Ali Bayramli: The Hidden Gem of Azerbaijan

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeSag ol
  [sahg ohl]
• YesBəli
  [bay-lee]
• NoXeyr
  [khayr]
• Please/You're welcomeXahiş edirəm
  [khah-heesh eh-dee-rehm]
• Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm
  [teh-sheh-koor eh-dee-rehm]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [bah-ghuhsh-lah-yuhn]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-suhn]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [yahkh-shee-yahm. sahn]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dili biliyirsiniz?
  [een-gee-lees dee-lee bee-lee-yeer-see-neeze]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyunu görə bilərəmmi, xahiş edirəm
  [mehn-yoo-noo goh-ruh bee-luh-rehm-mee, khah-heesh eh-dee-rehm]
• I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm
  [muhn aht yeh-mee-rehm]
• Cheers!Sağ ol
  [sahg ohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdəmək istəyirəm, xahiş edirəm
  [uh-deh-mehk ees-teh-yeer-ehm, khah-heesh eh-dee-rehm]

• Help!Kömək edin!
  [kuh-muhk eh-deen]
• Go away!Get!
  [get]
• Call the Police!Polisi çağırın!
  [poh-lee-see chah-ghuh-ruhn]
• Call a doctor!Həkim çağırın!
  [heh-keem chah-ghuh-ruhn]
• I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm
  [yoh-loo-moo ee-teer-mee-shuhm]
• I'm illMən xəstəyəm
  [muhn khes-teh-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almaq istəyirəm...
  [saht-uhn ahl-mahk ees-teh-yeer-ehm...]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sah-deh-jeh bakh-uh-rahm]
• How much is it?Ne qədərdir?
  [neh guh-dehr-deer]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahadır
  [choh bah-hah-deer]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti aşağı sala bilərsiniz?
  [kee-yuh-meh-tee ah-shah-uh sah-lah bee-luh-rsee-neez]

• What time is it?Saat neçədir?
  [saht neh-jeh-deer]
• It's one o'clockBir tamdır
  [beer tahm-duhr]
• Half past (10)Onun yarısı
  [oh-noon yah-ruh-suh]
• MorningSəhər
  [suh-hehr]
• AfternoonGünortası
  [goon-or-tuh-suh]
• EveningAxşam
  [akh-shahm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [doo-nehn]
• TodayBu gün
  [boo goon]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sah-bah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2İki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [ooch]
• 4Dörd
  [dohrd]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Yeddi
  [yehd-dee]
• 8Səkkiz
  [suhk-keez]
• 9Doqquz
  [dohk-kooz]
• 10On
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?... haradadır?
  [... hah-rah-dah-deer]
• What's the address?Ünvanı nədir?
  [oon-vah-nuh neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Xəritədə) göstərə bilərsiniz?
  [(khe-ree-teh-duh) gohs-teh-reh bee-luh-rsee-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?
  [nohv-beh-tee (ahv-toh-boos) neh-jeh-deh-deer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....a)
  [beer bee-leht (ah)]

Ali Bayramli, known today as Shirvan, has roots tracing back to ancient times. The region was part of the Caucasus Albania, an ancient kingdom that existed from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD. Archaeological findings show that the area was inhabited long before the common era, serving as a crucial hub for early human settlement and trade.

From the 9th to the 16th centuries, Ali Bayramli was part of the Shirvanshahs, a dynasty that ruled over the Shirvan region. The Shirvanshahs were renowned for their architectural and cultural contributions, some of which can still be seen today. The dynasty's influence helped shape the region into a flourishing center of trade and culture.

In the early 16th century, the Safavid Empire, under Shah Ismail I, conquered Shirvan, including Ali Bayramli. The Safavid rule brought significant cultural and religious changes, integrating the region more closely into the broader Persianate world. This period saw the construction of new architectural works and the introduction of Shia Islam as the dominant religious practice.

By the early 19th century, Ali Bayramli was incorporated into the Russian Empire following the Russo-Persian Wars. The Treaty of Gulistan in 1813 and the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828 formalized Russian control over the region. This period brought new administrative changes, infrastructure development, and a different cultural influence that can still be felt today.

In the 20th century, Ali Bayramli became part of the Soviet Union. During this time, the city underwent significant industrialization and modernization. It was renamed Ali Bayramli in honor of a local revolutionary figure. The Soviet era saw the establishment of various industries, schools, and cultural institutions, transforming the city's economic and social landscape.

Following Azerbaijan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Ali Bayramli experienced a period of renaissance and re-identification. The city's name was changed back to Shirvan in 2008, reflecting its historical roots. Today, Shirvan is a vibrant city that balances its rich historical heritage with modern development, making it a unique destination for travelers.

Ali Bayramli, now known as Shirvan, is located in the Shirvan region of Azerbaijan. The nearest major airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, approximately 127 kilometers away. From Baku, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Ali Bayramli. The drive typically takes around 2 hours. Buses depart regularly from Baku's main bus stations and provide an affordable option for travelers.

In Ali Bayramli, local transportation options include taxis, which are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There is also a local bus service that connects different parts of the city. For a more personalized experience, renting a car is a convenient option, allowing you to explore the surrounding regions at your own pace. Be sure to negotiate taxi fares beforehand, as meters are not always used.

The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Ali Bayramli, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger cities like Baku before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Ali Bayramli is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, like any place, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always advisable.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Ali Bayramli. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or medical center upon arrival.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A nod or slight bow is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Ali Bayramli like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Azerbaijani goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Shirvan National Park, which offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty. For a unique experience, take a walk along the Kura River and enjoy the serene landscapes.