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Baku Bakı
Seal
Baku Location in Azerbaijan
Coordinates: 40°23′43″N 49°52′56″E / 40.39528°N 49.88222°E / 40.39528; 49.88222
Country	Azerbaijan
Government
- Mayor	Hajibala Abutalybov
Area [1]
- Total	2,130 km2 (822.4 sq mi)
Elevation	-28 m (-92 ft)
Population (2009)[2]
- Total	2,039,700
- Density	900/km2 (2,331/sq mi)
Time zone	AZT (UTC+4)
- Summer (DST)	AZST (UTC+5)
Postal code	AZ1000
Area code(s)	12
Website	BakuCity.az

Baku (Azerbaijani: Bakı), sometimes known as Baqy, Baky, Baki or Bakou, is the capital, the largest city, and the largest port of Azerbaijan and all the Caucasus. Located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, the city consists of two principal parts: the downtown and the old Inner City (21.5 ha). Baku is one of the oldest and biggest cities in East for antiquity, territory and population.^[3] Its urban population in the beginning of 2009 was estimated at 2.0397 million people.^[2] In 2003 Baku additionally had 153,400 internally displaced persons and 93,400 refugees.^[4]

In 2007 Culture Ministers of the member-states of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference declared Baku the capital of Islamic Culture in 2009.^[5] The Walled City of Baku along with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. According to the Lonely Planet's ranking Baku is also amongst the world's top ten destinations for urban nightlife.^[6]

Baku is divided into eleven administrative districts (Azizbayov, Binagadi, Garadagh, Narimanov, Nasimi, Nizami, Sabail, Sabunchu, Khatai, Surakhany and Yasamal) and 48 townships. Among these are the townships on islands in the Baku Bay and the town of Oil Rocks built on stilts in the Caspian Sea, 60 km (37 mi) away from Baku.

Etymology

The name Baku is widely believed to be derived from the old Persian names of the city باد-که Bād-kube, meaning "Wind-pounded city", in which bād means "wind" and kube is rooted in the verb کوبی kubidan, "to pound", thus referring to a place where wind is strong and pounding. Indeed, the city is renowned for its fierce winter snow storms and harsh winds.^[7] It is also believed that Baku refers to Baghkuh, meaning "Mount of God". Baga (now bagh) and kaufa (now kuh) are the Old Persian words for "god" and "mountain" respectively; the name Baghkuh may be compared with Baghdād ("God-given") in which dā is the Old Persian word for "give". Arabic sources refer to the city as Baku, Bakukh, Bakuya, and Bakuye, all of which seem to come from a Persian name.

Various different hypotheses were also proposed to explain the etymology of the word Baku. According to L.G.Lopatinski^[8] and Ali Huseynzade^[9] Baku is derived from Turkic word for "hill". Caucasian history specialist K.P. Patkanov also explains the name as "hill" but in the Lak language.^[9] The Turkish Islamic Encyclopedia presents the origin of the word Baku as being derived from the words Bey-Kyoy, which mean "the main city" in Turkic. Also another theory suggest that the name Baku is derived from the ancient Caucasian Albanian city which present was called Baguan.

History

Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type	Cultural
Criteria	iv
Reference	958
Region**	Middle East
Inscription history
Inscription	2000  (24th Session)
Endangered	2003-2009
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO.

The Fire Temple at Suraxany and its surroundings

Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace

The first written evidence for Baku dates to the 6th century AD.^[10] Much of its history since that time has been linked to various Persian Empires.

The city became important after an earthquake destroyed Shamakhy in the 12th century, when the ruling Shirvanshah, Ahsitan I, chose Baku as the new capital. In 1501, Safavid Shah Ismail I laid a siege on Baku. At this time the city was however enclosed within the lines of strong walls, which were washed by sea on one side and protected by a wide trench on land. In 1540 Baku was again captured by the Safavid troops. In 1604 the Baku fortress was destroyed by Iranian shah Abbas I.

On 26 June 1723, after a lasting siege using cannons, Baku surrendered to the Russians. According to Peter the Great's decree the soldiers of two regiments (2,382 people) were left in the Baku garrison under the command of Prince Baryatyanski, the commandant of the city. In 1795, Baku was invaded by Agha Muhammad Khan Qajar to defend against tsarist Russia's ambitions to subjugate the South Caucasus. In the spring of 1796, by Catherine II's order, General Zubov's troops began a major campaign in Transcaucasia. Baku surrendered after the first demand of Zubov who had sent 6,000 troops to capture the city. On 13 June 1796 the Russian flotilla entered Baku Bay and a garrison of Russian troops was placed in the city. General Pavel Tsitsianov was appointed Baku's commandant. Later, however, Czar Paul I ordered him to cease the campaign and withdraw Russian forces. In March 1797 the tsarist troops left Baku but a new tsar, Alexander I, began to show a special interest in capturing Baku. In 1803, Tsitsianov reached an agreement with the Baku khan to compromise, but the agreement was soon annulled. On 8 February 1806, upon the surrendering of Baku, Huseyngulu khan of Baku stabbed and killed Tsitsianov at the gates of the city.

In 1813, Russia signed the Treaty of Gulistan with Persia, which provided for the cession of Baku and most of the Caucasus from Iran and their annexation by Russia.

Oil boom

The first oil well to be mechanically drilled was in the Bibi-Heybat suburb of Baku in 1846, though hand dug wells pre date this. Large-scale oil development started in 1872, when the Russian imperial authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. Within a short period of time Swiss, British, French, Belgian, German, Swedish and American investors appeared in Baku, among them were the firms of the Nobel brothers together with the family von Börtzell-Szuch (Carl Knut Börtzell, who also owned the Livadia Palace) and the Rothschild family. An industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku. By the beginning of the 20th century almost half of world production was being extracted in Baku.^[11]

In 1917, after the October revolution and amidst the turmoil of World War I and the breakup of the Russian Empire, Baku came under the control of the Baku Commune, which was led by veteran Bolshevik Stepan Shaumyan. Seeking to capitalize on the existing inter-ethnic conflicts, by spring 1918, Bolsheviks inspired and condoned civil warfare in and around Baku. During the infamous March Days, using the support of the Dashnak Armenian militia in the city, and under the pretext of suppressing Musavat party, Bolsheviks attacked and massacred thousands of Azeris and other Muslims in Baku.^[12]

On 28 May 1918, the Azerbaijani faction of the Transcaucasian Sejm proclaimed the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in Ganja. Shortly after, Azerbaijani forces, with support of the Ottoman Army of Islam led by Nuru Pasha, started their advance into Baku, eventually capturing the city from the loose coalition of Bolsheviks, Esers, Dashnaks, Mensheviks and British forces under the command of General Lionel Dunsterville on 15 September 1918. Thousands of Armenians in the city were massacred in revenge for the earlier March Days.^[13] Baku became the capital of the ADR. On 28 April 1920, the 11th Red Army invaded Baku and reinstalled the Bolsheviks, making Baku the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

Historical city core

The centre of Baku is the old town, which is also a fortress. In December 2000, the Inner City of Baku with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower became the first location in Azerbaijan classified as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

Most of the walls and towers, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survived. This section is picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings: the cobbled streets past the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, two caravansaries (ancient inns), the Maiden Tower (nice view of the harbor), the baths and the Juma Mosque (it used to house the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, but now is a mosque again; the carpets got moved to the former Lenin museum). The old town also has dozens of small mosques, often without any particular sign to distinguish them from the next building.

