Hi guys, in this blog I'll be writing things about where I've been for four years. So I'm saying you that from now, it'll be long and I try to include everything I had. I'm thinking that before I start, I need to talk about me and why I came here. Here we go !
My name is Adem and I'm from Turkey which is kind of brother with this country. I used to live in Istanbul over 13 years. I can say that, I really love my childhood but I don't say it for my teenager. There's nothing special here I can tell you about it, Let's take a shortcut to university.
When university came up, I had to choose one of them. Unfortunately I was really procrastinator a guy, that's why I couldn't get one after graduated from high school. During that time I was working for a company and second time was front of me. This time I just got a normal university and I didn't want to go there. I was really confused. You know that, you spend your time for nothing at the high school, as i consider (except a few great teacher) and people think that, you'll get a university easily. Ever body expects things from you but you've no idea about it. I had those empty feelings.
When university came up, I had to choose one of them. Unfortunately I was really procrastinator a guy, that's why I couldn't get one after graduated from high school. During that time I was working for a company and second time was front of me. This time I just got a normal university and I didn't want to go there. I was really confused. You know that, you spend your time for nothing at the high school, as i consider (except a few great teacher) and people think that, you'll get a university easily. Ever body expects things from you but you've no idea about it. I had those empty feelings.
I just wanted to leave my own country to discover new things and improve my English of course nothing happened as i expected but I'm really glad that it didn't. First I tried to go to European universities but it wasn't at my level and I hate to say that but I was extremely shy and I was closed mind guy which is typically in my area.
When I heard things about Azerbaijan it took my attention and I searched it as well as I could on the internet. I discussed this with my family, they appreciated it. It was the most important thing in my life because of my first own decision. You know when you kiss a girl or boy you never forget it or when you take a nice gift from who is the most important to you and you succeed something well, it was something like that.
Now I'm majoring computer engineering at Azerbaijan Technical University as a senior anymore. Again I'm not going to write things what had happened to me in four years and How incredible I've transformed in my eyes. I don't want to waste your time but let me make it understandable for you with a few sentences.
If today I can talk any topic in English (basic) with anybody without hesitation, I owe it to Baku.
If today I'm willing to travel other countries even I've no relative or closest friend there, I owe it to Baku.
If today People consider me as a friendly, thoughtful guy, I owe it to Baku.
If today I can do empathy for any human I meet, I host or just speak, I owe it to Baku.
If today I don't wait someone to educate me, I owe it to Baku.
If today I live my own life as well as I want, I owe it to Baku.
If today I know that, your wishes don't come with a gold tray and you have to fight for them in the real life, I owe it to Baku.
If today I go back to my mistakes and try to correct them, I owe it to Baku.
If today I believe in myself enough well, and then I owe it to Baku.
While you're reading this,
You can be someone who hates me but it doesn't terrify me,
You can be someone I hurt you but I'm ready to apologize,
You can be someone who misunderstands me but I'm ready to tell you what I meant,
You can be someone who just uses me but I just ignore it,
You can be someone who inspires me and I'm glad to meet you. You can be anyone during life we're each other but at the end of the day I'll be gaining something from you. Maybe a word, an experience, a smile but what ever it is I appreciate it at all.
I'm not proving myself to you or I'm not learning things to be able to impress people around me anymore but what I mean here, it's just a part of my life. I know myself enough well anymore. I told you my true feelings because when I come back here, I'll see what I wanted to write.
By the way I didn't say anything about my university. Yes there's absolutely nothing about it, I can tell you. It seems to me nonsense but I'm on my way.
Sometimes you want to talk about mostly you like but I decided that not take you where i want to go.
Let's get started a new trip blog !
Baku in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is a country where located is an important place. Don't worry I'm not gonna test your history knowledge but this country where is located an important place, it should have a strong traditional, history, dishes, culture in my opinion. Because it kisses east and west at the same time and play a big role for transportation, culture exchange and a lot. I just wanted you to make sure it's worth to travel here. Let's get the work guys !
How many days are enough to visit Baku in Azerbaijan ?
As a guy who lives with locals for three years, 3 nights 4 days are enough to visit most popular places. But if you wish to see other regions you can extend as necessary.
When should you come here and how is the weather usually ?
I would say that, try to come here in the middle of March because the weather is warm and it's actually going on a colorful holiday every year in Azerbaijan which is called Nowruz. There's some activities going on March and people come to city center from other regions. Nowruz also happens other Turk countries and Iran. It's a good way to say welcome for spring. I highly recommend you try to come here on March. This days are much better than others. I'm just writing how good experiences I've had so it goes like that.
The weather is really windy almost five days of a week and don't forget to bring a jacket for any day. In the summer it's really hot and I didn't have good time on June, July and August but the weather of world is changing every year and you understand what i mean here. I can say that if you want to have a good time in Baku on September and first days of October and in the middle of March, April and May is good time to visit easily.
How Can You Come Here ?
If you're in Tbilisi, Kiev or Moscow and then you can come here by train even it takes time it would be a good experience. But make sure about dates there's no ticket for everyday. You can book tickets from here online.
Second options is to come here from Aktau in Kazakhstan by ship. But I don't recommend it because so many of my guest didn't like it.
Please pay attention this, I've had a guest from Philippines she didn't notice that she needs visa. She was in Tbilisi Georgia and had a hard time in 10 days to take visa from there. Before you come here of course you should make sure you need visa for here.
Haydar Aliyev Airport is enough well and you come here by plane.
Let's Begin First Day Where to Start and How to Get Somewhere
I start my first day at Elmler Akademiyası metro station outside because of I like to walk and I don't want to miss anything during traveling around there. I go to Alley of Honor from there by walking. You can also see some universities on the way and there's a park where is located Huseyin Cavid Avenue you drink a cup of tea.
It just takes 25 or 40 minutes to Alley of Honor by walking or if you don't have time you take the 18 number bus which it goes there.
Yeah you got there and my favorite monument welcomes you with a big hug :)
There're really important guys there who made Azerbaijan better a country. You can see so many writers, poets, academic guys etc and there's a grave who is the strongest president of Azerbaijan is also there. He's on the below photo.
It's very clean, silent and there's nothing to be scared there. Security is enter of the gate and you see women who clean and water the flowers. It opens at 08:00 am till 17:00 as I remember but make sure about the time.
Now you're going to National Assembly which is close there. Flame Tower is front of its and you'll see three big building. It's used to be hotel and mall as I learned from locals but to be honest I've yet not been inside of its.
This is a good shot from my guest's camera and I really liked it shining on the building. As you see on the photo it's a small mosque and it's available at certain times. Just 25 steps from mosque there's a monument who was the real hero during Soviet Union Times. His name is Hazi Aslanov and he got two best medals in Soviet Time during II War World.
In 1918 Armenian army came to Baku (behind of Russia's power) and there was just one step to destroy everything here but there was a pasha who was coming with force to kick out Armenian soldiers in Baku. People still call him Kafkas Kahramanı (Caucasian Hero).His name is Enver Pasha who came here with strong feelings. This monument is made to remember that old times. You'll see Turkish soldiers who just came here to defend this country as hometown.
Above it there's Alley of Martyrs located there. Failing Soviet Union endep up just with so much blood. A night suddenly Soviet Tanks came to have a control in 20 January (where I already live) and then they faced people's resistance. It just endep up so many dead bodies. For whom ? An army or a soldier group ? or a terrorist group who is against ? of course not it was just public, people tried to defend their own country with no gun, no tank or any specific thing. Have a look at what is USSR and What Azerbaijan roled in this union. I don't exactly know it well now what has happened 19-20 January of 1990 but it was obviously unnecessary something. You won't just see dead bodies but I assure you, that people stopped tanks with only their hands.
It's also very a clean park around there. it's recommended after a boring day. I assure that. You will find the greatest view at the end of the way. Of course I have a photo with my friends at night. At least you see what I mean when you get there.
Flame Towers makes itself colorful at nights. The guy on the photo of my right side was our nice guest from the USA and we just had a unforgettable time each other. You can have nice shots to share Instagram from there.
You can actually see a building which looks like a carpet from there. It's obviously a carpet museum and I highly recommend you get in it. If you're a student don't forget to show your student card every museum in Baku. It goes cheaper. You don't lose anything and Keep it mind ! As you see on the photos you'll gain a lot information every piece of the loop on the labor on the carpets.
