Interesting facts about Azerbaijan: interesting information that you did not know about

Even today, there are many disputes around the colorful country of Azerbaijan. Is it worth referring the country to Asia or is it part of modern Europe? The distant country is famous for its carpets, temples and, for sure, the best pilaf in the entire globe. But that's not all! Azerbaijan is very attractive both in terms of tourism, and in terms of culture and unusual traditions.

Let's fast forward to a glorious country and try to study the local traditions and culture unique to this region as much as possible.

History and records

According to historical documents, the world‘s first modern oil well was drilled near the capital of Azerbaijan – Baku. In general, oil production in these parts has been carried out since ancient times, therefore it is not surprising that the Oil Rocks platform is considered the oldest offshore oil platform, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records. By the way, the first deposit of this mineral in Siberia was found by Azerbaijani Farman Salmanov. Russia is still extracting oil from this field, replenishing its budget with multi-billion dollar revenues.

An unusual historical fact has also been preserved about two Azerbaijani cities – Tovuz and Goygol. If you believe all the same primary sources, then the builders of the settlements are native Germans. It was in the capital of Azerbaijan that the first electric train in the USSR started. It happened in 1926.

From Baku, the Soviet army was regularly supplied with oil products and fuel. They say that nine out of ten Soviet tanks were filled with Baku fuel. Just imagine, this small city in the last century accounted for more than half of the world's oil production!

It was in this country that for the first time among all those who profess the Muslim religion, women received equal political rights with men. And it was in this country that a democratic republic was proclaimed for the first time in the entire Islamic world.

The uniqueness of the country

Azerbaijan cannot boast of an impressive area. Despite this, the country is located in 9 climatic zones (11 in total)! Therefore, no one can dispute the uniqueness of the natural and climatic conditions of Azerbaijan.

Remember the Cap of Monomakh, famous throughout the former socialist camp? There is a version that the unique historical value comes from Azerbaijan. Local historians are ready to provide enough evidence that the Hat was made by craftsmen from the mountain village of Lahij.

The largest number of mud volcanoes in the world is located on the territory of Azerbaijan. Just imagine, out of 800 of these natural phenomena known today, at least 350 are located on the territory of Azerbaijan. By the way, the American scientists of NASA, who are engaged in a detailed study of the surface of Mars, have established that some hills on the “red planet” in structure and structure are extremely reminiscent of the same mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan.

French archaeologists also managed to prove that the oldest salt deposit is located in Azerbaijan. It is located in the valley of the Araz River. Scientists are sure that for the first time mining here was started five thousand years ago.

Prominent Azerbaijanis

The country is famous for famous inventors, scientists, cultural figures. In what spheres of public and political life did the natives of Azerbaijan fail to achieve outstanding results and win world recognition?

Russian tactical artillery was invented by a commander from Azerbaijan – Ali aga Shikhlinsky, who led one of the corps of the imperial army of Russia.

For the first time, the Muslim East was able to enjoy a unique opera performance performed by U. Gadzhibekov. It was called “Layli and Majnun”. For the first time, the first ballet in the entire Middle East was staged on platforms in Azerbaijan. The author of the ballet “The Maiden's Tower” was A. Badalbeyli.

There were many heroes among the soldiers of the Soviet army who had Azerbaijani roots. For example, the victory banner over the Brandenburg Gate was hoisted by fighters from this eastern country – Mammadov, Ahmedzade, Berezhnoy and Andreev.

The Azerbaijani Lufi Zate is considered to be the founder of the world-famous odd logic.