In 2003, UNESCO placed the Inner City on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing damage from a November 2000 earthquake, poor conservation as well as "dubious" restoration efforts.^[14]

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Inner City of Baku.

See Further reading links below for more information.

Geography

Topography

Climate

Baku has a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and relatively mild winters. During Soviet times, Baku was a vacation destination where citizens could enjoy beaches or relax in now-dilapidated spa complexes overlooking the Caspian Sea. The climate is hot and humid in the summer, and cool and wet in the winter. During the winter gale-force winds sweep through on occasion, driven by masses of polar air (strong northern winds Khazri and southern Gilavar are typical here); however, snow is rare at 28 m (91.86 ft) below sea level, and temperatures on the coast rarely drop to freezing. The average annual temperature of Baku and that of the Earth differ by less than 0.1 °C (0.18 °F) : it is 14.2 °C (57.6 °F).^[15] The southwestern part of Great Baku is a more arid part of Azerbaijan (precipitation here is less than 150 mm (6 in) a year). In the vicinities of the city there are a number of mud volcanoes (Keyraki, Bogkh-bogkha, Lokbatan and others) and salt lakes (Boyukshor, Khodasan etc.).

Governance

Districts of Baku

Today, Baku is divided into 11 rayons (administrative districts) and 5 settlements of city type.^[17][18]

• Azizbayov (Əzizbəyov rayonu)
• Binagadi (Binəqədi rayonu)
• Garadagh (Qaradağ rayonu)
• Khatai (Xətai rayonu)
• Narimanov (Nərimanov rayonu)
• Nasimi (Nəsimi rayonu)
• Nizami (Nizami rayonu)
• Sabail (Səbail rayonu)
• Sabunchu (Sabunçu raion)
• Surakhany (Suraxanı rayonu)
• Yasamal (Yasamal rayonu)

Demographics

Until 1988 Baku had very large Armenian, Russian, and Jewish population that contributed to cultural diversity and added in various ways (music, literature, architecture) to Baku's history treasure chest. Under Communism, the Soviets took over the majority of Jewish property in Baku and Kuba. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliev has returned several synagogues and a Jewish college nationalized by the Soviets, to the Jewish community. He has encouraged the restoration of these buildings and is well-liked by the Jews of Azerbaijan. Renovation has begun on seven of the original eleven synagogues, including the Gilah synagogue, built in 1896, and the large Kruei Synagogue.^[19] The new Azerbaijan constitution grants religious freedom and asserts that there is no state religion.

Currently the vast majority of the population of Baku are ethnic Azerbaijanis (more than 90%). The intensive growth of the population started in the middle of the 19th century when Baku was a small town with the population of about 7 thousand people. The population increased again from about 13,000 in the 1860s to 112,000 in 1897 and 215,000 in 1913, making Baku the largest city in the Caucasus region.^[20]

Baku has been a cosmopolitan city at certain times during its history, meaning ethnic Azerbaijanis did not constitute the majority of population.^[21]

Culture

Azerbaijan State Academic Opera

Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall.

The city has many amenities for a wide range of cultural activities, from history to opera, drawing both from the rich local dramatic portfolio and from the international repertoire; it also has a large selection of museums that include those devoted to history, religion, and modern art. Many of the city's cultural sites were celebrated in 2009 when Baku was designated Islamic Culture Capital.^[22]

Baku also chosen to host Eurovision Dance Contest 2010.

Recreation

Baku is home to a variety of venues including Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and Shirvanshah Palace and is home to many municipal museums and art galleries, the most famous being the Azerbaijan State Museum of Art, Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature and the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, which exhibits the carpets from all periods, styles and from both Azerbaijan proper and the Azeri provinces in Iran. The main movie theatre is "Azerbaijan Cinema".

Music scene

Jazz Center in Baku.

The music scene in Baku can be traced back to ancient times and villages of Baku, generally revered as the fountainhead of meykhana and mugham in the Azerbaijan.^[23][24]

In recent years, the success of Azerbaijani performers such as AySel, Elnur Hüseynov and Arash in Eurovision has significantly boosted the profile of the Baku music scene, prompting international attention.

The 2005 was a landmark in the development of jazz in the city, who is home of legendary jazz musicians like Vagif Mustafazadeh, Aziza Mustafa Zadeh and Rain Sultanov.^[25][26] Among Baku's prominent annual fairs and festivals is Baku International Jazz Festival, which includes world's biggest jazz names.^[27][28]

International Center of Mugham in Baku Boulevard.

Baku also has a thriving International Center of Mugham, which is located in Baku Boulevard.^[29]

Media

The large majority of Azerbaijan’s media companies (including television, newspaper and radio) are headquartered in Baku. The films The World Is Not Enough and The Diamond Arm are set in the city, while Amphibian Man includes several scenes filmed in Old City.

Baku is home to the Azerbaijani national media and AzTV, ANS, Azad Azerbaijan TV, Ictimai TV, Lider TV, Space TV, Khazar TV channels.

Baku has a number of newspaper publishing houses. Some of the most noteworthy newspapers include the daily Zaman ("The Time"), Bakinskiy Rabochiy ("Worker of the Baku"), Echo, the English-language based Baku Today

Various radio stations are also located in Baku. Out of the city’s radio stations ANS ChM, Ictimai Radio, Radio Antenn, Burc FM, and Lider FM Jazz are some of the more influential competitors with large national audiences. ANS ChM was one of the first private and independent FM radio broadcasting service in the Caucasus and Central Asia regions when it was established in May 1994.^[30]

Architecture

Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature.

Baku has wildly varying architecture, from the centre of Old City, typical of a medieval town, to the more modern architecture and spacious layout of Port Baku.

Many of the city's most impressive buildings were built during Azerbaijan Democratic Republic period, as architectural elements of these European styles were combined with each other as evidenced in the eclecticism that evolved.^[31]

Development in Baku.

In general, referring to the architecture of Baku in the period of capitalism, it should be noted that in a relatively short historical period, Azerbaijan is experiencing one of the most tumultuous periods in its development. With labor and talent of architects and builders who created it, Baku obtains an original and unique appearance, deservedly earned him a reputation as the Paris of the East.^[32]

Nightlife

Baku has a reputation for offering a vibrant nightlife, and many clubs that are open until dawn can be found throughout the city. Most of the pubs and bars are located near Fountain Square and are usually open until the early hours of the morning. There are several British, Scottish and Irish style public houses, among them "The Clansman", "Corner Bar", "Shakespeares", "Finnigans" the "Rig Bar", "O'Malley's" and the "Phoenix Bar".

