Azerbaijan is a country that can be talked about endlessly, with each new fact surprising, inspiring, and revealing something new. It is a country with a rich history, culture, and unique nature.

1. In the 3rd to 6th centuries, Azerbaijan was part of the Sassanid Empire. This was a time of flourishing Persian culture and art, as well as the strengthening of Zoroastrianism. During the reign of the Sassanids, Azerbaijan played an important role in defending the empire from external enemies, such as the Romans and Byzantines. Sassanid culture left numerous architectural monuments and significant archaeological finds in Azerbaijan. In particular, archaeologists found Zoroastrian temples and tall towers in the north-western part of the country, which served both as defensive fortifications and religious centers.
2. Azerbaijan became an important link in the Great Silk Road due to its geographical location and historical context. Several major trade routes passed through Azerbaijan, connecting China, India, Central Asia, and Mesopotamia with the Caucasus, Anatolia, and Europe. The Kura River and the Caspian Sea played a significant role in transporting goods, while cities such as Baku, Sheki, Shemakha, Ganja, and Tabriz became important trade and cultural centers. Baku, due to its location on the Caspian Sea coast, was an important port through which goods from Asia were transported to Europe. Baku also developed oil production, attracting traders and merchants. Shemakha, an ancient city, was an important trade and cultural center, known for its handcrafted products. Tabriz was a center for the production of carpets, fabrics, and other goods that were transported along the Silk Road. The main goods that passed through Azerbaijan along the Great Silk Road were silk, spices, tea, ceramics, precious stones, and gold. Azerbaijan was also an important source of oil, which attracted the attention of traders and became a valuable commodity in the market.
3. The Azikh Cave is one of the oldest human settlements in Azerbaijan, where people lived around 1.5 million years ago. Primitive stone tools such as scrapers, knives, and hammers, used for hunting and food processing, have been found here, confirming the early level of human culture and technology.
4. After Alexander's victory over the Persians, Atropates became a vassal of Macedonia, but retained significant autonomy. Atropatene, present-day Azerbaijan, remained practically an independent state; however, Atropates had to recognize Alexander’s authority, support him in war, and pay tribute. The subjugation of Azerbaijan was another significant step in Alexander’s eastward expansion, but despite his victories, the resistance of local rulers and peoples continued, requiring constant efforts to maintain the conquered territories.
5. Azi Aslanov was a Soviet military leader, born in 1923 in Azerbaijan. He became one of the youngest generals in the Soviet Army, receiving the rank of major general at the age of 28, thanks to his achievements during World War II.
6. Did you know that Azerbaijan is considered one of the first places where oil was extracted on an industrial scale? The world's first oil drilling took place in 1846 at the Bibi-Eibat oil field near Baku. By the early 19th century, drilling began in Baku, and in the 1870s, Baku became the global center of oil extraction. By using new methods of oil production and processing, Azerbaijan actively developed its oil industry, which in turn influenced the development of the global oil industry. The Baku oil played an exceptional role in the formation of the Nobel Prize fund, as 10% of the capital from which the Nobel Prizes are now paid was contributed by the "Nobel Brothers Oil Production Partnership," and the capital for the Nobel Prize was accumulated through Baku’s oil. There is also a house-museum of the Nobel brothers in Baku, known as "Villa Petrolea," which is the only Nobel museum outside Sweden.
7. Yanar Bulag, or "burning spring," is a unique place in Azerbaijan where water is capable of burning. It's unlikely you’ll find another place where fire and water meet. This phenomenon occurs due to the high natural gas content in the water, which ignites when exposed to air. Although the fire is not always visible, the water can catch fire when touched or in proximity to a flame. Additionally, the spring is known for its healing properties, which are used to treat various ailments.
8. Azerbaijan is home to about 300 species of endemic plants, making the country's flora one of the most unique in the Caucasus region. These plants are found exclusively in Azerbaijan or in limited geographic zones. One of the most famous endemics of Azerbaijan is the Persian parrotia, known as the iron tree. This tree grows in restricted areas in the Caucasus and Iran, preferring mountain forests. The iron tree attracts attention not only for its strong wood but also for its unique foliage, which turns vibrant red and golden colors in the fall.
9. Khary-bulbul is a flower of extraordinary beauty that grows exclusively in Karabakh, specifically in Shusha. Its shape resembles the silhouette of a nightingale, which is reflected in the name: "khary" in Azerbaijani means "thorn," and "bulbul" means nightingale. The legend of the flower tells that the Iranian Shah Fatali built a palace for his wife, Agha Beyim Agha, and then created a garden to ease her longing for her homeland, Shusha. All the plants of Karabakh were planted in this garden, and it was named "Vətən Bağı" — "The Garden of the Native Land." However, only Khary-bulbul did not take root. Agha Beyim, saddened by the loss, wrote poetry full of sorrow and longing for her homeland, reflecting her deep connection with nature and the past.
10. The Karabakh horse became a symbol of strength, beauty, and national pride. It played an important role in traditional Azerbaijani festivals and horse races, being part of the cultural heritage of the region. During the Soviet Union and on the international stage, Karabakh horses gained recognition due to their victories in competitions and were considered one of the best breeds in the world for endurance and speed.
11. One of the most memorable episodes of Alexandre Dumas' journey through the Caucasus was his visit to Baku, which at the time was rapidly developing as a center of trade and culture. Dumas, as a man accustomed to European civilization, was fascinated by the dynamic nature and contrasts of the city. In his "Travel Notes," he described Baku, its people, culture, and atmosphere in detail.
12. Azerbaijan also played an important role as a pioneer in a number of areas in the East. For example, Azerbaijan was the first region in the Caucasus to build a railway. In 1880, the Baku-Tbilisi railway line was opened, linking Baku with other important regions and playing a key role in the economic development of the region, particularly in oil and trade.
13. Azerbaijan also became an important cultural center of the East. Unique musical and artistic traditions, such as mugham — a complex form of traditional Azerbaijani music — originated here. The first opera in the East was created in Azerbaijan. This work, titled "Leyli and Majnun," was written by Uzeyir Hajibeyov, a prominent composer and musician who is considered the founder of Azerbaijani opera. The Azerbaijani ballet "Maiden Tower" was the first ballet in the Muslim East.
14. Azerbaijan was also the first Muslim state to declare itself a democratic republic. In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was founded, becoming the first country in the East to have a parliament, political parties, and women's right to vote.
15. Additionally, the first school for girls in the entire Muslim East was opened in Baku in 1892. The idea to establish such an institution in the capital of Azerbaijan came from the outstanding philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev.