The Caucasus is a region between two seas: The Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and mainly occupied by Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During my visit to Turkey, I decided to visit Azerbaijan, as it was the final country in that region to visit. Flying from Turkey was much easier and cheaper as the two countries have very close relations. Many nationalities (including Poles) require a visa upon arrival, unlike Armenia & Georgia, it is not expensive, but travellers should always bear that in mind and check prior to departure what is required.

I flew into the Azeri capital – Baku for a few days and explored this growing city. One of the city’s main symbols are the modern Flame Towers, which symbolises Azerbaijan’s reputation as ‘the land of Fire’. Even in the old language, “azer” means fire. Outside Baku, I visited Yanar Dag, translated as "burning mountain", which is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula just outside Baku. The nation is rich in natural resources, and its economy is heavily based on oil and other energy exports.

I also explored the Walled City of Baku, which is known as the Old City – it was listed as the UNESCO Heritage Site along with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
The city is a clash of old, but also modern architecture, thus often compared with Dubai because of its modern skyline, and wealth based on oil exports.

Overall, Baku is very interesting and is a good place to start exploring this beautiful country. As you travel throughout the country, you’ll have a chance to see various landscapes, starting from the Caspian Sea, the flatlands and the peaks Caucasian mountains.

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