Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Baku Carpet Museum Azerbaijan trip and Tour

The world’s first specialized Carpet Museum was established in 1967 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The initiator of the museum is a prominent scientist and carpet weaver, founder of carpet science, artist and pedagogue, author of the fundamental work “Azerbaijani carpet” Latif Karimov.

Since 2014, the museum has been operating in a new, magnificent carpet-shaped building. This place has already become one of the symbols of Baku. The author of the project is the famous Austrian architect Franz Jans. The new building of the museum was established by the order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The establishment of a new cultural center for the preservation and exhibition of carpets was a joint project of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and UNESCO.

Since its establishment, the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum has been paying great attention to the study of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of our country. Acting as a research center, this cultural center regularly brings together scientists, artists, and collectors from different countries and hosts international symposiums and conferences.

Ancient pile weaving techniques are revived in the museum. In addition, an education department has been established to promote various types of crafts, especially carpet weaving. There are educational programs for children and adults.

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is the first museum in our country to implement inclusive programs. For the convenience of visually impaired people, all the texts in the exhibition are presented in Braille.

In addition, employees of the “Traditional Technology” department prepared carpet samples using the method of synthesis of the pile and non-pile techniques. Through these examples, visually impaired people can tactilely feel the ornaments on our carpets and the technical differences of pileless carpets.

Since 2020, the museum has introduced a virtual exposition with sign language for the hearing impaired. Visitors to the museum are also offered a guided tour (With Caspi Tours)  with a sign language interpreter.

Baku City

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BAKU

The Capital of Azerbaijan is called Baku which is the most developed city in Transcaucasia. The name Baku is possibly a contraction of the Persian word bad Kube which means windy City. As the name city is most of the time blown with the wind. If we look back to the history of the city, we can see that Baku was the first harbor on the Caspian Sea. Taking into account the fact that Azerbaijan is located on the cross line of Europe and Asia, the Absheron peninsula where Baku is located becomes the region that is one of the important geographical bridges for the Europeans trying to study the Asian and Far Eastern nations. Oil production played a significant role in the history of the city. Petrol-loaded Camel caravans used to travel through the Silk Way to Europe and Asia. Baku mostly derives its importance and power of economy from its oil industry and its administrative functions. Strolling down Baku Boulevard, a famous seaside avenue along the shore of the Caspian Sea and a must-see for first-time visitors to Baku. The huge embankment stretches over 25 kilometers and amazes visitors with its impressive displays of the original architecture. Get lost in the cobblestone labyrinth of Old Town, rich in history and Old World charm. Feel like royalty at Shirvanshahs Palace, Baku’s medieval government headquarters where the famous Soviet movie “The Diamond Arm” was shot. Climb Maiden’s Tower, is a symbol of the city and one of the most mysterious buildings in the capital that provides a tangible history lesson and an amazing city view. Chill out at Nagorny Park as you enjoy gorgeous views of Baku and the Caspian Sea from the highest point in the city. Weave your way through the Carpet Museum, which tells the stories of Azerbaijan through the beautiful ornamentation and interwoven colors of traditional local carpets. Increase your cultural IQ at the Heydar Aliyev Culture Center, sure to impress lovers of modern and contemporary art with its unique architecture and informative exhibitions. Be sure to stick around to appreciate the sparkling illumination of the center after sunset. Baku’s surrounding vicinities offer additional opportunities for adventure: Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient cave paintings at the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs, uncover the mystery of the ever-burning fire of Yanardag or travel back in time with a visit to Ateshgah Temple, an object of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians for hundreds of years.

 

Gabala

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Gabala

is a unique town on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, is famous for its rare combination of beautiful mountain landscapes, historical monuments, and a lot of tourist attractions.

Gabala is a small city located 220 km away from Baku on the territory of Shaki-Zagatala administrative district zone, in the northwest part of Azerbaijan on the border of Dagestan and Georgia. Gabala town is the administrative center of the district. The population is less than 13 thousand people. The ethnic composition of the city is very diverse and international and consists of Azerbaijanis, Lezgins, Udi, and representatives of other nationalities. The main religions here are Islam and Christianity.

 Climate

On the weather conditions of the region, surrounding mountains have a great extent influence. Climate toward the south is dry and warm in the winter, and in the mountains cold and damp. In the summer there is no sweltering heat and severe frosts in winter. The average temperature in January is -14 ° C, in July + 27-30 ° C. The largest share of precipitation is from April to September, but in general, they are not so significant, but in the highlands, winter, more snow, and rain in the summer. The most optimal period for a trip here is the period from May to October.

