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As part of the former Soviet Union, Azerbaijan
has often mistakenly been considered part of Russia by many
in the western world. Azerbaijan is not a part of Russia and
its people are for the most part not Russian, but Azeri with
a different culture and history. Talishes, Lezgies, Georgians,
Kurds, Avars, Tats, Jews, Russians, Tatars and other ethnic
groups also contribute to the cultural mosaic of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan's official and most frequently spoken
language is Azeri, a Turkic language, but Russian and English
are also spoken in and around Baku.
Azerbaijan is a secular state, which guarantees
full religious freedom to all its citizens. Shiite Islam is
the principal religion and the majority of citizens are Moslems,
but the Christian, Jewish and Bahai minorities co-exist with
them in complete harmony.
Since regaining its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan
has been on a steady road to join the rest of the world's
nations both economically and socially. In 1994, the "Contract
of the Century" was signed opening Azerbaijan's doors to the
International oil industry, and thereby to the rest of the
world. After the document's signing, nine other oil contracts
were signed and the rush for Azerbaijan's black gold was on.
Business started booming as oil companies began drilling for
oil and working on the various pipelines.
It is only natural that tourism would follow.
Azerbaijan also lies on the ancient Silk Road making it a
natural destination for tourists. Azerbaijan is a beautiful
country. Its people are warm, friendly and hospitable.
Azerbaijan is one of the cradles of civilization.
Thousands of natural and archeological monuments attest to
the fact that this area was home to civilization more than
15,000 years ago.
Azerbaijan's natural setting paints a bright
picture of golden beaches washed by the warm waters of the
Caspian Sea. Green, dense forests with cool mineral springs
and a multitude of flora and fauna harmonise with the picturesque
Caucasus Mountains, rock formations and crystal clear lakes.
The level of education and culture enjoyed
by the people of Azerbaijan is awe-inspiring. Religious and
cultural traditions, arts, poetry, literature and certainly
mouth-watering cuisine are all part of the daily life of the
Azerbaijani citizen.
Of course, the hospitality of the people is
a phenomenon that can hardly be matched by any other. We invite
you to come and experience this beautiful country, its cultural
and natural riches and to get to know the extraordinary warmth
of its people! Hope to see you in Baku!
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