Some of the most popular discotheques and night clubs include, "X-Site", "Le Chevalier" at Grand Hotel Europe, "Zagulba Disco Club" and "Le Mirage". Most of them are open till the early hours of the morning.

According to Lonely Planet, Baku is one of world's top 10 party cities for having ultimate experience.^[6][33]

Religion

More than 94% of the residents of Baku practice various forms of Islam. A small minority of the population (about 4%) are Christians (majority Russian Orthodox Church, Georgian Orthodox Church and Molokans). Baku also has three Jewish communities, namely the Ashkenazim Jews, the Mountain Jews, and the Georgian Jews.

Parks and gardens

Martyrs' Lane

• Baku Boulevard is a promenade that runs parallel to Baku's seafront.
• The Martyrs' Lane, formerly the Kirov Park, is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the Nagorno-Karabakh War and also to the 137 people who were killed on Black January, 1990.

Other prominent parks and gardens include:

• Heydər Əliyev parkı (Heydar Aliyev Park)
• Səməd Vurğun parkı (Samad Vurgun Park)
• Nərimanov parkı‎ (Narimanov Park)
• Fəvvarələr Bağı (Fountains Park)

Economy

Office buildings at Jafar Jabbarli St.

Entrenchments and antitank obstacles near Baku (during the operation Edelweiss). 1976, Ilya Repin Academy of Arts, Saint Petersburg.

The basis of Baku's economy is petroleum. The existence of petroleum has been known since the 8th century. In the 10th century, the Arabian traveler, Marudee, reported that both white and black oil were being extracted naturally from Baku.^[34] By the 15th century oil for lamps was obtained from hand dug surface wells. Commercial exploitation began in 1872, and by the beginning of the 20th century the Baku oil fields were the largest in the world. Towards the end of the 20th century much of the onshore petroleum had been exhausted, and drilling had extended into the sea offshore. By the end of the 19th century skilled workers and specialists flocked to Baku. By 1900 the city had more than 3,000 oil wells of which 2,000 of them were producing oil at industrial levels. Baku ranked as one of the largest centres for the production of oil industry equipment before World War II. The World War II Battle of Stalingrad was fought to determine who would have control of the Baku oil fields. Fifty years before the battle, Baku produced half of the world's oil supply: Azerbaijan and the United States are the only two countries ever to have been the world's majority oil producer. Currently the oil economy of Baku is undergoing a resurgence, with the development of the massive Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field (Shallow water Gunashli by SOCAR, deeper areas by a consortium lead by BP), development of the Shah Deniz gas field, the expansion of the Sangachal Terminal and the construction of the BTC Pipeline.

The Baku Stock Exchange has been operating since February 2001.

Tourism

Baku is one of Caucasus most important tourist destinations; with hotels in city earning 7 million euros last year.^[35] The city boasts several popular tourist attractions, such as the Government House, International Mugham Center, Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Amburan, One and Thousand Nights and Shikov beaches, Yanar Dag and Oil Rocks.

The city also has numerous luxury hotels, including Park Hyatt Baku, the Boutique Palace Hotel, Radisson SAS Plaza, the Crown Hotel Baku, Ambassador Hotel, Hyatt Regency, Grand Europe Hotel, Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel, Park Inn, Excelsior Hotel, Caspian Palace and Respublica Hotel.^[36][37]

Infrastructure

Bulk power supply of Baku is provided by five 110 kV lines. As of 8 February 2008 three of them (total length 23.6 km/15 mi) have been completely refitted and modernized with their carrying capacity being doubled.^[38] Three 110 kV and twelve 35 kV substations were commissioned recently.^[38] Water supply is secured by several lines, the purest water comes from Khachmaz and Shollar lines.^[39]

Communication

Baku had its first permanent internet link only in 1995, through the Academy of Sciences. Dial-up internet access has been available since 1991. ADSL service was made widely available in 2007. The city is served by the English language paper Baku Today.^[40]

Transportation

Baku is served by the Heydar Aliyev International Airport and the Baku Metro. There were once also trams. There are two official taxi companies in the city: the yellow Star cabs and the white taxis with blue sign from "Azeri Taxis". The van buses stop at any point along that route when flagged down or told to stop. Shipping services operate regularly from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) in Turkmenistan and to Bandar Anzali and Bandar Nowshar in Iran.

Education

Academy of Sciences

Baku Academy of Music.

As Azerbaijan's centre of education, Baku boasts many universities and vocational schools. After Azerbaijan gained independence, the fall of Communism led to development of a number of private institutions. Baku also houses the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan founded here in 1945 .

Public universities

• Baku State University (1919)
• Azerbaijan State Oil Academy (1920)
• Baku Academy of Music (1920)
• Azerbaijan Medical University (founded 1930)
• Azerbaijan State Economic University (1930)
• Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (1945)
• Baku Slavic University (1946)
• Azerbaijan Technical University (1950)
• Azerbaijan University of Languages (1973)
• Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University (1975)
• Azerbaijan Tourism Institute (2006)
• Academy of Public Administration state-run (1999)

Private universities

• Khazar University (1991)
• Western University (1991)
• Qafqaz University (1992)
• Odlar Yurdu University (1995)
• Azerbaijan International University (1997)

Sport

Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex during 2009 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships

Baku was bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but was eliminated on 4 June 2008.^[41] It is also bidding for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The city's two main football clubs are Neftchi Baku (currently in the Azerbaijan Premier League) and FK Baku, both of whom play at the Tofik Bakhramov Stadium. Neftchi has won five Azerbaijani titles, whilst FK Baku has won twice. Baku also has several clubs in the premier and regional leagues, including Inter Baku, Olimpik-Shuvalan in Premier League, MOIK Baku, Adliyya Baku and Bakili Baku in Azerbaijani First Division. In the Azerbaijan Basketball League, Baku is represented by Gala BC Baku, BC Aztop Baku, NTD Devon Baku whose home is the Palace of Hand Games.^[42]

First class sporting facilities were built for the indoor games, including the Palace of Hand Games and Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex. It hosted many sporting events, including Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships in 2007 and 2009, 2005 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, 2007 FILA Wrestling World Championships, 2009 Women's Challenge Cup and European Taekwondo Championships in 2007.^[43][44]

Notable residents

Because of intermittent periods of great prosperity and as the largest city in the Caucasus and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the Soviet Union, Baku prides itself on having produced a disproportionate number of notable figures in the sciences, arts and other fields. Some of the houses they resided in display commemorative plaques.