History

Qabala is one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan. One of the first-mentioned written sources about Kabala dated to the 1 century of the 1st century Greek and Roman (Pliny). Archaeological findings suggest that the city has an ancient history and was inhabited already in times the Late Stone Age. However, the information in ancient sources and archaeology found around the city allow scientists to roughly determine the date of foundation of Kabala around 2000 years old. Throughout its history, Kabala sways between foreign domination and independence. The city was repeatedly attacked, destroyed to the ground, and robbed. In this regard, most of the surviving monuments of the architecture date back to the XVI-XIX BB. From the IV century BC, The V century BC Cabal was a relatively important political, economic, and commercial center. In the 60s BC Roman legion attacked the city, but could not capture it.  Azerbaijani city of  Gabala, over 600 years was the center of Caucasian Albania, and then it became part of the state of Shirvanshahs and Sheki khanate,  in successive order.  In the XVIII century on the territory of  Gabala, there was little feudal education – Qutqashen Sultanate, which soon became a member of Sheki khanate and managed Naib appointed Sheki Khans.

In the middle of the XIII century as a result of continuous Mongolian invasions, the city lost its former importance and the inhabitants gradually abandoned him.  The district has a lot of monuments that have survived from ancient times. Mound Kabalaka, capital of the state of Caucasian Albania, is 20 km to the northeast of the city of Gabala. There are only fragments of the majestic fortifications of the ancient city, which is mentioned by Strabo, Pliny, and Ptolemy, one of the oldest cities in the country, it is already mentioned in the context at the end of  V century B.C  T (that is almost 900 years old) was the capital of Azerbaijan – Caucasian Albania.

Geography

Kabala is located on the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, on the right bank of the river Damiraparanchaj. It is surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Caucasus – Bazarduzu, Bazaryurd, Tufanly, rising to a height of almost 4000 meters above sea level. The administrative center of the district is 900 meters above sea level. The northern part of the territory belongs to the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, the central part refers to Alazan-Hafteranskoy Valley, the southern part belongs to Adzhynohurskim mountains. Gabala is totally unique corner of Azerbaijan with extraordinary rich flora and fauna. in the woods and on the mountain pastures can be found noble deer and mountain tours, gazelles, wild boar, gray rabbit, bears, wolves, foxes, and numerous birds – pheasants, partridge, francolin, etc. Forest cover most of the territory of the region, where the majority of growing hornbeams, oaks, beeches, junipers, birches, poplars, walnuts, chestnuts, and other trees with an average age of over 500 years. Some of them are included in the list of natural monuments protected by the state.

General info

Now Gabala is the center of the north-western region, characterized by a high rate of development and a rapidly changing shape. The economy of the region is mostly agricultural, partially tourist-based, with some manufacturing industries, mainly for food preserves, tobacco, and silkworm cocoon drying.  This area is known for its waterfalls and mountain streams, which are sent to the tourists, indifferent to the beautiful natural scenery, hunting, and fishing. An important cultural event in the city became acquired high popularity in recent years, the Gabala International Music Festival, which takes place every summer and is going to a lot of fans. The pride of the local people is the local football club, which plays in the highest national league.

Tourism and culture

Gabala is considered a popular tourist destination due to the combination of a very good spring climate, woods along the mountains, and beautiful nature was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in the city.  The city contains “Gabaland” amusement park, There are all conditions for recreation and entertainment for children an ice skating rink Gabala has several shopping malls; the most famous city center mall is Gabala Mall. Tufan Dag Ski Complex, one of the biggest mountain resorts in the Caucasus located in Gabala Since 2009, the city has been home to Gabala International Music Festival, which included performances from classical and jazz performers Here tourists are available for restaurants and hotel services at a high level. Around the mountains covered with forests, it is Funfair, which is unparalleled in the South Caucasus, and other tourist facilities in a beautiful corner of nature. The area is also a project for the development of winter tourism. Construct installation for skiing in the mountains and other winter sports. The Gabala are also organized international events. Traditional Gabala International Music Festival was known all over the world. The festival involves prominent musicians, composers, and performers.

Airport

Qabala Airport is the only airport in the city, that serves a number of domestic and international destinations.

Architecture

The architectural appearance of the city is formed from the mosques, mausoleums, temples, and historical monuments, which blend harmoniously with the majestic mountain landscapes and dense green area surrounding modern  Gabala. The long history and  beautiful  landscapes of this region give the regional capital a special  charm

Natural sights

Many monuments of history and culture have remained on the territory of the district.

Nohur lake

Some of the local beauty: the so-called Russian forest, river valleys, the famous chestnut forest, numerous picturesque villages Vyandam, Gyamarvan, Engidzha, mountainous village of Laza where since not long time ago tourists can get even riding a quad bike provided by hotel Gafgaz.

