Secrets of Old City Residents

What to Expect

The multifaceted city and its unusual structures
Starting from the ancient quarter of Icheri-Sheher, near the Shamakhi gates, our excursion will begin. Strolling through narrow streets, we will reach the workshop of Ali Shamsi, where you will admire the painter's creations and understand why locals call him the 'barefoot artist'. You will see the interiors of the Kulibekov House, where the only wisteria in Baku grows in the courtyard, and hear about the tragic fate of the mansion's owner. At the Musa Nagiyev House, you will learn about the successes of the oil magnate-philanthropist. I will tell you how many buildings the millionaire constructed and how these buildings 'live' a century later. At the 'Italian houses', we will discuss when and why they were built in Baku, who lived in them before, and who resides in them now. We will visit the village of Bayil, where you will explore houses of unconventional Baku architecture and delve into their history. The filming locations of 'Diamond Arm' and 'The Amphibian Man', caravanserais, hammams, ancient alleys, and souvenir shops - you will visit the most colorful places of the Azerbaijani capital.

Meeting with native Baku residents
You will not only look behind the facade of the tourist city but also learn about the character traits of its inhabitants. I will uncover the nuances of the townspeople's lives and their habits. You will meet Baku families who have lived here for centuries and ask them questions about traditions, festive rituals, the past, and the present. We will talk about the secrets of preparing local dishes and the national cuisine in general. We will visit authentic courtyards to feel the vibe of Baku life: its old-fashioned way of life and modern living. If desired, we will drop by a cafe or the Azerbaijan History Museum, where you will experience a full immersion in the country's biography.