Baku, Azerbaijan – The Smell of Money

From the moment I set foot in Baku, I knew there was something very different about Azerbaijan’s capital city. Mirror-clad skyscrapers and modern shopping centers stood juxtaposed against the 700-year old stone walls of the Old City. Elegantly dressed women in high heels negotiated crazy patchwork stone streets. Delicious cooking smells mingled with an unpleasant smell that I couldn’t quite identify. This contrast of ancient and modern, coupled with the unexpected friendliness of Azeris and that strange odor, would become my enduring impressions of Baku.

I certainly wasn't expecting to see these glitzy modern skyscrapers on Neftchilar Prospekti Street in Baku, Azerbaijan
I certainly wasn’t expecting to see these glitzy modern skyscrapers on Neftchilar Prospekti Street in Baku, Azerbaijan

The Parallel Hotel, which had opened just two months earlier, was my next surprise. My room was huge, with an enormous King-size bed, and the staff was incredibly attentive. While having lunch at their in-house restaurant, the hotel manager, restaurant manager, waitress, and even the chef came out to talk to me. We discussed the history of Azerbaijan, the Russian occupation in 1918, religion, the current political situation – even the language and alphabet. By the time I’d finished eating, my itinerary for the following day was all arranged. For the very reasonable price of $70, the hotel had arranged a private tour with a driver and guide, to the most important sites in and around Baku.

We set out early the next morning. The city soon gave way to a bizarre barren landscape dotted with mud volcanoes. These mounds, which can rise more than 2,000 feet high, are formed when hot water deep below the Earth’s surface mixes with mud and methane gas. Subterranean pressure forces the resultant mud slurry up to the surface, where it “erupts” like a lava volcano.

Trails in Gobustan National Park lead to caves and canyons where early peoples carved petroglyphs
Trails in Gobustan National Park lead to caves and canyons where early peoples carved petroglyphs

Beyond the mud volcanoes lay Gobustan National Park. This Unesco World Heritage Site contains more than 6,000 ancient petroglyphs that date from 5,000 to 20,000 years old. Produced by Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens cave dwellers, they depict scenes of antelope, wild bulls, hunting parties, dancers, warriors, and even astrological representations of the sun and stars. Remarkably, visitors are allowed within arm’s reach of the carvings.

Ancient petroglyphs of bulls carved into the rocks at Gobustan National Park
Ancient petroglyphs of bulls carved into the rocks at Gobustan National Park
Ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks at Gobustan National Park
Ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks at Gobustan National Park depict a reed boat and warriors

Mesmerized, I emerged from one of the clifftop living enclosures and and gazed out over the Caspian Sea. Even when the only available tools were stone chisels, the drive to document life was too strong to be denied. I was still marveling over the carvings when I caught a hint of that same strange odor that had hung in the air the day before. I wrinkled my nose and sniffed, but it wasn’t a smell I recognized.

The Caspian Sea is visible from the cliffs of Gobustan National Park, just outside Baku
The Caspian Sea is visible from the cliffs of Gobustan National Park, just outside Baku

After a brief stop at Heydar Mosque to allow my driver to pray, we stopped at Ateshgah Restaurant, which features the national cuisine of Azerbaijan. Though a little dowdy on the outside, my guide and driver assured me that the food was outstanding.

Stunning Heydar Mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan
Stunning Heydar Mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan

The boys put their heads together and whispered conspiratorially. They decided I needed to sample every last vegetarian dish on the menu! Plate after plate began arriving at our table. An eggplant omelette, an omelette made with greens, chapatti-like rounds stuffed with a spinach and cilantro mix, and a delicious chopped salad. Then they ordered spicy roasted peppers, followed by white cherries in syrup and spiced tea. My initial delight turned to worry. I was footing the bill for our lunch and I could see the money ticking up. In the end I had a good laugh. All that food was only $18 for the three of us.

My tour guides take me to the Ateshgah National Restaurant at the Fire Temple of Baku and arrange for me to sample the best of Azerbaijani food
My driver and tour guide conspire to order everything vegetarian on the menu at Ateshgah National Restaurant
Other typical Azerbaijan cuisine at Ateshgah National Restaurant in Baku
Typical Azerbaijani cuisine at Ateshgah National Restaurant in Baku
At Ateshgah National Restaurant I enjoyed a variety of roasted peppers
These roasted peppers at Ateshgah National Restaurant were my favorite food in Azerbaijan
Desert at Ateshgah National Restaurant at the Fire Temple of Baku, tea and white cherries in heavy syrup - delicious!
Dessert at Ateshgah National Restaurant at the Fire Temple of Baku, tea and white cherries in heavy syrup – delicious!