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan

Twin towns - Sister cities

Baku is twinned with:^{[45][in chronological order]}

City	Country	Year
Dakar	Senegal	From 1967[46][47]
Naples	Italy	From 1972[48]
Basra	Iraq	From 1972[46]
Sarajevo	Bosnia-Herzegovina	From 1975[46][47]
Houston, TX	United States	From 1976[49]
Bordeaux	France	From 1979[46]
Tabriz	Iran	From 1980's[47]
Mainz	Germany	From 1984[47]
Izmir	Turkey	From 1985[50]
Vũng Tàu	Vietnam	From 1985[46]

Partnership relations

Partnership relations also exist at different levels with:^[51] Berlin, Paris, Aberdeen, Vienna, Stavanger, Tbilisi, Astana, Minsk, Moscow, Volgograd, Kizlyar, Tashkent and Chengdu.

Gallery

Bay of Baku at night	Baku landmark	Bibi Heybat mosque
	Philharmonic Hall			The Bank Standard Building
	Parliament building of the Azerbaijan republic	National Library	Baku TV tower
	Baku Boulevard fountains

Further reading

• UNESCO/ICOMOS (April 29, 2003). "Joint UNESCO-ICOMOS Mission to the Walled City of Baku". UNESCO/ICOMOS. http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001305/130571e.pdf. 
• The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies (August 23, 2003). "Unchecked Development Threatens Baku’s Ancient Walled City". The Circle of Ancient Iranian Studies. 

See also

• Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline
• Ganja
• Sumgait

References

Bibliography

Notes

External links

• Baku travel guide from Wikitravel
• Organization of World Heritage Cities
• Baku Hotels
• Baku city guide
• Information about Baku, Baku people around the world
• Azerbaijan Companies
• Azerbaijan travel information
• UNESCO World Heritage Site listing Walled City of Baku

Coordinates: 40°22′46″N 49°53′28″E / 40.379571°N 49.891233°E / 40.379571; 49.891233

Administrative divisions of Azerbaijan Districts Absheron · Agdam · Agdash · Aghjabadi · Agstafa · Agsu · Astara · Babek · Balakan · Barda · Beylagan · Bilasuvar · Dashkasan · Davachi · Fizuli · Gadabay · Goranboy · Goychay · Goygol · Hajigabul · Imishli · Ismailli · Jabrayil · Jalilabad · Julfa · Kalbajar · Kangarli · Khachmaz · Khizi · Khojali · Khojavend · Kurdamir · Lachin · Lankaran · Lerik · Masally · Neftchala · Oghuz · Ordubad · Qabala · Qakh · Qazakh · Gobustan · Quba · Qubadli · Qusar · Saatly · Sabirabad · Sadarak · Salyan · Samukh · Shakhbuz · Shaki · Shamakhi · Shamkir · Sharur · Shusha · Siazan · Tartar · Tovuz · Ujar · Yardymli · Yevlakh · Zangilan · Zaqatala · Zardab Cities Baku · Ganja · Khankendi · Lankaran · Mingachevir · Naftalan · Nakhchivan City · Shaki · Shirvan · Sumqayit · Shusha · Yevlakh Names in italics indicate parts of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Raions of Baku Əzizbəyov • Binəqədi • Qaradağ • Xətai • Nərimanov • Nəsimi • Nizami • Sabail • Sabunçu • Suraxanı • Yasamal

Baku Capital: Baku Artyom · Badamdar · Bailov · Bakıxanov · Balaxanı · Baş Ələt · Bibiheybət · Biləcəri · Bilgəh · Binə · Bukhta-Ilicha · Bülbülə · Buzovna · Cənubi · Çeyildağ · Chërnyy Gorod · Çilov · Çilov-Neft Daşları · Dənizkənarı · Dübəndi · Dzhabar · Əhmədli · Ələt · Əmircan · Gürgan · Gürgən-Pirallahı · Heybət · Hövsan · İkinci Qala · Imeni Vorovskogo · Jiloy · Kələzağ · Keşlə · Kirov · Korgöz · Kotal · Kürdəxanı · Lökbatan · Maştağa · Mərdəkan · Müşviqabad · Nardaran · Neft Daşları · Pirallahı · Pirsaat · Pirşağı · Puta · Qala · Qaraçuxur · Qaraibad · Qarakosa · Qaya · Qızıldaş · Qobustan · Qoşaqışlaq · Ramana · Rəsulzadə · Sabunçu · Şağan · Sahil · Sahqaya · Sanqaçal · Şıxlar · Şonqar · Stepan Razin · Şubanı · Sulutəpə · Şüvəlan · Türkan · Üçtəpə · Xanlar · Xocəsən · Yeni Ələt · Yeni Günəşli · Yeni Suraxanı · Zabrat · Zağulba Bağları · Zəfəran · Zığ · Zirə

World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape  · Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower ·

From Wikitravel

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.

Baku at Night

Fortress gate in Baku

Understand

Baku, also known as Baky or Bakı, is the largest city in the Caucasus and the capital of Azerbaijan. Baku is on the coast of the Caspian Sea on the southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula. There are three major divisions in Baku: İçəri Şəhər (the ancient city), the Soviet built city, and the newest part of the city. The population as of January, 2003 reached 2,074,300 people.

A curious fact about Baku is that its average year-round temperature (14.2 Centigrade) matches the average temperature of the entire landmass of the earth to within a tenth of degree. Summers are hot and humid, winters cool, wet and breezy. However, seasonal temperature excursions are less than in many continental regions at this latitude (about 40 degrees north) owing to the presence of the Caspian Sea. One of Baku's sister cities is Houston Texas, in the United States. Baku bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics but was eliminated on June 4th 2008.

Baku Skyline

Heydar Aliyev International Airport [1] (IATA: GYD) is situated 25km from Baku city center. It is served by major airlines including BMI, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, and a whole host of smaller airlines. The least expensive way to get to Baku from Europe is via Air Baltic, with inexpensive flights several times a week.

To get to Baku from the airport cheaply, walk to the traffic circle from the airport (about 15 minutes) and ride the minibus from there. It is a 1 hour trip. Otherwise pay a taxi driver 12 AZN ride the taxi to your destination in Baku. Every price above 15 AZN is rip-off, but foreigners frequently believe the fairy tale stories and pay 30, 40, ... AZN. Be tough!

If you are flying out of the airport and you want to save a few AZN it is possible to take the number 135 minibus from near the 28 May train/metro station. It costs 40 qapik, but it is 7-9 AZN cheaper than a taxi. After getting to the traffic circle near the airport, join disembarking passengers in their taxi and give the driver 1 AZN once arriving at the airport.