Nidj is a small village located 20 km away from Gabala has also gained fame. There live Udins – the direct descendants of ancient Caucasian Albanians. To get a lot of impressions from the edge of the beautiful natural landscape and unique routes along wild mountain rivers. is located on the bank of Nohur Lake, 5 km of Gabala-Baku highway. Tours to waterfalls, across the forests, and to the historical monuments are available.

7 beauty

In  Mirror lakes, fast rivers, and waterfalls, ice fountains, emerald forests, mountains, whose peaks are covered with eternal snow. The famous Seven beauties waterfall consists of seven stages. The people believe that if you make a wish and be able to go up to the last – the seventh stage of the waterfall, it is necessarily true.

Gyabyalinsky area with its stunning lake Nohur, with its beautiful high waterfalls, feature fast mountain rivers, cold as ice springs, it has become one of the most important tourist areas of Azerbaijan To get a lot of impressions from the edge of the beautiful natural landscape and unique routes of along wild mountain rivers.

Tours

Caspi Tours offers day trips to different cities of Azerbaijan. One-day tour from Baku to Gabala in our list too

Shahdag

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Shahdag Trip

Coming to sunny Azerbaijan, it seems, You may completely forget about the snow, especially about the ski resort even during the winter period. However, thanks to the mountain landscape in some of the Azerbaijani regions, the local residents can enjoy the winter resort. So, Shahdag is one of such resorts, located in the north of the country, 32 kilometers away from region Qusar. The ski resort was named so after the Shahdag peak in the Caucasus Mountains, the altitude of which reaches 4243. The resort itself is located 1000-2000 meters high above sea level, which explains the reason for this region’s severe climate.

Shahdag – is exactly that special place, where you should go, if you wish to travel to winter fairytale. Those snow-white fields, bright sun, and mountain weather – best remedy from the tiredness from noisy cities.

Being the first ski resort in Azerbaijan, Shahdag very soon became the favorite place of many local citizens, where they can celebrate the New Year or just spend joyful weekends.

So, let’s learn a bit about the history of this place.

The story goes back to 2006 -the period when the preparatory work for the construction of the Shahdag started. Three years later in 2009, the foundation of the resort was set up.  Later, the snowmaking system was created; also the roadway and the ski slope were transferred here. Finally, in 2012 the ski resort Shahdag was officially open for everyone.

Soon, after the official opening of the resort, new hotels, such as Gaya, Zirve, etc. were opened. Eventually, the number of hotels in the resort territory reached 5 – Shahdag Hotel & Spa, Pik Palace, Gaya Residence, Zirve Hotel, Park Chalet

The ski season in Shahdag starts in December and closes generally in March-April.

Besides ski skating, in Shahdag you can also have other things to do such as ice-skating, going on 1800 meters long roadway or just having fun playing the snowballs with your friends! Climbing, hiking, parachuting, canoeing, mountain, biking, rafting, horse riding, trekking, lake swimming – all you can do in Shahdag tour!

In addition to entertainment, when you come to Shahdag, you walk into a fairy place, full of picturesque views! Even during winter times, the sun is brightly shining, and the view of snow lit with sunrays will stick in your memory for a long time!

The entertainment is certainly good; however, eating is a must-do thing in Shahdag. What a pleasure it is to drink a hot tea or coffee on a cold winter day! Besides entertainment, there are functioning about twenty cafes and restaurants on the territory of the resort, where you may try national dishes as well as international food.

However, do not forget to take your ID card, as you will be required to present it before buying a ticket for renting ski gear.

Here are the prices for usage of sky gears:

  • Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots) – 25 AZN
  • Ski gears + jacket + trousers + helmet – 53 AZN
  • Snowboard + boots – 40 AZN

However, the price for usage of ski gears for the children aged 6-12 is pretty cheaper

  • Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots+ helmet ) – 29 AZN
  • Ski suit (jacket + trousers) – 16 AZN

The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged over 12):

09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 26 AZN

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM– 16 AZN

12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 16 AZN

One-time use only – 6 AZN

The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged 6-12):

09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 20 AZN

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM – 12 AZN

12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 12 AZN

One-time use only – 4 AZN

And the usage of the ropeway for the children aged 0-6 is free.

Though Shahdag was initially opened as a winter resort, many people attend this lovely place in summer too. Fresh air, green fields, and amazing sunsets – perfect time spent in summer.

Additionally, Shahdag offers a great variety of facilities for any age – quad bikes, Nordic walking, bicycle, inflatable castles, etc. Besides, you can also try carting, paintball, riding a Segway, scooter, or visit our Adventure Park! So many things to do in just one place – no time for boring!

Visiting definitely should be added to your “things to do” list, when you visit Azerbaijan!