Sated, we waddled across the parking lot to the Ateshgah of Baku, an historic site that was considered holy by Hindus and Zoroastrians alike. Often called the Fire Temple of Baku, the complex is named for eternal flames that once welled up out of the ground. Today the flames still burn, but they are fueled by natural gas piped in from Baku. The natural eternal flame went out in 1969, following nearly a century of exploitation of oil and gas deposits in the area.

Inside the Ateshgah of Baku, a Hindu and Zoroastrian temple better known as the Fire Temple of Baku
Inside the Ateshgah of Baku, a Hindu and Zoroastrian temple better known as the Fire Temple of Baku
The eternal flames at Ateshgah (Fire Temple) of Baku, now fueled by natural gas piped in from the city
The eternal flames at Ateshgah (Fire Temple) of Baku, now fueled by natural gas piped in from the city

Dusk was falling and I was shivering in the dropping temperature, so we decided to call it a day. As we exited the Ateshgah, evidence of that exploitation was clear. In every direction, as far as I could see, hundreds, maybe thousands of pumps were bobbing up an down, pumping oil out of the ground. I wasn’t surprised to later learn that Azerbaijan is one of the most important spots in the world for oil exploration and development.

The "eternal flame" at Ateshgah of Baku is today lit by natural gas piped in from the town, as the natural flame died out in 1969 due to over-exploitation of gas and oil deposits in the area
The “eternal flame” at Ateshgah of Baku is today lit by natural gas piped in from the town, as the natural flame died out in 1969 due to over-exploitation of gas and oil deposits in the area

Sufficiently armed with information about the culture and history of Azerbaijan, I spent the next few days discovering Baku on foot. The Azerbaijani capital is a pretty city, dotted with parks and gardens. My favorite was Winter Park, a long strip of parkway filled with flowering plants, benches, and fountains. Ornate buildings with domes, stately hotels, and modern skyscrapers rise on either side, and a brilliant sun made everything sparkle. Families pushed babies in carriages, lovers strolled hand-in-hand, and toddlers struggled to balance on scooters. Everyone seemed to be smiling.

Gnarled dwarf olive trees in Winter Park, a long pedestrian promenade in the center of Baku
Gnarled dwarf olive trees in Winter Park, a long pedestrian promenade in the center of Baku
Elegant, handsome buildings border Winter Park in Baku's city center
Elegant, handsome buildings border Winter Park in Baku’s city center

I finally turned back for the hotel, choosing a different route that took me into the back neighborhoods. Here there were no glittering buildings. Covered walkways led to dingy interior courtyards. Kids swung on crazily canted wooden door frames. An older man with a two-day stubble sat at a table with a younger man, playing a board game. Proudly dressed in a sweater vest and coat jacket that had seen better days, he rolled the dice and gleefully moved his round black pieces around the board. A murmur of appreciation rose from the men who stood watching.

Azeri men playing a board game known as Nard. They were only too happy to let me watch and take photos.
Azeri men playing a board game known as Nard. They were only too happy to let me watch and take photos.

Suddenly they noticed me. All eyes turned in my direction. I grinned and waved. The old man flashed a smile back at me. “Backgammon?” I asked. “Nard!” he replied. I later learned that this ancient game, which has roots in Middle Persia, is similar to backgammon. It uses the same board but has different initial positions and rules. Leaving them to continue their game undisturbed, I plodded uphill another eight blocks until I finally reached the hotel. I checked my phone to see how far I’d walked – six miles! Exhausted, I fell into bed at 8 p.m. without even taking a shower.

Two of three Flame Towers and TV tower as seen from Abdulla Shaig Street
Two of three Flame Towers and TV tower as seen from Abdulla Shaig Street

My eyes popped open at 6 a.m. Refreshed, I scarfed down a quick breakfast before heading out for another day of walking. A the top of my list was seeing Baku’s famous Flame Towers, which are built to resemble three blue flames. My chosen route along Abdullah Shaig Street was not particularly enjoyable. The street is a major thoroughfare with multiple lanes of very fast traffic. At several places the sidewalk disappeared and I found myself crossing in somewhat dangerous places. Plus, I never did find a view that showed all three of the blue glass skyscrapers. I had to settle for a photo of two out of the three.

Nizami Metro Station with Flame Towers in the distance
Nizami Metro Station with Flame Towers in the distance
Baku House of Government
Baku House of Government
Azerbaijan State Philharmonic building in Baku
Azerbaijan State Philharmonic building in Baku

Pathways through Clock Park and lovely Salala Park took me past the National Cabinet Building; the President’s Residence; and the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic, with its lavish Italian Renaissance exterior. Soon, the walled Old City rose before me.