• Russia
• Georgia
• Iran
• Baku-Sheki:Overnight train 2.4 AZN for 3rd class, 3.6 AZN for coupe, 5 AZN for first class
• Baku-Lankaran: Day train - 2.5 AZN for economy; 4.1 AZN for first class, overnight train
• Baku-Xachmaz: Day train
• Baku-Ganja: Day train, overnight train
• Baku-Tbilisi: Overnight train, AZN 29 first class

• Lankaran-Baku: arrives: 7:00, 7.30, 9:00, departs: 11:50, 16:00, 15:00
• Lankaran-Baku-Baku's Airport: arrives: 21:00, departs: 17:00
• Sheki-Baku: Every hour/4 AZN (7 hour trip)

There are buses that run from Georgia, Russia, and Iran.

• Baku-Sheki: 6 hours
• Baku-Lankaran: 5 hours
• Baku-Xachmaz: 3 hours
• Baku-Saatli: 3 hours
• Baku-Imishli: 4 hours

By taxi

There are taxis that run from Georgia, Russia, and Iran.

• Baku-Sheki:5 hours by taxi
• Baku-Lankaran: 4 hours by taxi

By ferry

The phone number of the sea terminal (Daniz Vagzal) is 994 12 447 7314. People can gather more information on the various routes at the station.

• Russia
• Iran
• Kazakhstan - Irregular services (maybe every 7-10 days). Get your visa before you travel.
• Turkmenistan - From Turkmenistan, the costs, at the cheapest, is around $50 for a steerage bed and it takes two days to reach from Turkmenbashi to Baku. It is better to bring your own food, instead of buying it on the ship because food can be quite pricey. Make sure to get a visa in Tashkent before entering, because it is impossible to obtain one in Turkmenbashi.

Map of the Baku Metro

By taxi

Taxi costs about 4-10 manats (5-13$) for trips within the center of Baku. There are no counters, and it is recommended to negotiate the cost in advance.

• Professional taxi services in Baku [2]

By bus/minibus

Buses and minibuses cost 20 qapik (25 cent)per person and can take you to almost any place within Baku. Destinations are usually posted on the front and the right side of the bus so that people can know where they are going.

Baku metro

The metro goes many places throughout Baku and it costs only 15 qapik (18 cent). It is the least expensive way to get around Baku besides walking. Be careful when transferring on the only transfer (28 May and 20 January) as there is no signage. Ask a cashier or attendant. Also, the newly implemented Bakı Metropiliten Kart requries people to purchase a 2 AZN (2,5 Dollar)card and load it like a normal metro pass. In case of no need card can be returned to cashier and 2 AZN can be received back. It is possible to use a Azerbaycan Sosial Kartı like the ones on some Azerbaijani ATM cards instead of having to buy a Bakı Metropiliten Kart. The metro workers will be more than happy to help if spoken to in either Azeri or Russian.

By train

The Baku electric train runs through several parts of Baku and the surrounding area including Sumqait. It costs 1 AZN (1,20 Dollar) for one person.

Map of the Electric Train System

Schedule for the Electric Train System

On foot

It is possible to get around Fountain Square, the Boulevard, and the old city by foot, but otherwise it would be better to use a different mode of transportation.

Talk

English and Russian are spoken in many places throughout Baku, but it wise to still either bring an Azeri phrase book and/or brush up on your Azeri/Turkish/Russian before arriving. However, everyone over the age of 35 will speak excellent Russian, and about half the people under the age of 35 will speak a little English.

• Azerbaijani phrasebook
• Turkish phrasebook
• Russian phrasebook

The Divankhana Pishtaq in the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs

Guz Qalasi (The Maiden's Tower) a UNESCO World Heritage site

Train Station (vagzal)

• A weekend in Baku
• A week in Baku

Cultural sites

There are a number of interesting sites within Baku's walled fortress, the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which can all be seen on foot in one day:

• The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. 10AM–5PM daily. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku. 2 AZN.  edit
• Maiden's Tower (Giz Qalasi). 10AM–7PM daily. This mysterious and eccentric tower was built somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries and may have served as a fire beacon, defensive fortification, astronomical observatory, or Zoroastrian temple. .5 AZN.  edit

Outside the city, on the Absheron Peninsula, there are several interesting sites that are easy to reach via taxi or public transportation. Moreover, the scenery along your route is itself a fascinatingly ugly sight to be seen, a desert wasteland with white salt flats and natural oil pools seeping up to the surface.

• Atashgah Fire Temple. You can take the Baku Electric train from the Baku train station to Suraxani station for 10 qapik. Simply walk through the station to the outdoor platforms where a schedule is posted. You can pay on board or buy a ticket from a kiosk on the platform. From Suraxani station walk about 100 meters and 'you can arrive at the temple Admission is as follows: children's 0.20 AZN, student's 0.40 AZN, adult's 2 AZN. If you want to take pictures it costs 2 AZN in addition to admission. (40.415485,50.008504) edit'

• Yanar Dagh. Yanar Dagh is a mountain that has been continuously on fire for one thousand years. The natural gas vents ensure that hot flames roar out of the sides of this hill even when it rains. There is a small cafe next to the natural wonder that serves tea and snacks. It is best to take a cab as Yanar Dagh is remote and difficult to find. As of Mar 08 the small cafe was just a shell of a building and no longer there.  edit

• The Baku Boluvar

• Boat tours of Baku. This service is offered from the Baku Boluvar and costs .6 AZN (7,50 Dollar)and lasts 40 minutes.

• The Azeri National Costume Museum (Doll Museum), ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 66 85 (+994 (12)/ 493 05 01).   edit

• Taghiyev History Museum, Tagiyev Street, 4, ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 36 48 (+994 (12)/ 498 52 11).  edit

• Latif Karimov Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, Neftchiler Avenue, 123 A.   edit

• Home of Jafar Jabbarli, 44, S.Gutgashinli Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 43 84 350, [3].  edit

• Dendro Park.  edit

• Oil Rocks. Tourist wanting to see the oil rock complex need to get previous authorization from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.  edit

Ancient Market in Old City (Icheri Sheher)

• Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, 2, Istiglaliyyat Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 497 29 05 (+994 (12)/ 497 29 01). Built in 1912 and inspired by the Monte Carlo Casino. Houses the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra amongst others.   edit

• National Opera and Ballet- on Nizami street.

• Targova Street and Fountain Square: This is a pedestrian street along the center of Baku that has many shopping, dining, and sitting places. Targova and Fountain Square are quite near the old city.

