Icherisheher: The Timeless Heart of Baku

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeSagol
  [sah-gohl]
• YesBəli
  [beh-lee]
• NoXeyir
  [khay-eer]
• Please/You're welcomeZəhmət olmasa
  [zeh-hmət ol-mah-sah]
• Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm
  [teh-sheh-kur eh-dee-rehm]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [bah-ghish-lah-yin]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-sən]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [yahkh-shuh-yahm. sən?]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dilinə biliyirsən?
  [een-gee-lees dee-lee-nə bee-lee-yeer-sən]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyunu görmək istəyirəm, zəhmət olmasa
  [mehn-yoo-noo gohr-mək ees-tə-yeer-əm, zəhmət ol-mah-sah]
• I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm
  [mən eht yeh-mee-rehm]
• Cheers!Sağ ol
  [sah-gohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdəmək istəyirəm, zəhmət olmasa
  [o-də-mək ees-tə-yeer-əm, zəhmət ol-mah-sah]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kuh-mək]
• 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 lostYolları itirərəm
  [yo-lah-ruh eet-ee-reh-ruhm]
• I'm illMən xəstəyəm
  [mən khehs-tə-yəm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...
  [ahl-mahq ees-tə-yeer-əm...]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sah-deh-jə bə-khee-rahm]
• How much is it?Neçəyədir?
  [neh-jə-yə-deer]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahalıdır
  [choh bah-hah-luh-duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti azalda bilərsən?
  [kee-mə-tee ah-zahl-dah bee-lər-sən]

• What time is it?Saat neçədir?
  [saht neh-jə-deer]
• It's one o'clockBir saatdir
  [beer saht-deer]
• Half past (10)Onun yarısı
  [oh-noon yah-ruh-suh]
• MorningSabah
  [sah-bah]
• AfternoonGünorta
  [goon-or-tah]
• EveningAxşam
  [ahkh-shahm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [doo-nehn]
• TodayBu gün
  [boo goon]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sah-bah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2İki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [ooch]
• 4Dörd
  [dörd]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Yeddi
  [yed-dee]
• 8Səkkiz
  [səkh-keez]
• 9Doqquz
  [dohk-koos]
• 10On
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?...haradadır?
  [...hah-rah-dah-duhr]
• What's the address?Ünvanı nədir?
  [oon-vah-nuh neh-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mənə göstərə bilərsən (xəritədə)?
  [mə-nə gohs-tər-ə bee-lər-sən (khə-ree-tə-duh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?
  [nəv-bə-tee (ahv-toh-boos) neh-jə-deer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....-ə)
  [beer bee-let (....-uh)]

Icherisheher, also known as the Old City or Inner City of Baku, has its origins in the 5th century when it was established as a fortified settlement. Its location at the crossroads of trade routes made it a significant hub for merchants and travelers, leading to its development as a vibrant urban center.

From the 12th to the 15th centuries, Icherisheher served as the capital of the Shirvanshah dynasty. The architectural legacy of this period is evident in structures such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was built in the 15th century. This palace complex reflects the grandeur of the Shirvanshahs and their role in promoting arts and culture in the region.

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Icherisheher was influenced by both Persian and Ottoman powers. The city's strategic significance led to numerous conflicts, but it also facilitated cultural exchanges that enriched its architecture and urban life. Structures like the Baku Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century, symbolize this blend of influences.

In the 19th century, Baku was annexed by the Russian Empire, leading to significant urban development in Icherisheher. The introduction of oil extraction transformed Baku into a major industrial center, which altered the city's landscape and demographics. The Old City began to adapt to the influx of workers and merchants, leading to a blend of old and new architectural styles.

In 2000, Icherisheher was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. Conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve its unique architecture and heritage, making it a focal point for tourism in Baku. The Old City's narrow streets, ancient buildings, and vibrant atmosphere attract visitors interested in its rich history.

Icherisheher, also known as the Old City, is centrally located in Baku and easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from the airport, the most convenient option is to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Public transport options include the Baku Metro; you can take Line 1 (Red Line) to Sahil station, which is a short walk from the Old City. Local buses also connect various parts of Baku to Icherisheher.

Icherisheher is a pedestrian-friendly area, best explored on foot due to its narrow streets and historical sites. Baku's public transportation system, including buses and the metro, does not operate within the Old City, so walking is the primary mode of transport. Taxis are available if you need to travel outside the Old City, and ride-sharing apps are also operational.

Icherisheher is generally safe for tourists, but standard safety precautions should be observed. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist sites. It is advisable to avoid poorly lit areas at night. Although there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, maintaining awareness of your surroundings is always wise.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital and police station are located near Icherisheher. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the vicinity for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; always cover your head when entering mosques and other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and generous with your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't eat or drink in public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a slight bow of the head can show respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Icherisheher like a local, visit the local tea houses and enjoy a cup of traditional Azerbaijani tea. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don’t miss the chance to explore artisan workshops where traditional crafts are made. For an authentic experience, try to attend local events or festivals, if available during your stay.