Photo credit: Derya Soysal
Azerbaijan’s Global Identity and the International Significance of Its Capital
Baku is not only the political center of Azerbaijan but also a cultural, economic, and geopolitical hub. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, this city has played a role in Silk Road trade networks throughout history, served as a laboratory for Soviet modernization, and, following independence, has become one of Eurasia’s rising capitals. Today, visiting Baku is not merely a touristic journey but also a testimony to the story of a modernizing nation. Embracing the past with its historical texture and the future with its modern architecture, the city offers unforgettable experiences with its hospitable people, unique cuisine, and strategic importance.
The Heart of History and Culture: İçərişəhər
Baku’s UNESCO heritage site, İçərişəhər, along with landmarks such as the Shirvanshahs’ Palace and the Maiden Tower, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. This district is not only a journey through history but also a representation of Azerbaijani identity engraved in stone.
A Day by the Caspian
The Seaside Boulevard is one of the most vibrant areas of the city. Walking here, stepping under the shadow of the world’s largest flag, and in the evening savoring the taste of fresh Caspian fish are only some of the unique privileges Baku offers its visitors.
Azerbaijani Cuisine: The Capital of Flavors
Baku is also gastronomically unique. Traditional meat dishes, dolmas, saffron-infused plov varieties, and sweets like shakarbura and pakhlava stand out. Azerbaijani tea, served in thin-waisted glasses, is more than a drink—it is a symbol of hospitality.
Table 1: Must-Try Dishes in Baku
| Dish | Description | Cultural Significance |
| Plov | Saffron rice prepared with meat or dried fruits. | An indispensable element of guest tables; at weddings, introduced as the “king of dishes” (yeməklərin şahı) accompanied by traditional dances. |
| Dolma | Grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. | A symbol of family and social togetherness. |
| Kebabs | Grilled marinated meats. Variants include: Lüle (minced kebab on skewers), Tike (cubed pieces), Bastırma (spiced meat). | A symbol of hospitality and sharing. |
| Shakarbura & Pakhlava | Traditional sweets. | Essentials of the Novruz holiday; also a warm metaphor—“You’ve turned into a shakarbura,” said jokingly to someone unseen for a long time. |
| Azerbaijani Tea | Served in thin glasses with lemon, jams, or chocolates. | A ritual of friendship and hospitality. |
Modern Baku and Natural Wonders
Baku stands out not only with its modern landmarks but also with nature’s unique gifts. Located on the outskirts of the city, Yanar Dağ (Burning Mountain) amazes visitors with flames that have been burning continuously for thousands of years due to natural gas emissions. This eternal fire is both a symbol of ancient Zoroastrian worship and a living expression of Azerbaijan’s identity as the “Land of Fire.” Visiting Yanar Dağ at night is like stepping into another world: the eternal dance of flames in the dark sky is one of Baku’s most unique experiences.
Table 2: Iconic Landmarks of Baku
| Landmark | Feature | Cultural / Symbolic Message |
| İçərişəhər | Medieval walls, UNESCO heritage | Historical continuity and identity |
| Maiden Tower | Symbolic monument of the city | Ancient heritage and city icon |
| Flame Towers | Nighttime illuminations in flame shapes | Energy and modernization |
| Heydar Aliyev Center | Architectural masterpiece by Zaha Hadid | Cultural vision and modernity |
| National Flag Square | World’s largest flag | Independence and national pride |
| Yanar Dağ | Eternal natural gas flames | “Land of Fire” identity and sanctity |
| Martyrs’ Alley | Memorial for martyrs | National memory and respect |
| Fakhri Khiyaban | Resting place for honored figures | Cultural and societal reverence |
Yanar Dağ (Burning Mountain), located on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku, is a unique geological formation where natural gas seeps through the earth and burns continuously. Neither rain nor snow can extinguish it, and its unbroken flames have fascinated both scientists and tourists for centuries. Historically, Yanar Dağ has been considered a sacred site in Zoroastrianism, where fire symbolizes purity, life, and divinity. Even today, fire-worshippers from India and Iran visit it as a place of pilgrimage. For Azerbaijan, Yanar Dağ is not only a religious relic but also a vivid proof of its national identity as the “Odlar Yurdu – Land of Fire.” Watching its flames flicker against the night sky is a mystical experience that highlights Baku’s unique charm and strengthens Azerbaijan’s cultural diplomacy.
