What to see in Baku: The capital where ancient and modern collide

euronews (in English)

Baku is the perfect example of Azerbaijan’s mixture of traditions and modernity. You can get lost in the narrow streets of the old town, learn more about carpet weaving or be mesmerised by the futuristic architecture of the modern city.

Transcript

00:00 Hello and welcome to Explore Azerbaijan.

00:07 We are at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, and the capital, Baku, is

00:12 the perfect example of this mixture of continents, traditions and modernity.

00:25 Icher Ishe Erez, the inner town of Baku is locally known as a network of charming narrow

00:30 streets enclosed by walls, erected in the 12th century.

00:35 It's the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

00:40 The most ancient monument here is also Baku's icon, the Maiden Tower.

00:49 UNESCO, it says that the Maiden Tower, the first construction was built in the 7th century

00:54 before the Christ, so at least it proves that 2,700 years back the place was actively settled

01:01 by people.

01:08 Another place you can't miss is the Shirvanshahs Palace, the residence of the Shirvan dynasty,

01:13 who ruled this historical region from the 9th to the 16th century.

01:18 This complex is named a pearl of Azerbaijani architecture by UNESCO.

01:23 First, it represents the medieval century in more larger scales than any other object

01:31 in Azerbaijan.

01:32 And here you can find decorations, they are original ones, never have been changed, and

01:40 they are very impressive.

01:44 The complex includes a beautiful pavilion, a bathhouse, a mausoleum and a mosque.

01:53 The citadel has much more to offer, including the unique Museum of Miniature Books, where

01:58 you can find the world's smallest book, measuring just 2 by 2 millimeters.

02:04 Beyond these main attractions, you can also get lost amongst shops filled with crafts

02:09 and artisanal wares in the labyrinth of Baku's old city, and one of them is even UNESCO-listed.

02:18 We are going to talk about carpets.

02:21 Carpet making in Azerbaijan began 5,000 years ago.

02:24 It's a family affair that is passed down from generation to generation.

02:29 The development of world carpet weaving owes much to Azerbaijani carpet schools.

02:36 And without the masterpieces of Azerbaijani masters, weavers, it's really difficult to

02:41 imagine the treasure of carpet weaving in world culture.

02:47 Azerbaijani carpets are mostly made of wool or silk, but each region has its own technology,

02:52 patterns and colors.

02:54 Today, the carpet industry is undergoing development.

02:59 We invite new, modern artists, designers, who create the carpets together with weavers,

03:08 with designers of carpets.

03:10 This is a collaboration of two artists.

03:16 So this is the classic carpet loom, where we produce the carpets.

03:25 And for the moment, the lady produces silk carpets, pure silk carpet.

03:30 Would you like to try?

03:31 Why not?

03:32 Let's do it.

03:33 Let's do it.

03:34 I thought it was a child's play, as she's doing it so quickly and easily.

03:42 But after I tried, I realized it was too hard for me.

03:48 From here, you can see how the ancient town meets the new city.

03:53 So let's go and explore Baku's modern side.

04:00 Outside the fortress walls, the architecture is contemporary and futuristic.

04:05 This part of the city was built at the end of the 20th century, when Baku's second oil

04:10 boom took off.

04:11 One of the landmarks is the Eydar Aliyev Center Cultural Hub, a masterpiece of modern architecture

04:17 designed by Zaha Hadid.

04:20 Another iconic spot is the flint towers, which have transformed the skyline of Azerbaijan's

04:25 capital.

04:27 You can see them from anywhere in the city, including the seafront promenade or Baku Boulevard,

04:33 or from Highland Park, also known as the viewing square.

04:37 Can you guess why?

04:38 Here, locals and tourists can enjoy the view of the entire city and the Caspian Sea.

04:43 Well, I wish I had more time to explore this city, because there are so many things to

04:49 do and see, and there are even more amazing spots to show you around this country.

04:53 [music]

04:58 you

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