Yes, you're right. I'm writing currently golden words for future NO JOKE !
You can find Russian and English guide there. It just costs more a little.
What I was saying on the above with my friends, you let leave yourself on the stairs and your heart will show you one of the most popular place to visit in Baku. It's calling Palace of Shirvanshahs. For now I don't have any photo about there but please write it down and make it second of the list to visit. It's located Iceri Sheher ( Old City ). Ticket is 10 manat as I remember if it didn't change yet but you'll have an understanding why this castle is built up and which role it played.
There's a Museum of Miniature Books behind of Icherisher Metro Station. It's even close to Palace of Shirvanshahs.
You might find a book from your country. The older woman who works there is able to explain stuffs about it in Turkish, English and Russian enough well.
They like to collect famous books on the earth in this museum. Just make sure when it's opened.
Try to read what's written on the certificate.
If you're starving you're on the right way. There are remarkable restaurants in Icheri Sheher. You get out of museum and turn left. Follow the all way and make sure castle wall is left side of you.
Even we are student, we support to have a breakfast at one of them. You can taste traditional dishes there. And don't forget to eat fresh bread (Tandir )
I'm not gonna lead you where to go there. Lose yourself in the history and remember that, never mind. You'll just find so many sightseeings there. Ohh I almost forgot to say, if you are Russian or watched "The Diamond Arm" which is a Soviet comedy film, there's a scene part of film. Ask people and you are on the mark.
You didn't watch that great clip yet about Old City ?
If you're in this photo, you hear a smphony around there.
I assume that, you had a good time in Old City buildings and you should now go to Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası) before it closes. It's maybe first attraction place for tourists. You see minimum 50% of things around tower and Hazar Sea blinks you ;) I couldn't learn exact things about it's history but Hazar Sea you see was kissing it. It's included UNESCO. It's symbol of Azerbaijan and what ? go there ! I've been there 3 times with my guests. Well as you see there, you can buy usual gifts on the streets like magnets, old mirrors, traditional hats. You give yourself a try to make cost down than normal. It's worth to try. As I've learnt, museums are closed at 17:00. If you have time, you include Carpet Museum or you just feel like you want to drink something and then go to Tarqovi where it's center and you spend a night life there. There're so many shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, et c. you can go into.
I made background famous Azerbaijan poets in Tarqovi.
You won't be alone all day there :)
I don't know what type of human you are that's why you find there what you like and what is peacefully with your pocket.
To be honest I haven't been in the bars for a long time and I don't remember where I took this photo. If you prefer to listen to live music and have a look at the bars behind of Mcdonalds.
Yes, you had a fantastic day man ! Now it's time to make yourself feel well and I encourage you to speak young generation. You better learn here with local guys. Maybe some of them invite you to show somewhere for tomorrow.
What Are We Doing Second Day ?
You can have a strong breakfast in Old City or you just skip it but I can't imagine myself leaving home without breakfast. You went to Carpet Museum where it's located on the boulevard, didn't you ? By the way boulevard is pretty warm at nights to walk and at the end of the boulevard you can rent a bicyle to ride in the park. It's close to National flag Square where you rent a bicyle. One hour is 3 manat with a normal bicyle and you need to leave an ID card to cashier.
This bicyle isn't what you take. It's my friend's. Atmosphere is just worth to see and you reward your lungs with fresh air.
As I remember there's also a few museum inside of one building and it's called Independence Museum of Azerbaijan. You'll have no regret to be there. I was there once and took some photos. It's maksimum 15 minutes far away from Carpet Museum by walking.
It was just painted by fingers as guide said. There're also other interesting stuffs you can see there.
I know, I was just talking about museums, places but they are legacy to understand history, this city. But now I'm taking you a modern museum which will be interesting for you. Call a taxi to get there or go to Neriman Nerimanov metro station. I'm doing a favor for you and giving you it's web site where you can find anything about it. It seems to me like they didn't use enough steel hahaha it's so funny. What's happening to me anyway, be sure it's in your list !
If you're coming from Iran, India or even you just interest Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. It's definitely a place you should visit. Ticket is really cheap and you'll have an oppurtunity to see how people used to live XVII century.