Martyrs’ Alley (Şəhidlər Xiyabanı)
Martyrs’ Alley is one of the most sacred places in Baku. It is the burial ground for civilians killed during the Soviet military intervention in 1990, as well as soldiers who fell during the 1990s and the 2020 Karabakh War. More than a cemetery, it stands as a living symbol of Azerbaijan’s fight for independence and homeland. Overlooking the Caspian Sea, the site also features the Eternal Flame (Əbədi Məşəl) memorial, where an ever-burning fire symbolizes the unextinguished memory of the martyrs. For visitors, Martyrs’ Alley is one of the most powerful ways to understand Azerbaijan’s history of resistance and freedom.
Fakhri Khiyaban (Fəxri Xiyaban)
Fakhri Khiyaban is the final resting place for Azerbaijan’s most respected figures in politics, science, arts, and culture. Among them is national leader Heydar Aliyev, alongside other statesmen, poets, artists, scholars, and cultural icons. It represents not only a cemetery but also the collective memory and cultural appreciation of Azerbaijani society. For visitors, walking through Fakhri Khiyaban is an opportunity to witness the lives and legacies of the leaders and cultural figures who shaped the nation’s identity.
Economy and Diplomacy: The Heart of Eurasia
Baku is the core of energy diplomacy. Projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor demonstrate the city’s critical role in global energy security. At the same time, international events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix and European Games place Baku on the stage of cultural diplomacy.
Table 3: International Events in Baku and Their Global Impact
| Event | Year / Frequency | Global Impact |
| European Games | 2015 | Strengthened Azerbaijan’s cultural integration with Europe. |
| Formula 1 Grand Prix | Annually since 2016 | Broadcast to millions worldwide, showcasing Baku globally. |
| COP29 (UN Climate Summit) | 2024 | Highlighted Azerbaijan’s rising role in environmental diplomacy. |
Photo credit: EUREFLECT
Azerbaijan’s First Lady and Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and Musical Traditions in 2004, has played a crucial role through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in promoting the preservation of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and its inscription into UNESCO lists. This provides a strong diplomatic reference admired by embassies and the international community.
A Safe and Comfortable City: Baku
Photocredit: Eurasiafocus
Baku today stands as one of the safest and most comfortable cities in the region, thanks to:
- Political Stability and Leadership – President Ilham Aliyev’s determined policies strengthened national unity. The 2020 victory in Karabakh was not only a military success but also a reaffirmation of trust in the Azerbaijani state. It further consolidated Baku as a secure diplomatic and touristic hub.
- A Strong Army, a Safe Capital – A modernized Azerbaijani army ensures deterrence nationwide, contributing to very low crime rates in Baku.
- A Safe Environment for Tourists – Visitors can walk freely at any time of the day or night. The city’s peaceful atmosphere makes it especially welcoming for women, families, and foreign tourists.
- Comfort and Modern Infrastructure –
- Public Transport: A well-functioning metro, buses, and taxis.
- Accommodation: International hotel chains and boutique hotels for every budget.
- City Order: Clean boulevards, wide sidewalks, traffic discipline, and comprehensive surveillance ensure safety.
- Airport: Heydar Aliyev International Airport as a modern gateway to the city.
- Cultural Ease and Hospitality – The warmth of Azerbaijani people ensures visitors feel at home. Whether in restaurants, bazaars, museums, or parks, an atmosphere of comfort and trust prevails.
Baku is not only the capital of Azerbaijan but also a civilizational hub in the heart of Eurasia. From the ancient alleys of İçərişəhər to fresh Caspian fish by the shore; from plov—the “king of dishes” at weddings—to the warm joke of “turning into a shakarbura”; from walking under the world’s largest flag to watching the eternal flames of Yanar Dağ—every detail reflects the city’s unique soul.
Baku blends history with modernity, tradition with innovation, national memory with international diplomacy. The traces of sacrifice at Martyrs’ Alley, the respect at Fakhri Khiyaban, the glow of the Flame Towers, the vision of the Heydar Aliyev Center, and the mystical fire of Yanar Dağ—together they shape the city’s distinctive character.
Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev’s determined leadership, the Karabakh victory achieved by a strong army, and sustained political stability have made Baku one of the safest and most comfortable cities in the region. For foreign tourists, businesspeople, and diplomats alike, Baku is both a city to explore freely and a capital that inspires confidence.
In conclusion, visiting Baku is not merely a touristic experience but an opportunity to feel Azerbaijan’s identity, history, strength, and vision. With the Caspian breeze in your lungs and the harmony of ancient and modern at your feet, exploring Baku is to witness the future heart of Eurasia. Today, as in the future, Baku will continue to enchant visitors as a capital of cultural diplomacy.
More article? Why Visit Ashgabat? – https://eureflect.com
