MosheR Loc: New York City

When you read this topic title, I'm sure quite a few of you said "Hah?" And if I'm correct, I quite understand such a response. The reason I'm even posting these is because I waa asked to do so, so here goes.

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan. So now you know ... but I hope you know what Azerbaijan is. And the city seamlessly blends the beauty of medieval architecture with some awe-inspiring modern design, as you will soon see. Sitting along the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku beckons travelers with its rich history and captivating skyline.

At the heart of Baku lies the iconic Maiden Tower, a symbol of its medieval past. This cylindrical structure dates back to the 12th century and has witnessed the city's transformation over many centuries. Its ancient stone walls evoke bygone eras, and offer a glimpse into how the city looked centuries ago.

As night falls, Baku's skyline comes alive with the dazzling Flame Towers. These modern architectural masterpieces serve as a testament to Azerbaijan's rapid development and thriving energy industry. Towering high above the city, their facades come alive with a mesmerizing light show, illuminating the night sky and captivating onlookers. Often, the light show mimics actual flames which, because of their flame-like shape, is really a mind bending experience.

Beyond the Maiden Tower and Flame Towers, Baku enchants visitors with its architectural diversity. Strolling through the city streets, one encounters a seamless blend of old and new. Historic buildings adorned with intricate carvings and personal little statues stand alongside sleek skyscrapers, creating a captivating contrast that is uniquely Baku.

So if nothing else, you will now have a glimpse of a city that many of you never heard of.

Here is an overall view of Baku; a cityscape if you will. In this photo, I purposely turned the camera away from the more modern buildings.


A closer view. I'm told the general color of Baku is ecru. I'm nearly color blind. I can't distinguish fine differences in color as well as most people can, so I don't really know what ecru is.


The apartment and older office buildings in Baku are mostly turn of the (last) century. They're very sturdy looking and, to my eye, well balanced. Very little frivolous ornamentation, as is so common in European buildings of that period.




This one has a bit of ornamentation. Notice the consistancy of color on all the buildings you're seeing.


The Baku Fortress Wall is about eight hundred years old, and once surrounded the city.


The Maiden Tower. I have no idea how it got that name, but it's Baku's iconic symbol, and is even on Azerbaijan's money.


Visitors can walk up into the Maiden Tower, in which there is an interesting museum with different exhibits and dioramas on every floor. There's even a light show at intermittent times.


The Islamic influence is everywhere, as you can see in this little shop.


This is actually a small mosque, so of course it would show the Islamic influence.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

MosheR Loc: New York City

🤔

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

A good overview and different from what I expected, Mel!

MosheR Loc: New York City

Thanks a lot. I think nobody expected Baku to look like that. The only reason I even showed them is because I was asked to do so.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

I’m glad you did this series.

MosheR Loc: New York City

I'm glad you liked it. Thanks.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Bubbee Loc: Aventura, Florida

So really interesting! I`m learning so much from your travels, Moshe! Thank you!

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

A terrific introduction to this ancient city...have never seen photos of Baku before and really enjoyed seeing the various architectural elements!!

FL Streetrodder

I have thoroughly enjoyed your narrated tour of this little-known (at least to me) city!

MosheR Loc: New York City

😉😉

MosheR Loc: New York City

My pleasure, Bubbee. Keep on learning. That's the greatest advantage of moving along with the years.

MosheR Loc: New York City

I appreciate all your nice comments, jederick. It was a wonderful place to walk through and explore.

MosheR Loc: New York City

It was little known by me as well, until we started to make plans to go there.