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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