Baku: The Pearl of the Caspian Sea

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeSag ol
  [sahg awl]
• YesBəli
  [beh-lee]
• NoXeyr
  [kheyr]
• Please/You're welcomeXahiş edirəm
  [kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum]
• Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm
  [teh-she-kur ed-ee-rum]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [bah-gee-shlah-yuhn]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-suhn]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [yahkh-shee-yahm. sahn]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dilində danışa bilərsən?
  [ing-ee-lees dee-leen-duh dah-nee-shah bee-luhr-suhn]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseXahiş edirəm menuya baxmaq istəyirəm
  [kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum meh-noo-yah bakh-mahq is-teh-yee-ruhm]
• I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm
  [muhn aht yeh-mee-ruhm]
• Cheers!Sağ olun!
  [sahg awl-oon]
• I would like to pay, pleaseXahiş edirəm ödəmək istəyirəm
  [kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum uhd-eh-mehk is-teh-yee-ruhm]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kuh-muhk]
• Go away!Uzaq ol!
  [oo-zahk awl]
• Call the Police!Polisi çağırın!
  [poh-lee-see chah-gee-ruhn]
• Call a doctor!Həkim çağırın!
  [heh-keem chah-gee-ruhn]
• I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm
  [yoh-loo-moo ee-teer-mee-shuhm]
• I'm illXəstəyəm
  [khes-tuh-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...
  [ahl-mahq is-teh-yee-ruhm]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sah-deh-jeh bakh-uh-rahm]
• How much is it?Neçəyədir?
  [neh-jeh-yuh-deer]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahadır
  [choh bah-hah-duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti endirmək mümkündür?
  [kee-uh-meh-tee ehn-deer-mehk moo-mkoon-dur]

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

• Where's a/the...?... haradadır?
  [... hah-rah-dah-duhr]
• What's the address?Ünvan nədir?
  [oon-vahn neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mənə göstərə bilərsiniz (xəritədə)?
  [muh-nuh gohs-teh-ruh bee-luhr-see-neez kheh-ree-teh-duh]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?
  [nuhb-buh-tee ahf-toh-boos neh-jeh-deer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir biletlə (....-a)
  [beer bee-let-luh (....-ah)]

Baku's history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements in the region as early as the Stone Age. The city's name is believed to be derived from the Persian words 'Bad-kube,' meaning 'city of winds,' a testament to the strong winds that often sweep through the area.

During the medieval period, Baku became a significant hub on the Silk Road, attracting merchants from across Asia and Europe. The city flourished under the rule of the Shirvanshahs in the 12th century, who constructed the iconic Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah's Palace, both of which still stand today as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Baku's fortunes changed dramatically in the late 19th century with the discovery of vast oil reserves. The first oil well was drilled in 1846, and by the early 20th century, Baku was producing more than half of the world's oil, drawing attention from global industrialists and entrepreneurs.

Following the Russian Revolution, Baku became part of the Soviet Union in 1920. The city underwent significant industrialization and urban development during this period, becoming a major center for oil extraction and refining. The Soviet influence is still visible in Baku’s architecture and infrastructure.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan gained independence, and Baku emerged as the capital of the new republic. The city has since experienced rapid modernization, with the construction of futuristic buildings like the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center, symbolizing Azerbaijan's aspirations for the future.

Baku's strategic location has made it a melting pot of cultures, blending Persian, Ottoman, Russian, and European influences. This rich cultural tapestry is evident in the city's diverse cuisine, vibrant arts scene, and numerous festivals celebrating its multifaceted heritage.

Today, Baku is not only a historical city but also a burgeoning center for innovation and tourism. The city hosts international events such as the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 and the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, attracting visitors from around the world and showcasing its dynamic energy and hospitality.

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is accessible via Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), situated approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Numerous international airlines operate flights to Baku from major cities worldwide. Additionally, Baku can be reached by train from neighboring countries such as Georgia and Russia. For those preferring road travel, bus services are available from Turkey, Iran, and other neighboring countries.

Baku boasts a variety of transportation options including the Baku Metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is a cheap and efficient way to navigate the city, with stations located near major attractions. BakuCard, a prepaid card, can be used for both metro and bus services. Taxis are plentiful but ensure to use officially marked vehicles or ride-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber to avoid overcharging. For exploring the city at your own pace, car rentals are available.

The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is prudent to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Baku. Currency exchange offices are also common, particularly in shopping malls and near tourist areas.

Baku is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas. The districts of Yasamal and Narimanov have higher instances of petty crimes targeting tourists, such as pickpocketing. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying large sums of money or valuable items.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. Baku has several hospitals and clinics equipped to handle medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread and usually have English-speaking staff. Keep a note of your embassy's contact details for further assistance.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casually, especially in upscale areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing, particularly in religious sites. Religion: Do respect Islamic customs. When visiting mosques, dress modestly and remove shoes. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake. Men often hug and kiss on the cheek. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept invitations graciously. Don't refuse food as it is considered impolite.

To experience Baku like a local, visit the Old City (Icherisheher) and explore its historic lanes and ancient landmarks. Spend an evening at the Baku Boulevard for a leisurely stroll along the Caspian Sea. Engage with locals at traditional tea houses and try Azerbaijani tea served with jam. Visiting the local markets, such as Taza Bazaar, offers insights into local life and an opportunity to buy fresh produce and traditional goods.