• Baku Entertainment Center (Bakı Ləncə Mərkəzi), Khatai District, F. Bayramov Street, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 490-22-22 (office@bem.az, vip@bem.az, fax: 994 012 490-22-05). Baku Entertainment center has been around for more than half a decade. It has a shopping center, bowling alley certified by AMF, health club, conference venue with a capacity of 350 people, and various restaurants and clubs.   edit

• Hamam Mehellesi. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This is the oldest public bath in Baku located near the Baki Soviet metro station, inside the walls of the old city. There are men's and women's days at this public bath, Mondays and Fridays are for women, the rest of the days are for men. Hamam Mehellesi is in the Old Town. From the station, enter the gate to the old city, turn right and go down the street. The hamam will be a few blocks down, on the left side of the street, you will see a note on one of the walls "hamam mehellesi" and a little further - the bath's domes - this will be the place. Entrace costs 1 AZN and they offer two types of service, ''hise'' (skin peel) for 2 AZN and massage for 4 AZN..  edit

• Luna Park, ☎ 994 012 496-48-48. This is a small amusement park for kids and adults.  edit

• Baku Funucilar Railroad. You can take this funiclar train up to the Alley of the Marytrs. It costs about .2 AZN per person.  edit

• Teze Bey Hamami. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This public bath is in the old town and is a male only hamam. They have different types of baths (Finnish, Turkish, etc), so it may be a bit pricier than the other public baths in Baku.  edit

• Baku Jazz Festival, ☎ 994 012 437-55-33 (infofestival@jazz.az), [4]. Organised by famous saxophonist and Baku resident Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's love of Jazz which grew during the Soviet era when it was banned by the authorities. Features acts from around the world, the annual festival lasts for a week, and will run from 7th to 14th June in 2007. Tickets can be purchased from Baku Jazz Center, 19 Rashid Behbudov Street, AZ1001 or by phone.  edit

• The Spa at Park Hyatt Baku, Park Hyatt Baku Hotel, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ +994 12 490 1234 (baku@hyattintl.com), [5].  edit

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [6]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

There are a couple of beaches including Shikhov Beach, but they are polluted by sewage and industrial waste. Outside the city, however, there are a few very nice sandy beaches on the Caspian. In particular Bilgəh and Amburan beaches, on the north coast of the Absheron Peninsula are great spots to cool off from heat.

A typical carpet shop in the Old City

• Antiques from Old City (İçəri Şəhər)
• Rugs
• Apples from Quba
• Tea and Talish Stockings from Lankaran
• Halva from Sheki
• Traditional dolls created by ladies' groups in Barda

• Bankomats (ATMs) are available around the main square. If you have a cell phone with either a Bakcell or Azercell sim card, you can recharge your account balance using various ATMs. The International Bank of Azerbaijan has a list [7] of their ATMs in Baku. Some of them have Euros and US Dollars available.

Eat

There are a great deal of restaurants in Baku.

• Lebanese, 12, Z. Taguyev Street, ☎ 994 012 493-78-49. Lebanese Cuisine located on fountain square 4-8 AZN.  edit
• Half Way Inn, 6, 28 May Street, ☎ 994 012 598-09-05. International Cuisine 5-10 AZN.  edit
• L’aparte, 51, Istigaliyyet Street, ☎ 994 012 497-77-79. European and Azeri Cuisine 6-10 AZN.  edit
• Onassis, 3, Inshaatchilar Avenue, ☎ 994 012 439-17-34. Greek and International Cuisine 2-7 AZN.  edit
• U Dali, 5, M. Ibragimov Street, ☎ 994 012 494-93-56. Georgian Cuisine 3-6 AZN.  edit

Mid-range

Azerbaijani/Turkish

• Respublika Luks, 24 Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 598-10-56; European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 2-15 AZN.
• XVII esr, 215 B. Safaroglu Street, tel: 994 012 598-17-00. Club-Restaurant. prices 8-15 AZN
• Anadolu, Pushkin Street 5 and Rasul Rza Street 3/5, tel: 994 012 498-87-58; tel: 994 012 498-804. Turkish/European Restaurant/Catering. prices 8-15 AZN
• Masal, Khagani Street
• Mugam Club, 9 A. Rzayeva Street, tel: 994 012 492-40-85. European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 10-15 AZN.
• Bəh Bəh, Azerbaijani Restaurant 20, Shihaliyev Street, tel: 994 012 496-18-10.
• Izmir Garden Restaurant, 5 Izmir Street, tel: 994 012 436-93-73; e-mail: izmir@azdata.net. Azerbaijani Restaurant.
• Jennet Baghi, 82, Acad, Hasan Aliyeve Street, tel: 994 012 449-91-98. Azerbaijani Restaurant.
• Karvansara, 1 Gala Street, Ichiri Sheher, tel: 994 012 456-62-33. Azeri Cuisine.
• Lido, Corner of Nkhchivani Street, tel: 994 012 462-94-49. European and Azeri Cuisine.

Former USSR

• Khutor, 9 M. Mukhtarov Street, tel: 994 012 437-22-23. Ukrainian Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Rasputin, 9 A. Aliyev Street, tel: 050-355-57-71. Russian Cuisine. prices 5-20 AZN
• Maksim, 4/3, Gala Street (Old City), tel: 994 012 492-20-45. Georgian Cuisine. prices 5-20 AZN
• Georgian Home, 215, Bashir Safaroglu Street, tel: 994 012 493-85-36, e-mail: georgian_home_g@mail.ru. Georgian Cuisine.
• Dukhan, 81/13, Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 598-22-29. Georgian Cuisine.
• Georgian Home, 18, Mirza Irahimov Street, tel: 994 012 493-43-85. Georgian Cuisine.

Western

• Mexicana, 17, Z.Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 498-90-96. Mexican Cuisine. prices 6-14 AZN
• Pizza Holiday, 119, Lermontov Kuchasi Near Baku Soviet, tel: 994 012 497-37-72. Pizza and Italian Cuisine. prices 5-15 AZN
• Pauza, 28 May Street, tel: 994 012 493-70-03. International Cuisine. prices 5-15 AZN
• Gazelli Evi, 93, Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 493-96-88. International Cuisine. prices 5-16 AZN
• The Red Lion Inn, 7 Mammadaliyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-03-54. English Cuisine . prices 6-16 AZN
• Ego’s, 19/13, Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 493-11-01. European Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Park Inn's Glory, 1 Azadlig Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-00-01. European Cuisine. prices 8-18 AZN
• Caviar, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-70-90. International Cuisine.
• Corleone, 40 Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 498-82-46. Italian Cuisine.
• Dolce Vita, 9, Aziz Aliyev Street, tel: 994 012 492-75-72. Italian Restaurant.
• Grand Hotel Europe, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-70-90; e-mail: business.hotel_europe@azdata.net.International Cuisine.
• Greasy Barney’s, G. Abbasov 72, apartment 1 A, tel: 994 012 491-23-63. Sandwich Shop.
• Le Mirage, 34, Nizami Street, tel: 050-622-05-90. European Cuisine and Discotheque.
• Le R Restaurant, 123/6, Remontov Street, tel: 994 012-437-21-80. European Cuisine.
• München, 125 Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 493-76-00.German Cuisine.
• Nara, 4 Aziz Aliyev Street, tel: 994 012 497-12-55. French Cuisine.
• Soho, 6 R. Aliyarbekov Street, tel: 050-319-38-19. International Cuisine.
• Universal Club, 16 Z. Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-29-12. International Cuisine.

