5 facts about Azerbaijan that may shock You
- Maria Jagodzińska
- 11 sty 2024
- 3 minut(y) czytania
Azerbaijan is not as it may look like at a first glance. Below I present some facts, which may be shocking or interesting at least.
There is no place for antisemitism or antichristianism in Azerbaijan.
Despite having a Muslim majority, Azerbaijan has been home for many Jews since 5th century. What is significant, since they have settled there, they have never faced any discrimination. They even have the biggest shtetl (village) outside there named Krasnaya Sloboda (Red Village), sometimes called as Jerusalem of the Caucasus, linked by bridge with neighbouring Quba. The history of this village started over 150 years ago, when one of khans invited mountaineous Jews to settle in one place instead of being spread across mountains, so locals would be able to protect them. This village still exists and has a typically Jeiwsh character.
Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g293934-d17633650-Krasnaya_Sloboda_the_Jerusalem_of_Caucasus-Baku_Absheron_Region.html
Another example of tolerance is the fact, that when molokans divided from Orthodox christians in Russian Empire and were expelled, they found a safe shelter in Azerbaijan and continue to live in peace, not being interrupted in cultivating their confession.
2. Azerbaijani authorities gave women the right to vote earlier than most European countries did.
Yes, starting from 28th May 1918, Azerbaijani women can vote. Declaration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan gave right to vote for people of every sex, confession and nationality, giving them right for Azerbaijani citizenship. Today, First Lady, Mehriban Aliyeva, continues this heritage by being present in various official activities, acoompanying her husband, as well as taking part in other initiatives.
3. Same style for over 1,000 years
On contrary to many capital cities, Baku is still cultivating national heritage of Azerbaijan, what results in modern buildings' construction. New pieces of architecture have oriental vibe and are complementary to older ones, not making an architectural chaos. Although being made of glass and steel, they fit into sandstone-made Old Town and create a great harmony. Also, many of blocks of flats have been made with use of sandstone, even during Soviet times. Unfortunately, in other cities, living buildings are not that matching.
4. Man should not wear shorts outside touristic part of Baku
Despite really warm weather in the summer (up to 40 degrees of Celsius) and strong sun, it is unlikely to see an Azerbaijani man wearing shorts. This trend is changing a little bit, however, wearing long trousers is a must in most parts of the country. Why? According to culture and good manners, women do not want to see hairy legs of a man, so putting on some shorts is treated as disrespect towards women. Believe me or not, but I have not seen any adult Azerbaijani outside Baku wearing this piece of cloth. Children are allowed to do so, as they are children.
5. Wedding is a big thing in Azerbaijan
We Europeans are used to about 100 people during the wedding party. Azerbaijanis invite all members of their big families and neighbours. There are special places built only for wedding parties purpose. 500 people is nothing special, 1000 is okay. The more, the better. Wedding parties are a mix of tradition and modernity, as bride wears usually white dress (traditional colour is red) and there is a huge cake, but any wedding without traditional Caucasian dance cannot be named as a wedding. The decorations are also a mix of Europe, Soviet Union and tradition. Hiring a band may be the biggest expense for just married couple.
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