Have you ever been to Azerbaijan? (oil, residential, friendly)

[Paul Negresco]

Hello good people!
I just wonder if anyone of you ever travelled to Azerbaijan? Maybe I'll find my ooooold american friends.
Also, please, comment what do you think or heard of Azerbaijan/Baku.
Thank you all in advance!

[Travelling fella]

I have to say that it is the first time I hear of Azerbaijan, perhaps you could tell me more about it.

I'm curious

[Paul Negresco]

Originally Posted by Travelling fella

I have to say that it is the first time I hear of Azerbaijan, perhaps you could tell me more about it.

I'm curious

Ok, dear Friend! Thank you for showing interest Travelling fella!
I am now preparing an info on our republic...

[Paul Negresco]

Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the South Caucasus with biggest population of 8.5 million people, located partially in Eastern Europe and partially in Western Asia. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Iran to the south, Armenia to the west, Georgia to the northwest, and Russia to the north. The Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan is bordered by Iran to the south and southwest, Turkey to the west, and Armenia to the north and east. The country's territory also encompasses several islands in the Caspian Sea.

Capital: Baku (around 3 million people)
Territory: 86,600 km2 (113th in the World) or 33,436 sq miles
Language: Azerbaijani (close to Turkish)
Currency: Manat (AZN)
Domen: .az
Phone code: 994

Azerbaijan is a former Soviet Socialist Republic. Was occupied by Bolsheviks in 1920 after two years of independence from Tsar Russia. Now it’s a presidential republic. We have one-house parliament. Around 95% of the population is Muslim. But this absolutely doesn’t mean that Azerbaijan looks like Saudi Arabia, Iran or even Turkey. Absolutely FREE from religion point of view. Not many people are concerned of religion of even their neighbors. (Remember – former Soviet atheistic republic). The level of education and tolerance is faaaar higher than in other said to be Muslim countries (close to us are only Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina). Lutheran, Pravoslav, Catholic and other churches along with synagogues are all over the capital Baku and other cities. There are also a lot of mosques of course.
Azerbaijan is reach of oil and gas which guarantee the economic growth.
But there is also bad news: 20% of Azerbaijan territories were occupied by Armenian forces with the help of Russia. Azerbaijan is US ally in the region. (could not attach maps) We are very friendly to visitors and each other! And as I mentioned in one of my posts: Hospitality is our visiting card!!!

[twnxn]

I have actually stopped in Baku, Azerbajian (just a stopover at the airport). I was flying from Los Angeles, California to London, England then to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (with a stopover in Baku, Azerbajian) and also while flying back. Interesting view of the Caspian Sea when landing. So, I guess that does not really count.

[azoria]

I spent two weeks in Baku a couple of years ago.

What's your question?

[Paul Negresco]

So i guess it's my turn to give the question: Did you like it? And was that a business trip?

[Paul Negresco]

Originally Posted by twnxn

I have actually stopped in Baku, Azerbajian (just a stopover at the airport). I was flying from Los Angeles, California to London, England then to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (with a stopover in Baku, Azerbajian) and also while flying back. Interesting view of the Caspian Sea when landing. So, I guess that does not really count.

I only hope that some day you'll have a chance to spend here more time than just a stopover. It's different! And doesn't look like Bishkek...

[Trimac20]

No, but that region - the Caucasus - sounds really interesting and beautiful. I think it's also really important from an anthropological history point of view. I do hope to visit soon!

[Paul Negresco]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

No, but that region - the Caucasus - sounds really interesting and beautiful. I think it's also really important from an anthropological history point of view. I do hope to visit soon!

Great then! Just let me know Trimac20! I'll show you around. And yes, it is very interesting from anthropological history point of view! But not only...