europe and Asia. The capital’s name itself is interpreted as a “wind blow”, “city of winds” or “hill”, “city on the hill”.
The port city of Baku, the cultural, industrial and political capital of Azerbaijan is located on the western Caspian seaside, on the bay shores of the same name in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula, rich in its oil fields. Baku consists of 11 administrative districts and 5 townships.
Cultural Baku
Baku is the largest cultural center of Azerbaijan. It is the place where a national theater, the first in Muslim East, lifted the curtain, the first opera was performed, the first Azerbaijan newspaper was published, the first Azerbaijan library was opened. Today Baku is known to have 30 museums, 7 theaters, 11 institutions of higher education, philharmonic, opera theatre, film studio, cinema theaters and libraries housed in the city’s most beautiful buildings having an interior decoration which is every bit as good as their interior cultural content.
E-Visa
The electronic visa application procedure issued through the “ASAN Visa” system is realized by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovation under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The electronic visa issued within 3 working days through “ASAN Visa” system determines the duration of stay in the country up to 30 days.
Despite of non-working days and holidays, urgent visa issuing opportunity within 3 hours through “ASAN Visa” system had been created.
If you are the citizen of one of the 93 countries who are eligible to apply for “easy e-visa”, you need to provide just Passport copy. You can check your country’s eligibility by clicking this link – “Countries eligible for easy e-visa”.
If you are the citizen of other countries, it is recommended to approach a consulate or an embassy the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Citizens of Turkey, Israel, Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates can obtain visas in Azerbaijan international airports on arrival (starting from 1 February 2016).
REGISTRATION FOR THE MORE THAN 10 DAYS STAY
NOTE: Foreigners arriving in the Republic of Azerbaijan for a period of more than 15 days are required to be registered within the first 15 days of arrival (the day of arrival is counted as the first day). For this purpose, upon arrival at a hotel, boarding house, camp site, apartment or other living space, the administrator of that place or the owner (“the receiving party”) should submit an application form including a copy of the relevant passport personally or via email ([email protected]) to the State Migration Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the same time, registration can be done online through the website of the State Migration Services of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Address: Mammad Araz, 109, Baku, Narimanov, AZ10699
Office Phone: +994 12 310 09 32
Email: [email protected]
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