About this experience
The historical center - the place to start your acquaintance with Baku. Its narrow streets remember Zoroastrian rituals, the glory of great shahs, and the atmosphere of a medieval eastern city. And what wonderful museums are here! To truly understand the history and character of Baku, this is the place - and I will be happy to be your guide into the world of facts, legends, and amazing episodes from the life of the Old City.
What to expect
Our route will begin with the history of the emergence of the city of Baku, we will talk about its growth and development in the medieval-feudal period, in the late 19th - early 20th centuries, the Soviet era, and the modern period. During the tour, I will reveal the secrets of Azerbaijan that not every resident of our country knows. I will show you the sights and tell you things that cannot be found in any guidebook, book, or even on the internet.
And here is the plan of our rich journey:
- Icheri Sheher Metro and Istiglaliyyat Avenue with architecture from the 19th - early 20th centuries.
- Squares near the monuments to poets Nizami Ganjavi and M.A. Sabir.
- Square in front of the main fortress gates "Gosha Gala gapysy".
- Medieval part of the city, Icheri Sheher, with narrow streets, mosques, and baths.
- House of the Baku khans (18th century), where representatives of the Shirvanshah dynasty lived for a long time.
- House with chains from the 19th century, also known as the Iron House.
- 14th-century Multani and 15th-century Bukhara caravanserais.
- Market Square - despite its name, it was not only related to trade. In ancient times, it was a sacred place for Zoroastrians, as evidenced by the totems and other historical artifacts found during excavations.
- The mysterious Maiden Tower - a symbol of Baku. The exact date of construction is still debated by scholars, as is the purpose of building such a large and unusual structure.
- Haji Gayib bathhouse from the 14th century.
- Two-story caravanserai from the 15th century - today the building is used as a mugham center.
- 12th-century Juma Mosque and its predecessor - a fire-worshipers temple.
- 12th-century madrasa - a Muslim religious school where, in addition to the Quran, students were taught natural sciences and mathematics.
- Muhammad Mosque (1078-79) - the earliest Muslim religious building in Azerbaijan.
- Miniature Book Museum. Here you can find miniature books from different times and in different languages. The collection includes over 8500 books from 64 countries around the world!
- Monument to Aliaga Vahid. Included in the top 100 best street monuments in the world. Vahid is the literary pseudonym of Aliaga Iskenderov (1895-1965). Poet, honored artist of the Azerbaijan SSR.
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs (12-15th centuries). The last palace of the Shirvanshah state with a history of over a thousand years.
Organizational details
- Additional expenses: museum tickets and insurance (optional)
- Bring a water bottle and sunglasses