I'm now hearing that from you, you want to get out of city and see a different folk. It's 30 km far away from Baku. We're now Köroğlu Metro Station outside and you'll need to bus for Surakhani don't forget to say I'm going to Atashgah.The bus number is 184 from Köroğlu Metro Station and it takes 30, 40 minutes to arrive there. It's the last stop station with an old bus.
"Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash Be water my friend by Bruce Lee"
It just reminds me a piece of meditation.
Sleep well... Don't disturb people when they sleep. Be quite.
What's going on here guys ?
Ticket is still 2 manat for anyone.
I won't give you any information about Atashgah because there's really more information ( than I can give you ) in English and Russian with audioplayer that you can watch. I'm not sure you should visit there or not. It takes time and make you hungy after at all. But I always tried to take my guests there and show them a different stuff. There's a restaurant you can have lunch or dinner there. I have no idea about prices.
This is Haydar Aliyev Mosque. It's close to Nesimi metro station or you go there by 18 number bus. Bibi Heybat Mosque is also recommended if you are interested to mosques.
What About Third Day in Baku ?
Please have a look at my blog about Qobustan and Mud Volcanes ( one of the uniques on the earth ) you do some search about it. I explained things there.
Well if you're interested in art and you want to see something people turn garbage into art. It's right place you should see.
Sir, the car is ready to shoot what else you want to see ?
How Can I Get There ?
I got there with a tour. First step, I arrive to again Köroğlu Metro Station 08:00 as I remember. I met my tour guide there and they took us a mini-bus.
The way only took 45 minutes to arrive from waste to art museum. Don't worry ! I've really interesting photos about there. You're so lucky because I'm again giving you it's link,
What mostly interests me there ? Everything. I tried to take photo every object. In a few minutes you'll meet my lovely friends, I assure you.
He knows the subject very well !
No, I didn't mention it. By the way it doesn't cost one person so expensive and don't forget to show student card if you !
Do you think unicorns are for only children to sleep ?
It seems to me as Phoenix.
Don't throw your keyboard ! even it doesn't work anymore.
You can make your own robot without any programe or circuit :)
Are you ready to meet my new friends ???
Let them speak what they want to tell us.
Hello human, how are you ? You call me rabbit. But we don't need words to understand each other but you need symbols to explain yourself and you have to learn.
While you're learning something, we all know what to do. For example, we don't take more grass than necessary. We eat for today and tomorrow we do search in the forest to survive. When we have chidren, my wife takes care of them and I try to take something home to feed them. If I come to home with empty hands, my beatiful wife doesn't swear me or if I see her with someone, I never beat her.
This is my another friend and you again call him goat. But He's really useful for you. I mean you just don't eat it's meat. You can also make cheese, yoghurt and more with only it's milk.
This is another friend you say camel. But he's been helping you for the beginning. And you never thanked him at once. He's been carrying you, he's been carrying your most important gems, goldens, silks, your family et c. He just doesn't carry you, he also gives you milk to make your bones stronger. And his meat is unbelievable delicious.
What about you ? What you have to serve nature ? You take everything from us and what you give us ? Don't think too much ! Answer is simple because it's not snowing at the winter and rain comes with death anymore...
What I'm trying to say here, we're also part of this ecology and we're ready to serve but when you kill us for fun, money. One day we will come to take back what you took from us.
Respect each one of us and think twice before you act.
If you thought enough, I'll show you another interesting place you like to see same area.
As you guess you'll see how to people used live this area years ago.
Perfume bottles ? Woman is woman at every time.
You kill two birds with one stone. But it's finish you're going back to Baku ? Of course not there's another castle you can see. It's not so far away from there.
There's a grave around there.
Muslim and Christian graves are same territory.
Don't forget to pray for them ! It's only one unique place all living things are going to be there. I can 100% guarantee it.
Speaking from a rabbit's mouth and above is strange for you ?
I don't know and I'm not interested in your thoughts but there's something already might be interesting for you.
We didn't pay entrance price as I know.
What welcomes you here ?
Here it is.
We're up.
Do you know what it is all and for what ?
An Ottoman coin. Ecdad kokuyor...
That's all I told you about there. If you're starving and you didn't bring anything with you. You go to "Zeytun Bağı" where is a restaurant close there. You offer what they have.
Where Can I Stay in Baku ?
