Azerbaijan, often referred to as the “Land of Fire,” is a country rich in history, culture, and natural wonders. While many may know about its oil wealth and beautiful landscapes, there are countless fascinating and lesser-known facts that make Azerbaijan truly unique. Here are some intriguing insights into this remarkable nation.
The name “Azerbaijan” literally translates to “guardian of fire,” a fitting title for a country that has a deep historical connection to fire worship. The region has long been associated with flames, not only due to its natural gas reserves but also because of its ancient fire temples. The iconic Flame Towers in Baku, which illuminate the skyline, are a modern reflection of this enduring symbol.
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is situated 28 meters below sea level, making it the lowest capital city in the world. This unique geographical feature also makes Baku the largest city in the world that lies below sea level, adding to its distinctive character.
In 1919, Azerbaijan became the first country in the East to grant women the right to vote. This progressive move occurred well before many Western nations, including the United States (1920), France (1944), and Italy (1925). Azerbaijan’s commitment to women’s rights stands as a testament to its forward-thinking society.
Azerbaijan is home to around 350 mud volcanoes, many of which are located near Baku and along the Caspian Sea coast. This phenomenon has earned Azerbaijan the title of the “Mud Volcano Capital of the World.” Among these, the largest mud volcanoes, such as Baku’s Beuyk-Kanizadag and Turagay, are remarkable natural attractions.
The first private museum of miniature books in the world is located in the Old City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This unique museum holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of miniature books, featuring over 6,500 works from 64 different countries. Among its treasures are a collection of Beatles songs and a tiny 17th-century copy of the Quran. The museum also boasts three of the smallest books in the world, measuring just 2 mm in length, which can only be read with a magnifying glass.
Baku is known as the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest chess players. Garry Kasparov, often regarded as the greatest chess player of all time, hails from Baku. Additionally, the chess prodigy Teimour Radjabov became an international grandmaster at the tender age of 14, showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich chess heritage.
During World War II, Azerbaijan played a crucial role in the Soviet Union’s war efforts, producing about 75% of the USSR’s oil. The oil extracted from Azerbaijan fueled many Soviet tanks, planes, and vehicles, significantly contributing to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany.
Khinalyg is one of the highest mountain villages in Europe, perched at an altitude of 2,300 meters. In 2020, it was added to UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage status. The village’s unique architecture, with tightly clustered houses designed to withstand harsh weather, reflects its ancient heritage. The residents, believed to be descendants of ancient tribes from Caucasian Albania, speak a unique language known as Ketsch.
Did you know that the world’s first oil tanker was launched in Baku? In 1879, the “Zoroastr” was built by the Nobel brothers to transport oil extracted from Azerbaijan’s rich oil fields. This innovation marked a significant milestone in the global oil industry.
Approximately 12% of the Nobel Prize fund originated from profits made by Alfred Nobel from oil operations in Baku. Nobel’s involvement in the Azerbaijani oil industry significantly contributed to his wealth, which later funded the prestigious Nobel Prizes.
The famous French writer and traveler Alexandre Dumas visited Azerbaijan during his journey through the Caucasus. In his 1856 work, “Journey to the Caucasus,” he documented his experiences in Sheki, highlighting the city’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Did you know what connects the iron tree that grows in the Talysh forests and the Nobel Foundation? The founder of this foundation, Alfred Nobel, was also involved in the production of rifles. One day, hearing about this very tree, which is excellent for making strong rifles, he traveled to Azerbaijan. There, the famous Swedish inventor saw the oil wells in Baku, from which jets of oil were gushing, leading him to decide to exploit these oil fields. Thus, the iron tree, growing in the southern region of our country, became a sort of culmination in the life of the Nobel millionaire.
Azerbaijan is often regarded as the birthplace of oil production, with the world’s first oil well drilled in 1846 when the territory was part of the Russian Empire. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Azerbaijan’s journey as a leading oil producer, shaping its economy and global significance in the energy sector. The early oil boom transformed Baku into a bustling hub of industry and innovation, attracting entrepreneurs and workers from various regions.
One of the most remarkable engineering feats in Azerbaijan is Oil Rocks, a unique settlement originally established as a single drilling platform in the Caspian Sea. Over time, it evolved into a city built on stilts, complete with shops, cultural centers, and hotels. This adaptation to the challenging marine environment showcases the ingenuity of Azerbaijani oil workers and their ability to create a thriving community in such an unusual setting.
The oldest salt deposit is located in Azerbaijan, in the valley of the Araks River, on the southern slope of Mount Duzdag, as proven by French archaeologists. According to scientists, the first extraction efforts at this deposit began five thousand years ago. Since the extraction of salt from natural deposits is a sign of the development of civilization, ancient salt mining operations are of great interest to archaeologists. The oldest artifact discovered by archaeologists dates back 4,500 years, making the salt deposit on Duzdag the oldest in the world.
