- विज्ञापन -
Baku: Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, boasts a variety of tourist attractions, blending rich medieval history with modern architecture. The skyline is highlighted by the iconic Flame Towers and complemented by beautiful beaches and lush green areas, making it an appealing destination for budget travelers.
A short drive from the COP29 conference center, visitors can explore the historic Walled City of Baku (Icherisheher), characterized by its preserved 12th-century defensive walls, charming cobblestone streets, and Oriental architectural style. Just beyond this urban landscape lies a unique natural phenomenon — mud volcanoes, known for their believed medicinal properties.
Located in the Gobustan region, Azerbaijan is home to nearly 400 mud volcanoes, some of which date back over 20 million years. Unlike traditional volcanoes that erupt molten lava, these mud volcanoes expel thick, bubbling mud made from a mixture of clay, silt, and gas, presenting a lunar-like landscape.
According to a guide at the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex, many visitors seek out these mud baths for their purported therapeutic effects, although medical advice is recommended before use.
These mud volcanoes are formed through tectonic activity that allows underground gases to rise to the surface. Some gases ignite, creating eternal flame phenomena that are said to have inspired the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan over two millennia ago. Notably, the Gilinj mud volcano features a series of eight cones and geological evidence suggests it has been active since the Pleistocene era, dating back as far as 770,000 to 126,000 years ago.
Additionally, nearby Toraghay Mud Volcano holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest of its kind.
Visitors can access the Mud Volcanoes Tourist Complex for a fee of 15 manat (approximately Rs 750), with discounted tickets available for children at 3 manat (around Rs 150). Guests are advised to maintain a safe distance of at least five meters from the volcanoes.
The complex also includes a natural history exhibition showcasing fossils of various large mammals, as well as a stunning array of precious stones, crystals, and geological artifacts collected from different regions, including Gobustan and Nakhchivan.
These mud volcanoes are situated near the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, which features distinctive geological formations and evidence of ancient human habitation, including rock carvings that date back over 4,000 years and reflect a long history of human activity from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. Covering 537 hectares, Gobustan not only highlights the region’s prehistoric art but also includes the world’s first oil well, established in the mid-1800s, alongside its rich traditions in wine-making. Azerbaijan, often referred to as “The Land of Fire,” has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Walled City of Baku, which includes the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower, and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, renowned for its extensive collection of rock engravings.
