Azerbaijan

Set in the heart of the Caucuses, between Armenia, Iran, and Georgia, Azerbaijan is a country with a distinctly unique culture. Locally, the nation is affectionately referred to as being the “land of fire”. This is a title awarded on account of the mysterious, continually burning fires around the country that never go out – Yanar Dag burning mountain, and Ateshgah: the temple of fire. 

The fires are caused by an abundance of natural gases, bubbling and reacting beneath the surface, however, Azeri legends tell a more magical, spiritual tale. Until recently, Azerbaijan was a relatively closed country, and obtaining a visa to travel here was relatively difficult. The Eurovision song contest and the Baku Grand Prix have really put the country on the map, and encouraged the tourism board to open their doors to international travellers. 

Baku, the country’s capital is often likened to Dubai. It is a city filled with towering skyscrapers, impressive contemporary architecture, and elegant dining and shopping. Outside of the capital, the country is distinctly different. 

Isolated villages where locals speak their own local dialects, sit perched atop mountains in what is no doubt some of the most dramatic scenery in the Caucuses (look out for the village of Lahic). In Qobustan, travellers can see the largest collection of mud volcanoes in the world, and admire cave dwellings that were occupied by prehistoric man some 40,000 years ago.