Baku Through the Centuries: Old City, Fire Temple and Burning Mountain

I invite you to join me on a fascinating tour that will allow you to discover several different sides of Azerbaijan in one day — medieval Baku, the ancient traditions of fire worship, and the unique nature of the Absheron Peninsula.

We will begin our tour in the historic heart of Baku — the Old City, or Icherisheher. This is a true city within a city, surrounded by powerful fortress walls. Its narrow winding streets, historic houses, mosques, caravanserais and palaces have been preserved, reminding us of the time when Baku was an important trading centre at the crossroads of ancient trade routes.

During our walking tour, we will see the main landmarks of the Old City, including the famous Maiden Tower, the magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs, ancient caravanserais, fortress walls and historic neighbourhoods.

I will tell you not only about the official history of these places, but also about legends, fascinating events and ancient traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

We will also talk about what Baku was like many centuries ago, how merchants and craftsmen lived here, why the city played such an important role on ancient trade routes, and how this ancient fortress gradually developed into the modern capital of Azerbaijan.

After exploring the Old City, we will take a break for lunch. You will have time to relax and enjoy delicious traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. If you wish, I can recommend good places for lunch and suggest some national dishes that are worth trying.

Ateshgah — The Fire Temple After lunch, we will head to the Absheron Peninsula, where another fascinating chapter of Azerbaijan’s history awaits us. Our first stop will be Ateshgah Fire Temple. It is one of the most famous historical monuments of the Absheron Peninsula and an important site connected with ancient traditions of fire worship. In the past, natural gas escaping from underground on the Absheron Peninsula created the impression of an eternal flame. These unusual natural phenomena attracted fire worshippers, travellers and merchants from different parts of the world. At the temple complex, we will see the central altar surrounded by cells and other rooms where pilgrims once stayed. I will tell you about the history of the temple, its purpose, ancient religious traditions, and why the Absheron Peninsula became one of the important centres of fire worship.

Yanar Dag — The Burning Mountain We will finish our tour at one of Azerbaijan’s most unusual natural attractions — Yanar Dag, which means “Burning Mountain”. Here, natural gas rises from underground and creates a natural flame along the hillside. Yanar Dag is especially impressive in the evening, when the flames become clearly visible against the darkening sky. Here we will talk about the natural resources of the Absheron Peninsula and the important role that oil and natural gas have played in the history of Baku and Azerbaijan. During this tour, you will discover three completely different sides of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula: a medieval city, an ancient culture of fire worship, and a unique natural phenomenon.

The tour is conducted at a comfortable and relaxed pace, with stops for photographs and rest. I will be with you throughout the journey and will do my best to make this experience more than just a visit to famous landmarks — it will be an interesting journey through the history and culture of Azerbaijan.