Icherisheher - The Pearl of Baku

Previously I know Azerbaijan as the former of the Soviet Union with more than 90% of its population is Muslim. The word ‘Azerbaijan’ itself literally means ‘the protector of fire’. It is the reason why this country called “the Land of Fire”, moreover the country is abundant in oil and natural gas. It was known as the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state. What makes me impressed, this country is also known as the first Muslim country that initiated woman suffrage.

Azerbaijan and Indonesia already have established camaraderie for more than a quarter-century. I also found out that some similarity between Azerbaijan and Indonesia is really interesting. For example in the culinary side, both countries can’t be separated from rice. Some foods are similar like Azerbaijan has kufta bozbash and Indonesia has bakso also Azerbaijan has lulya kebab and Indonesia has satay. Furthermore, the similarity between Azerbaijan and Indonesia also found in the language. I am surprised that some words in Azerbaijan language and Bahasa Indonesia are same when I attended Polyglot Indo x Embassy of Azerbaijan in Jakarta on Sunday 24th November 2019. I still remember Mr Emil as the Embassy representative did a great presentation about his native country and he told some words are very similar. It happens due to some Azerbaijani words came from Arabic as same as Indonesian language for example; answer (cavab x jawab), pregnant (hamilə x hamil), sacrifice (qurban x kurban), soap (sabun x sabun), olive (zeytun x zaitun), tool (alət x alat), and body (cəsəd x jasad).

Layla Majnun in Indonesian eyes

However my curiosity about Azerbaijan getting huge when I saw the teaser of an upcoming movie that will be published as soon as possible by the Indonesian movie company. At the end of 2019, the movie production named Starvision published their upcoming movie teaser named “Layla Majnun”. This film is stared by famous movie talents such as Reza Rahardian, Acha Septriasa, and Beby Tsabina. This movie is scheduled to be published this year but the precise date is still unknown. According to Acha Septriasa, who has the role of “Layla” said that the movie is still be postponed with other hundreds of local and international movies due to the pandemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019.

This movie inspired by the well-known legendary love story “Layla Majnun” that written by Nizami Ganjavi, a Muslim poet from Ganja which now known as Azerbaijan. This story has been famous since the 12th century until nowadays. It can be proof that the high civilization had existed in Azerbaijan. Moreover, Azerbaijan is located nearby strong countries such as Russia and Iran.

For sure, this movie has taken place in some cities in Azerbaijan such as Baku, Şamaxı, and Quba, even it is taken place also in the Şahdağ mountain. Although the movie is about a heart-breaking love story but the splendor of Azerbaijan would never hurt your heart. Through this movie, it opens my eyes about the mesmerizing of Azerbaijan that offers the sensation of combination east and west cultures laden with its rich culture and heritage. The land that witnesses of tolerance where Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christian, Jewish, and many others of small nations have been living peacefully for centuries.

Baku and Caspian Sea in the Night

Talking about a country it is not complete without talking about its capital city. Baku as the capital city of Azerbaijan is known as the city of winds. Baku is located 28 meters below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and the largest city in the world located below sea level. The architecture of Baku itself is filled with gold. Furthermore, Baku formerly served as a transit point for goods passing from China and India through the Black Sea to Constantinople.

Crude Oil Spa Sensation

As the largest city on the Caspian Sea and of the Caucasus region, its stock exchanges the largest in the region and it is also said to be one of the birthplaces of the oil industry with huge offshore and onshore oil fields. Besides its commodity, this black gold is also can be used as one of popular therapy since the 6th century BC and said to heal everything also good to make the skin getting beautiful. I would love to visit Naftalan Spa in Baku to by unusual spa bathing in crude oil for once in a lifetime experience.

Baku is surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls but also offering the romantic sceneries to enjoy the Caspian sea. Lovely sea and beach area with a promenade. It provides boulevards and bars replete with calming sea views and breezes. Having sunset dining by the Caspian sea with loved-one will be a good option for a honeymoon.

Icherisheher - The Old City

Another way to enjoy Baku from the ancient version is you must visit the old city or “Icherisheher”. Icherisheher is the pearl of Azerbaijani architecture and culture. The entire history of Baku can be read in its stone walls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and a mythical place in the center of a modern city. It was the Medieval capital under the Shirvanshahs. Today, it’s the capital’s historic heart and home to the Maiden Tower, traditional carpet weavers, and a plethora of bars and restaurants.

The Old City is located in the southern part of Baku and is part of the Sabayil neighborhood. The Icherisheher is layered with religious, political and cultural significance. It is filled with fortified walls, double gates, mosque, palaces, souvenir shops, and restaurants. In Icherisheher, the atmosphere of the medieval period is very strong through the architecture of residential buildings, bathhouses, old restaurants, et cetera from the 18th to the 19th century. The old city is a great combination of ottoman and Tuscany architecture narrow streets that people can walk kind and friendly and enjoy the sights. Staring and be amazed at the fortified defensive walls that have protected the city for centuries from invading forces.

Shirvanshah Palace in the Old City

One of the recommended historical place to be visited in the old city is Shirvanshah palace. The actual complex comprises the palace itself, a mosque with a single minaret, remnants of the royal bathhouses, the throne hall, exhibitions rooms, burial vaults, and mausoleums - all surrounded by restored

sandstone walls and domes.

Maiden Tower

From many towers in Icherisheher, the must-visit tower is Maiden Tower or locally known as Giz Galasi. This iconic tourism place is known as the most ancient monument and also the most recognized landmark from Azerbaijan. It is the most mysterious monument is being erected. From the top of the tower you will see the panoramic view of the city.

Inside the old city, there is the oldest building in Baku that had been built in 1078. Mohammed Mosque (or known as Siniggala mosque) and the adjacent minaret. It is a beautiful and historical mosque in the center of the old city, a small, clean and very well maintained mosque.

There are lots of coffee shops, cafes and very welcoming underground restaurants which serve local wonderful food and for sure halal food is easy to be found. Don’t forget to try the uniqueness of Azerbaijan tea because they serve it with jam. Looking for souvenirs? Don’t worry! There are a lot of souvenir vendors! You can buy carpets, silverware, antiques, souvenirs, Soviet memorabilia, tea sets, hats, fabrics as souvenirs for family and friends.

Among millions places in the part of the world, Azerbaijan definitely is one of my priorities for the travel list. As a foreigner traveler I would feel safe traveling Azerbaijan as this country has reputable safety from criminality particularly among others Caucasus regions. Moreover, the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, was one of the best tourist destinations in 2014 and categorized as one of the Rising Tourist Areas according to Trip Advisor. Indeed, I would love to visit there if I get the opportunity one day and it would be an unforgettable journey in my life.