Modern Baku

In 1994, Azerbaijan signed the “Contract of the Century” – an agreement regarding the sharing of oil revenues produced within its territory. According to this contract, 80% of the total net profits went to Azerbaijan, despite the fact that foreign oil companies had invested $11.5 billion in the country’s economy.

After that, the country began to develop and modernize rapidly. However, the old oil rigs still remained in Baku, practically within the city limits:

Today, Baku is a modern metropolis with five-star hotels and London-style taxis:

Azzerbaijan means “land of fire.” Oil and gas here occur very close to the surface, and in many places they burst forth in the form of flames. There are even several temples dedicated to the worship of fire; figures like Afanasy Nikitin, Nobel, and Mendeleev once visited these places.

Currently, three of the tallest buildings in Baku are under construction; they will be named the Flame Towers and symbolize the fire emerging from the ground… although to me, they look more like twisted fingers.

These buildings can be seen from almost any point in the city.

Strolling along the well-maintained promenade is very pleasant.

This café was designed by the former mayor of Baku; he saw a similar one in Italy last century and ordered one to be built in Baku as well.

In 2012, Eurovision Song Contest was held in Baku. For this event, a special arena was built next to the world’s largest flag.

And this is the building where the Carpet Museum is being constructed.

The architecture resembles European styles; there are also many expensive shops in the area.

And here’s Orlando being “cast” into shape… All that’s left now is to build Disneyland nearby.

Parks with fountains blend seamlessly into one another.

The entrance to the subway.

There are many interesting sculptures on the streets.

There’s a belief in Baku that if someone you love hasn’t called you for a long time, you should hug this statue – and they will definitely return to your life.

If you turn off the main streets, you’ll find beautiful Italian-style courtyards.

In the old part of the city, souvenirs are sold to tourists.

On the streets of the old city, you can often see people playing the game of Nard.

A café named “Damn It.” It’s only three minutes away from “that famous place…”

“The Russian tourist reflects the state of morality!” This street is just around the corner.

Well, it was right at this door that Nikulin and Mironov fell...

Stay tuned!