Walls and citadel of the Old City in Baku
Walls and citadel of the Old City in Baku
A visit to the walled Old City, with its ancient architecture and narrow stone lanes, is one of the top things to do in Baku
A visit to the walled Old City, with its ancient architecture and narrow stone lanes, is one of the top things to do in Baku

As I passed through a gate in the ancient fortifications, an English-speaking woman invited me into her sweet shop. I followed her down a dark cobblestone passageway leading into the belly of the fortifications. We emerged in a tiny shop filled with Azerbaijani specialties: loose green and black teas, dates, pastries, cookies, dried fruits. My mouth watered at the prospect. I couldn’t resist. I bought a package of dried apricots and a container of another candied yellow fruit for nine Manat (slightly more than $5). For the rest of the afternoon, I munched contentedly as I visited the King Palace, the Shirvansha’s Palace Complex, and the most notable structure within the Old City, the S-shaped Maiden Tower.

Sweet Shop in the bowels of the Old City Walls in Baku, Azerbaijan
Sweet Shop in the bowels of the Old City Walls in Baku, Azerbaijan
Built in a very unusual undulating shape, Maiden Tower in the Old City must be included on any list of things to do in Baku
Built in a very unusual undulating shape, Maiden Tower in the Old City must be included on any list of things to do in Baku

I finally ran out of steam and stopped to rest in a cafe. After a rejuvenating cuppa, I asked the shop owner where I could find a taxi. Once again, I was stunned by the friendliness of Azeris. The owner insisted I should use an Uber rather than a taxi. Not only did he order it for me, but one of the servers walked out to the street with me, waited for it to arrive, and made sure the driver knew where to take me.

Azeri man sells flowers near the Baku Central Railroad Station
Azeri man sells flowers near the Baku Central Railroad Station
I wasn't expecting to see such upscale shopping centers in Baku
I wasn’t expecting to see such upscale shopping centers in Baku
Lev Tolstoy pedestrian shopping street in Baku
Lev Tolstoy pedestrian shopping street in Baku

I was tempted to take it easy on my final day, but there were more things to do in Baku. I couldn’t leave without visiting Baku White City, a park with a dazzling white promenade that parallels the Caspian Sea. The moment I exited the taxi my nose went on high alert. That strange smell again. I looked down at the water. It was very dirty, with brown colored foam and oily slicks floating on top, and the boulders along the shore were all coated in a tarry black sludge. I finally realized that the odor I’d been struggling to identify was petroleum. But by then, I knew It was just the smell of money.

Baku's White City Boulevard on the shores of the Caspian Sea
Baku’s White City Boulevard on the shores of the Caspian Sea, beautiful and infused with the rich smell of petroleum

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25 thoughts on “Baku, Azerbaijan – The Smell of Money”

  1. Dear Barbara,

    Greetings from sunny Azerbaijan!

    I really enjoyed your article. I hope you will visit Azerbaijan again, but this time not only Baku and suburban places, but also different regions where you can hike in mountains, and explore lakes, waterfall, rivers and of course, meet even more hospitable people.

    Please feel free to get in touch, if you plan travelling to Azerbaijan again.

    Reply
  2. I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Azerbaijan about 10 years ago and your description of the friendliness of the people brought tears to my eyes. Baku’s wealth is very unlike the rest of the country but one day, “inshallah”, it will spread. Thank you for sharing your experience!

    Reply
  3. Hi Barbara!

    Amazing post and nice photographs, I learn a lot from you and I’m very thankful for your hard work.

    Thank you for sharing and I look forward to more in the near future.

    Greeting from Canada

    Reply
  4. I enjoyed reading this Barbara. Our visit to a family member living in Baku in 2018 was cut short due to a bereavement. We had gone straight up to the mountains for hiking (amazing) and then Lahij so only had 2 days in the city before needing to leave. I planned to return this year but what with pandemics (I live in NZ) and now Baku is under martial law due to the fighting I am hoping to return in 2021 while I still have family there. It’s an incredible country!

    Reply
  5. Hi Barbara, don’t believe I saw any mention of when you visited Azerbaijan, but it seems especially interesting to read about your visit there in light of the recent hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia over disputed territory. Baku looks like a very interesting city with the old and new contrasting architecture as you mention — I prefer the look of the older buildings. A real shame about the pollution in the Caspian Sea. Petroleum does indeed have a very unique odor. Thanks for this very interesting blog and great photos!

    Reply
    • Hi Sylvia: I actually visited last fall and am just now getting around to writing about it. I published the story the night before hostilities broke out, so the timing was interesting. But I decided to leave it up because not al the country was affected and it doesn’t change my opinion about the people and the landscape. I was scheduled to publish photos and stories ab0ut Armenia next, but decided to hold off for while until things settled down. I’ll probably go ahead with that content at the end of this week.

      Reply
  6. These pictures are fabulous!!!!So beautiful. This is the best place you have ever been to. Hope your health is doing well.
    Love to see what you do!!!!
    Keep posting.
    Valerie

    Reply
  7. Of all the places in the world you have visited this is the most amazing one I have seen on your site. I never commented before but I must say you are one lucky lady to have been there in real life! Thanks Barb. Tom

    Reply

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