I'm just saying you what I've heard from people you find hostels even per night 10 manat in the center. I don't have any experince about one of them but the money will decide for you don't worry so much at the end of the day !
If you're a member of Couchsurfing community, try your choice and you maybe find open-minded a host. Even if you're your lucky day you can see me there and READ my profile first at all and you will know ehat to do. Who knows maybe we'll have unforgattable times each other.
Which Language Do They Speak ?
Official language is Azerbaijani language but you can count Turkish as mother tongue. They understand my mother tongue easily.
This country was part of Soviet Union. There're so many people who are able to speak Russian and you find almost everything Russian after Azerbaijan language.
I can say that easily as a guy who is originally from Turkey and used to live in Istanbul over 14 years. You just find more English speakers in the bars, cafes, restaurants. They help you gladly.
Are You Really Interested in Tasting Traditional Food ?
You can find similar tastes in Azerbaijan cusine if you've been to Turkey. Kebabs first thing to come mind but people of this country are proud of having different types of "Dolma". I'm living with Azeri home mates. It's what I mostly like to eat when their mothers cook home made food.
Let me show you one of my favorite dishes in Azerbaijan cuisine.
It's "Piti" and famous in Shaki. But you can also find restaurants in Baku and I recommend you eat to it at the cold days. Don't forget to crash it before you eat and it all costs only 10 manat.
Of course I'm going to write here what I love to eat and what I tasted. Piti is coming second. It's a cold weather dish. It's really strong and make sure you don't eat after 21:00. You just don't sleep well if you don't spend you energy if you eat that.
You can drink "Dovga" which is my favorite drink. You but it at markets. First time it's taste can come to you strange but after a few glass you'll be fan of it.
It's "Badımcan Dolması". You can also see it in Turkey. It's one of dolmas I love eating. It comes with youghurt.
Well I don't want to share so many photos that makes you feel hungry. That's why I'm sharing a link you can see Azerbaijan cuisine easily in English
Let me give you some recommendation dishes by Yusif ;
Cırdala, Qabaqlı plov, Kelafur, Xaş, Xengel and Düşbere. They're original names as well as I wrote them doen. You see people of this country use mostly meat in the food.
If you're a vegeteran, you still find something.
You can buy some really delicious jams in Baku who I know someone. Website is below. They make their job with love and you are able to buy small gifts for friends, relatives. I can give you gurantee because I have been to twice where the products are made. It's a lovely village home.
or Instagram
Are You Interested in Shooting Targets ?
I'm not a good example for this but you give yourself a try.
Here is the link you can find it,
Wind is a problem ? No when I was there twice, it didn't affect my target. Cost it 30 manat and it gives you 24 bullets and you don't need anything to get in there. There's also a cafe inside of shooting center. More information go to link.
Would You Like to Take a Trip by Mini Ferry Boat on Hazar Sea ?
It's such a warm feeling on the Ferry Boat. At nights it's windy and don't forget to take your jacket !
You can see cost below. For more information contact the number it's written on the photo.
Golden Tip
1 - It's available to use UBER or Taxify in Baku. I highly recommend you use any Taxi App to get somewhere. Other hand Be prepared to trick by someone.
2 - If you are coming from airport to city center (28 May). Every 30 minutes there's bus going to city center. It costs per person 1.30 manat. It's pretty much cheap if you compare to a taxi. But after midnight till 06:00 there'll be every hour going a bus. It's really comfortable.
Taxi costs you minimum 15 manat if you act as a rich tourist, it'll cost you 30 manat, 40 manat maybe more. Be careful !
3 - You can buy a Baku card from machines that they're almost all bus station. It's 2 manat with empty card and if you upload 3 manat, you'll have 10 times to use metro and bus.
I know, I really know even for me I read my blog and I feel like I jump to something new from something. Because this is my first try to write and I'm learning while writing. What I only need you to do please don't forget to give me a feedback to make myself better for next time.
Life isn't easy for me as others. I try to handle necessary things alone and I really procrastined this blog for 8 months. You know what, I'm still living in Baku and I don't promise you, I'll extend this blog for more with necessary things and fun. For now that's all thank you for reading last sentence of blog. Do Your Best !!!
Stay with me, I was in Kiev Ukraine for incredible five days.
