Azerbaijan is the largest of the three countries of the Southern Caucasus with its capital Baku. About a thousand years ago, Turkic tribes began settling in this territory in large numbers. Those settlers absorbed some of the local traditions, and the locals adopted some of the settlers' culture. Not surprisingly, therefore, the Azerbaijani language is closely related to Turkish and Turkmen.
Baku City.
Azeris are known to be lively and warm people. Family ties are close, and relatives rely on each other in times of difficulty.
Native Azeris.
Azeris love music and poetry. In one form of music called 'mugam', a singer recites classical Azeri poems to the accompaniment of folk instruments. A 'mugam' performer has to have thorough knowledge of traditional 'mugam' repertoire and a knack for improvisation.
Azeris Musical Instrument.
Tea is an important part of Azerbaijani culture. The beverage is served in small pear-shaped glasses with sugar cubes, perhaps accompanied by pistachios, almonds, and raisins. Tea houses can be found in even the smaller towns.
A Tea House In Azerbaijan.
The Caspian Sea, to the east of the country, is a habitat of the Sturgeon. The Beluga Sturgeon can leave for more than a 100 years. One of the biggest ever caught was 8.5 meters in length and weighed 1,297 kilograms. Sturgeons are prized for their eggs, the roe, the famous and costly black caviar.
the Beluga Sturgeon.
Azeris are religious people who like to talk about God. Most of the population are Muslims. Other religious groups are also present, including more than a thousand Christians --- many of them native Azerbaijanis.
Baku City.
Azeris are known to be lively and warm people. Family ties are close, and relatives rely on each other in times of difficulty.
Native Azeris.
Azeris love music and poetry. In one form of music called 'mugam', a singer recites classical Azeri poems to the accompaniment of folk instruments. A 'mugam' performer has to have thorough knowledge of traditional 'mugam' repertoire and a knack for improvisation.
Azeris Musical Instrument.
Tea is an important part of Azerbaijani culture. The beverage is served in small pear-shaped glasses with sugar cubes, perhaps accompanied by pistachios, almonds, and raisins. Tea houses can be found in even the smaller towns.
A Tea House In Azerbaijan.
The Caspian Sea, to the east of the country, is a habitat of the Sturgeon. The Beluga Sturgeon can leave for more than a 100 years. One of the biggest ever caught was 8.5 meters in length and weighed 1,297 kilograms. Sturgeons are prized for their eggs, the roe, the famous and costly black caviar.
the Beluga Sturgeon.
Azeris are religious people who like to talk about God. Most of the population are Muslims. Other religious groups are also present, including more than a thousand Christians --- many of them native Azerbaijanis.