Asian

• Buddha, 2 A.Z., Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-10-05. Fusion Cuisine. prices 6-12 AZN
• Lai Thai, 21 Samed Vurgun Street, tel: 050-578-53-94. Thai Cuisine. prices 6-15 AZN - this restaurant has closed.
• Maharaja, 131, Akivsat Gykuyev Street, tel: 994 012 494-63-00. Indian Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Taj Mahal, 18, Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 498-03-62. Indian Cuisine. prices 3-14 AZN

• The Brewery, 28, Istiglaliyyet Street, tel: 994 012 497-14-00. European Restaurant. prices 8-20 AZN

• Mezzo, Bakikhanov Street in Hyatt Hotel, tel: 994 012 496-12-34. Mediterranean Cuisine. prices 20-70 AZN

• House of Sultans, Icheri Sheher Boyuk Gala Number 20, tel: 994 012 437-23-06. International and Azeri Cuisine. prices expensive

• Shaghai, 31 Rasul Rza Street, tel: 994 012 495-45-10. Chinese Cuisine. prices 3-25 AZN

• Terrace Garden, 20, Boyuk Gala, Icheri Sheher, tel: 994 012 437-23-05(ex. 10). European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 7-26 AZN

• Toscana, 12 Basti Bagirova Street, Kermur Plaza, tel: 994 012 436-80-47. Italian Cuisine. prices 4-20 AZN

Tea Houses (Çay Xanalar)

There are many outdoor tea houses (çay xanalar) that serves tea and sweets to people in their own individual nooks. It can be a great way to get a sense of the local culture. If you are adventurous, try challenging a local Bakuvian to a game of backgammon (nard) or dominoes.

Cafés

There is a good selection of cafés dispersed throughout Baku. Expect to pay Western prices for your coffee.

• Aroma Café, 18, U. Hajibayov Street, ☎ 012-598-07-07.  edit
• Azza Café, 1, I. Safarli Street/Fountains Square, ☎ (+994 12) 437 0111 (kafe@azza.az), [8]. 12-23.  edit
• Baku Roasting Company, Near Ramstore in Elmlar. 9-9, except on Mondays. 2.5-7 AZN.  edit
• Cafe Caramel, 7, Alizade Street, ☎ 012-498-93-53 (cafecaramel@office.az), [9]. 11-23. 4-10 AZN.  edit
• Chocolate, 21, Boyukgala Street/4 Mamedaliyev Street, ☎ 012-492-35-26.  edit
• Cottage Café, Opposite Villa Petrolea, ☎ 012-497-48-30.  edit
• Gourmet Shop, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ 012-49-12-34.  edit

Bars and pubs

Although tea houses (çay xanalar) (found throughout Azerbaijan) serve local beer (piva) - draft at 50 qapick/glass or bottles at 70 qapick/bottle or vodka (araq) at 2 AZN/bottle, for anything exotic (e.g. tequila, gin, or rum), you will have to go to a normal bar or hotel and pay Western prices there.

• Beluga Bar, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ 012-496-12-34.  edit
• Britannia Pub, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ 012-496-12-34.  edit
• Caspian Bar, 1025/30, Tbilisi Avenue, ☎ 012-490-70-90.  edit
• The Corner Bar, 77, Nizami Street, the corner of the R. Rza and Tolstoy Streets.  edit
• Finnegan’s, 4, A. Aliyev street, ☎ 012-498-98-57.  edit
• Golden Ridges Pub, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ 012-493-17-72.  edit
• Hampstead, 12, Basti Bagirova Street, ☎ 012-436-79-81.  edit
• O’Mally’s, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ 012-498-43-32.  edit
• Park Inn's Victor’s Bar, 1, Azadlig Street, ☎ 012-490-60-00.  edit
• Pub Viking, 49, Bul-bul Street, ☎ 012-499-18-86.  edit
• Queen’s Head, 95, Neftchilar Street, ☎ 050-368-77-33.  edit
• Tequila Junction, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ 012-498-43-32.  edit
• Tiger Bar, 19, Mamed Aliyv Street, ☎ 012-598-41-21.  edit
• The Phoenix Bar, 10, Mammadaliyev Street, ☎ 012-305-90-90.  edit
• Tj’s Pub, 9, Aliyarbekov Street, ☎ 012-498-46-21.  edit
• Caledonia Bar, 38, Rasul Rza, ☎ 012-494-28-53 (dave@Caledoniabar.Com), [10]. 09:30 till late. Owned by Dave from Montrose, The Caledonia opened in June 2002 and has become one of Baku's most popular bars. The Caledonia bar offers a familiar and friendly pub atmosphere for all to enjoy. The Caledonia bar features photos and memorabilia from the home country and ensures that all visitors to the bar are reminded of Scotland's favourite sons and daughters, places and traditions. As well as a warm welcome and good service the bar offers excellent facilities for watching all your favourite sporting events.  edit

• Caravan Jazz Club, 4 Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 12 97-11-39. You might not expect it, but Baku has a great jazz tradition of its own and this is the place to go. No cover and has a free western toilet.  edit
• Room 103, 103 Neftiçilər prospekti, ☎ +994 12 92-65-03. An upscale cocktail bar with nightly live jazz.  edit

• Thousand Camels Hostel Baku, Asef Zeynalli 29, Apt-3, (Near Meredian Hotel), Icheri Sheher, ☎ +994556778175 (hostel@thousandcamels-az.com), [11]. checkin: any time; checkout: 12PM. This is the best located of all budget options, being in the old city, inside the old city walls, and close to all the sights and shoreline. It's also the only place where you'll find any sort of atmosphere (during summer) (DEC09 Closed, however there is Caspian Hostel above it +994503778444.) The price is 20 USD or 16 AZN for a dorm bed..  edit

• Araz Hotel, About a kilometer from the ferry port. This used to be a cheap option, but after renovation of 2009 the prices rose to mid-price level. Around 50$ for a double, no dorm bed available.  edit

• Baku Station Hotel, 28 May Station. 2.4 AZN per person for a 5 person room/per person; 6 AZN for a single room; 3 AZN for a twin room. This hotel was under total renovation in October 2009 and will most likely rise the prices when finished..  edit

• Hotel Velotrek, 20 January Metro Station, slightly hidden behind the Respublica Velotrek bicycle race course through a tall iron gate on the left hand side. A few kilometers north of the centre, this budget hotel has clean rooms with TV, private bath and hot water in the mornings. 15 AZN for a single room and 30 AZN for a double..  edit

• Hotel Consul, 92c Hasan Aliyev Street, ☎ 994 12 498 6095;994 12 465 1282. This is a hotel option in the Genclik district.  edit

• Delfin Hotel, 9th km of Sumgait Highway, ☎ 994 012 406-64-00 (info@delfinhotel.az, fax: 994 012 406-60-09), [12]. Situated 9km out of town. Opportunity to play paintball (50 bullets - 12 AZN).  edit

