Visiting the Holy Places of Baku, or the Books of Memory of Azerbaijan

What to expect

Grandfather's Shrine on the Black Horse
The journey begins at the Gobustan shrine of the 12-13th century. In a cave surrounded by picturesque rocks, you will hear the legend of the hermit on the black horse and see the ancient ritual stone. I will tell you about the rituals performed when entering and leaving the cave, and the tradition of leaving stones here. We will also have a separate talk about the person who became the keeper of this sacred place.

Mystical Boulder
In the Highland Park, near one of the sacred boulders - Pirvyanzyar, you will learn why large pieces of mountain rock and cliffs have long been places of worship for Azerbaijanis. You will also learn how the name of this boulder is connected with a plant that, according to local beliefs, has healing power. You will also have the opportunity to try the greenery that brings health.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque - A Great Muslim Shrine
On the shore of the Baku bay, there was an ancient mosque - it did not survive to our days but became the prototype of a new majestic building. At the restored sanctuary, we will talk about the reverent attitude of locals to ancient customs and history. From the cliff on which the mosque is built, you will have a look at the beautiful panoramas of the Baku bay and the oil port, and then, after industrial landscapes, you will head to one of the seaside fish restaurants.

Teze Pir Mosque - Another Jewel of Baku
Through another mosque, from the 20th century, you will get acquainted with the features of modern religious architecture, see luxurious domes and tops of minarets, golden inscriptions, elements of red wood, eastern ornaments, and paintings made by Azerbaijani artists. You will also hear interesting facts about the patron Nabat Khanum Ashurbekova, thanks to whom the mosque construction started, and the events that closed the temple for believers for around 30 years.

History of Pir Gasan Shrine
In the village of Myardakan, you will get to know another holy place that caring Azerbaijanis turned into a cozy park. In the complex area, you will see the 16th-century burial, the mausoleum of the famous patron Haji Zeynalabdin Tagiyev, the altar, and platforms for ritual ablutions. You will hear about the beliefs associated with the shrine and see the practices of the healers Chepch and witness the ancient ritual of Childag, which rids of diseases and stresses.

Legends about the Azerbaijani Healer
In a beautiful mosque, built in the middle of the last century with parishioners' money, you will learn about the famous healer Mir Movsum-aga. You will hear a few amazing stories about how his power manifested unexpectedly and for what deeds his name entered the country's history.

Tasting the Finest Fish in Baku
To conclude the program, in a bungalow on the shore of the Caspian Sea, you will taste exquisite dishes from bersh, kutum, sturgeon, beluga, and other fish, seasoned with unusual spices and served with fresh local vegetables.