As winter fades in Azerbaijan people gather to celebrate Novruz, a festival dedicated to the arrival of spring. In the capital Baku, streets come alive with dancing.
As winter fades in Azerbaijan people gather to celebrate Novruz, a festival dedicated to the arrival of spring. In the capital Baku, streets come alive with dancing.
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Novruz is also a time for feasting, with several sweet treats on offer. Pictured are pakhlava, an Azerbaijani specialty.
Novruz is also a time for feasting, with several sweet treats on offer. Pictured are pakhlava, an Azerbaijani specialty.
Azerbaijan Brand Center
It's also prime time for hiking. Walkers can explore the so-called Candy Cane mountains in the Khizi district, where the shale rock has taken on extraordinary colors.
It's also prime time for hiking. Walkers can explore the so-called Candy Cane mountains in the Khizi district, where the shale rock has taken on extraordinary colors.
Andrey Pronin/Alamy Stock Photo
Or in the typically mild but sunny weather, they can trek between the remote mountain villages of the Greater Caucasus.
Or in the typically mild but sunny weather, they can trek between the remote mountain villages of the Greater Caucasus.
Almaz Gadimova/EyeEm/Getty Images
Azerbaijan's vibrant capital Baku lies on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Dominating the skyline here are the Flame Towers, a nod to the country's nickname of "Land of Fire."
Azerbaijan's vibrant capital Baku lies on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Dominating the skyline here are the Flame Towers, a nod to the country's nickname of "Land of Fire."
Feng Wei Photography/Moment RF/Getty Images
The city is also home to many historic buildings. Shirvanshahs' Palace, pictured, was built in the 15th century.
The city is also home to many historic buildings. Shirvanshahs' Palace, pictured, was built in the 15th century.
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Shirvan National Park in southeast Azerbaijan is a birdwatching paradise. It is also home to the elegant goitered gazelle.
Shirvan National Park in southeast Azerbaijan is a birdwatching paradise. It is also home to the elegant goitered gazelle.
Vastram/Alamy Stock Photo
Absheron National Park, near Baku, is another wildlife hotspot, where if you're lucky, you might see a rare Caspian seal popping its head out of the sea.
Absheron National Park, near Baku, is another wildlife hotspot, where if you're lucky, you might see a rare Caspian seal popping its head out of the sea.
Juan Vilata/Alamy Stock Photo