Baku

Overview

The name Baku is believed to mean 'Gods city' which it indeed is, as said that the PROPHET ZOROASTR (ZARATHUSTRA), whose father is said to have come from the APSHERON Peninsula, spent 20 years living in a cave which was lighted by a supernatural flame. First mentioned in the 5th century, Baku is believed to have been in existance at least 2,000 years.

The Apsheron Peninsula is saturated with oil and natural gas seepaging into the surface. It here that Zoroastism had its origins sometime during the 7th century B.C. The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and is one of Azerbaijan's largest cities, the capital. The center of Baku is the old town, which is also a fortress. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive. This section is picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys (1.5m wide) and ancient buildings. Part of a palace, a mosque, and a minaret date from the 11th century. Modern Baku spreads out from the walls, its streets and buildings rising up hills that rim the Bay of Baku. Greater Baku is divided into 11 districts and 48 townships. Among these are townships on islands in the bay and one island built on stilts in the Caspian Sea, 60 miles (100 kilometers) from Baku proper.

Baku is a major cultural and educational center, with a university and other institutions of higher education. One of these specializes in the petroleum and chemical industries. The...more

History