• Diplomat Hotel, Suleyman Rahimov Street, 185, ☎ 994 012 596-11-27 (sales@diplomathotelbaku.com, fax: 994 012 596-11-28), [13]. Located centrally. 90 AZN for a double. Major credit cards accepted..  edit

• Elite Hotel, Darnagul Settl., Neft avenue., 30/68, [14]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12AM. 4 star business class hotel. 85 AZN for a double..  edit

• Park Inn, Azadlig Ave 1, ☎ 994 12 490 6000 (fax: 994 12 496 8900), [15]. Fully-equipped business centre, restaurant, bar and coffee shop, five modern conference rooms and an elegant ballroom with a large foyer. Also offers Wi-Fi in all guest rooms, gift shop, free airport shuttle, 24 hour room service, workout room, open parking facilities, 24 hour concierge. 169 AZN.  edit

• Holiday Inn Baku Airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, ☎ 994 12 437 4949 (info.bakap@ihg.com), [16]. The newly built Holiday Inn Baku Airport hotel enjoys an excellent location at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. This new Baku hotel, and the first hotel from InterContinental Hotels Group in Azerbaijan is only a 25 minutes drive from the city centre of Baku. The hotel combines an excellent range of facilities for both business and leisure travellers including Kids Stay and Eat Free*, High Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms. The lobby area and meeting rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi. The Holiday Inn Baku Airport hotel, offers a choice of fine international cuisine, with the largest & most unique variety of restaurants & lounges within the city of Baku. Complimentary shuttle is offered downtown for all guests. The Gazelli Health Spa offers indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the latest state-of-the-art fitness facilities and provides a range of beauty services from massages to facials.  edit

• Excelsior Hotel Baku, 2 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, ☎ 994 12 496-8000 (info@excelsiorhotelbaku.az, fax: 994 12 496-8008), [17]. With a 5 star rating, the Excelsior Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Baku. The rate per night range from 250-2,450 USD, but will be converted to AZN at the hotel's rate.  edit

• Hyatt Regency Baku, 1 Bakikhanov, AZ1065, ☎ 994 12-496-1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com, fax: 994 12-496-1235), [18]. Services include: high-speed internet access, chauffeur-driven limousine rental, hotel shops, Wi-Fi, business center, The Grill, Gourmet Shop, Beluga Bar, Club Oasis Fitness Center, swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, ballroom, 10 meeting rooms, 2 boardrooms, and pre-function and social function space. The rate per night range from 270-405 AZN..  edit

• Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, 340 Nizami Street, ☎ 994 12 498-2402 (sales.radissonsas@isrplaza.com, fax: 994 12 497-2451), [19]. The Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, Baku is an all-suite hotel. Located on the top floor of the ISR Plaza Business Centre, a prominent 17 story building, the hotel offers decorated suites enhanced by views over the old and new cities of Baku and the Caspian Sea. The hotel is on Fountain Square within walking distance of the Old City, national park boulevard and other city sights Free Broadband including Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, Plaza Health and Fitness Club has a gym, sauna and indoor pool, The Lounge and Business Centre on the 17th floor caters for business needs. Both meeting rooms can accommodate up to 120 guests.  edit

• Park Hyatt Baku, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ 994 12 490 1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com), [20]. 5 star hotel adjacent to a comprehensive Meeting & Conference Centre. Club lounge for free continental breakfast, evening cocktails and boardroom access.  edit

• 12 Bulvar Inn Baku. Situated in the heart of the business- entertainment and historical centre of Baku- the newly constructed- traditionally styled HOTEL will offer you Azerbaijans famous hospitality. A 3-storey- 12-room boutique property. Situated on the pedestrian mall- and only 5 minutes away from the historic Old City as well as all the major culture- art- business centers and embassies.  edit

• AF Hotel Aqua Park, , Novkhana, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 448-30-30 (office@afhotel.info), [21]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. This complex houses pools, saunas, salons, water slides, entertainment center, and hotel facilities. From 70AZN for a standard double room..  edit

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [22]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

• Crescent Beach Hotel, Salyan Highway, Shikhov, ☎ 994 012 497-47-77 (ebh@azeronline.com, fax: 994 012 497-47-80). This complex has an indoor and outdoor pool, beach front, bar, and tourism services. High-speed Wi-Fi is available for guests. Wi-Fi zone is covering 10 hotel buildings, Hotel yard, restaurant, bars and beach. Please contact Hotel reception.  edit

Azerpost Office

• Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found throughout Baku. Some coffee houses provide wireless internet, but they are quite rare in Baku.

• Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout Baku. A typical international letter/stamp combination costs .8 AZN.

• Ambulance: 103
• Fire: 101
• Gas Emergency 104
• Speaking Clock 106
• Police: 102

You must speak in Azeri, Turkish or Russian to communicate your needs. It would be a good idea to memorize key phrases before coming to Azerbaijan - see the Talk section for phrasebooks.

• Pack a flashlight (especially in fall-spring) as the streets are not always well lit.

• Travel outside the city only during the day time, unless taking a night train. The roads can be treacherous at night due to unseen potholes and dimly lit cars.

• The Petroglyphs of Gobustan are nearby to the South, and date back as far as the 12th century BCE. The invading armies of Alexander the Great and Trajan also left some interesting grafitti.
• A ferry departs daily from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. This ferry has become somewhat of a sleeper hit with backpackers on the Silk Road, but is very uncomfortable and should only be taken by adventure-seekers.
• A ferry depart irregularly to Aktau in Kazakhstan (every 7-10 days maybe). Docks are located 2 km to the west of the old town. It is difficult to get tickets!
• Sheki, which is a 7 hour bus ride to the north, is a beautiful city in the Caucasus mountains with lots to see and do.
• Buses take international travelers onwards from Baku to Iran and Georgia.
• The Baku Airport is one of the few in the world offering flights to Nakhchivan and travelers heading that way should book a flight from here.
• Go and enjoy the oil baths of Naftalan.
• Relax by the Caspian in Nabran, Azerbaijan's biggest tourist destination for international travelers and a coastal city close to Xachmaz.

From LoveToKnow 1911

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Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Wikipedia has an article on:

Baku

Wikipedia

English

Etymology

Russian Баку < Azeri Bakı, possibly from Persian کوبہ (bād kubeh), “‘wind-pounded’”).

Proper noun

Baku

1. The capital of Azerbaijan.

Translations

From Wikispecies

Taxonavigation

Main Page
Cladus: Eukaryota
Supergroup: Unikonta
Cladus: Opisthokonta
Regnum: Animalia
Subregnum: Eumetazoa
Cladus: Bilateria
Cladus: Nephrozoa
Cladus: Protostomia
Cladus: Ecdysozoa
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Crustacea
Classis: Malacostraca
Subclassis: Eumalacostraca
Superordo: Peracarida
Ordo: Amphipoda
Subordo: Gammaridea
Superfamilia: Gammaroidea
Familia: Gammaridae
Genus: Baku
Species: B. paradoxus