
Azerbaijan
Baku, Azerbaijan's mesmerizing capital on the Caspian Sea shores, dazzles as a city where East meets West, where ancient Silk Road heritage merges with futuristic skyscrapers creating one of the world's most unique urban landscapes. This cosmopolitan metropolis of over 2 million serves as the Caucasus region's largest and most dynamic city. The UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher) transports visitors to medieval times with its cobblestone streets, the iconic 12th-century Maiden Tower, and the magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The modern city features the iconic Flame Towers—three flame-shaped skyscrapers with LED displays representing Azerbaijan's fire worship heritage—and the stunning Heydar Aliyev Center designed by Zaha Hadid. Stroll the elegant Baku Boulevard along the Caspian waterfront, explore Fountains Square, and visit the Carpet Museum shaped like a rolled carpet. With its blend of ancient and modern, Baku offers an unforgettable Caucasus experience.