About this experience
Embark on a journey through the historical events and stages of Baku's development. Wandering through the streets and hidden courtyards of the inner city, you will learn about the lives and beliefs of the people of the first millennium. Discover the sacred sites of the Old City and understand why there are so many mosques, madrasas, and baths within just 22 hectares. I will also share with you interesting cultural peculiarities: you will learn to distinguish Arabic script styles, read hidden symbols of classical Eastern architecture, discover wedding traditions, child-rearing practices, how to find true Azerbaijani tea - mehmeri, and differentiate between a silk carpet and a skillful replica.
What to Expect
Pages of History
During this historical walk through the ancient quarters of the inner city, you will learn about the first mention of Baku as the 'holy city of eternal fires on the shore of the pristine sea'. About the peculiarities of its geographical location - from the 3rd to the 16th century, the Great Silk Road passed through Baku. About the medieval city where pilgrims and dervishes lived, considering it a sacred place. I will also tell you about the scientific flourishing of the city: in the 15th century, Baku became a center of Sufi teaching, philosophical, and theosophical studies.
Sacred City
In the capital of a Muslim country, you will learn about the place in the Old City that is sacred even for Christians. We will talk about the significance of Islam in Azerbaijan's history and mentality: I will tell you about khanqahs and pirs. You will hear about the emergence of spiritual centers of different directions in Baku - agha, abdal, and nakshbandi - which influenced the entire medieval history of the East. And of course, I cannot fail to mention the ancient world religion - Zoroastrianism. After all, until the end of the 18th century, fire worshipers came here to 'annihilate themselves', even from distant India. Why Baku was so important, and what natural attractions attracted followers of fire - I will definitely talk about that.
Unique Look of Old Quarters
In addition to history and religion, you will also hear stories about local way of life, culture, traditions, and customs. Walking through the winding streets, away from tourist paths, you will be amazed by the ingenuity of ancient city planners, learn about clever military defense and sewer systems, find out how they ensured the safety not only of the residents but also of the animals. Hidden from prying eyes, murals and green courtyards, which have turned into independent art objects, will impress you with their Eastern color. Visiting a unique 19th-century Shiite mosque and locations of beloved Soviet films will also leave you with great memories.
Organizational Details
- Please note: the walk is on foot, very informative, and focused on history. I talk a lot about Eastern culture, architecture, traditions, and religion - both of Azerbaijan and the East in general. Please book the tour only if you are genuinely interested in these topics.
- The tour program does not include shopping and tasting local dishes and wines.
- This is a sightseeing walk, during which the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are not visited inside (but I will show you photos on a tablet)
- Children aged 10+ are allowed on the tour. The Old City is built in a way that it is not suitable for baby strollers (stairs, transitions from hill to hill, lack of ramps, etc.), and children under 10 years old simply cannot handle the physical and informational load.
- Two days before the walk, I will send you reminders via WhatsApp, indicating the meeting place, as well as answers to many of your questions, including which currency to use after the tour and what clothes to bring.
- I recommend planning this tour for the first days of your trip to Baku - my guests receive a guidebook to the capital with a selection of restaurants, places with souvenirs/gifts of excellent quality at the lowest prices, routes for independent walks, and tips on how to make the following days more interesting and vibrant.
