The Heartbeat of Baku: Nizami Street

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeSag ol
  [sahg ohl]
• YesBəli
  [beh-lee]
• NoXeyr
  [khair]
• Please/You're welcomeXahiş edirəm
  [khah-heesh eh-dee-rehm]
• Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm
  [teh-shehk-koor eh-dee-rehm]
• Excuse me/SorryÜzr istəyirəm
  [oozr ees-tey-ee-rehm]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-suhn?]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [yahkh-sheeyahm. sahn?]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dilində danışırsanız?
  [ing-gee-lees dee-leen-deh dah-nee-shuhr-sahn-uhz?]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenyunu görmək istərdim, xahiş edirəm
  [mehn-yoo-noo guhr-muhk ees-tehr-deem, 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 istərdim, xahiş edirəm
  [uh-deh-muhk ees-tehr-deem, khah-heesh eh-dee-rehm]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kuh-muhk!]
• Go away!Get!
  [get!]
• Call the Police!Polisə zəng edin!
  [poh-lees-uh zang eh-deen!]
• Call a doctor!Həkimə zəng edin!
  [heh-kee-muh zang eh-deen!]
• I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm
  [yoh-loo-moo eet-eer-mee-shehm]
• I'm illXəstəyəm
  [khuh-stuh-yuhm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istərdim...
  [ahl-mahk ees-tehr-deem...]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [suh-deh-jeh bah-kuh-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 aşağı sala bilərsiniz?
  [kee-muh-tee ah-shah-uh sah-lah bee-luhr-see-neez?]

• What time is it?Saat necədir?
  [sa-at neh-jeh-deer?]
• It's one o'clockBir eşdir
  [beer ehsh-deer]
• Half past (10)Onun yarısı
  [oh-noon yah-ruh-suh]
• MorningSəhər
  [sah-hehr]
• AfternoonGünortası
  [goon-or-tah-suh]
• EveningAxşam
  [ahkh-shahm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [doo-nuhn]
• TodayBu gün
  [boo goon]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sah-bah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2İki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [ooch]
• 4Dörd
  [dur-d]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Yeddi
  [yehd-dee]
• 8Səkkiz
  [suhk-keez]
• 9Doqquz
  [dohk-koohz]
• 10On
  [ohn]

• Where's a/the...?... haradan?
  [... hah-rah-dahn?]
• What's the address?Ünvan necədir?
  [oon-vahn neh-jeh-deer?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(Xəritədə) göstərə bilərsiniz?
  [(khuh-ree-teh-duh) guhs-teh-ruh bee-luhr-see-neez?]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) ne vaxt gedir?
  [nuhv-beh-tee (ahv-toh-boos) neh vahkst guh-deer?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....)
  [beer bee-leht (....)]

Nizami Street, named after the esteemed 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, has its origins in the late 19th century as a part of Baku's urban expansion. The street was initially developed as a promenade, reflecting the growing influence of European architectural styles in the city. Its transformation into a bustling commercial area demonstrated Baku's emerging status as a cultural and economic hub in the region.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a significant period in Baku's history, known as the Oil Boom. Nizami Street became a focal point of this transformation, with the influx of wealth from oil magnates leading to the construction of opulent buildings. Architectural styles such as Art Nouveau and Neo-Moorish flourished, contributing to the street's aesthetic appeal and historic character.

During the Soviet era, Nizami Street continued to be an important cultural artery in Baku. The street was lined with theaters, bookstores, and cafes, serving as a gathering place for intellectuals and artists. Soviet policies promoted the arts, and Nizami Street became a vibrant center for cultural exchange, reflecting the broader cultural aspirations of the time.

Following Azerbaijan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Nizami Street experienced a renaissance as the country sought to reclaim its cultural identity. Restoration efforts began to rehabilitate the historic buildings and revive the street's commercial activities. Today, Nizami Street is a symbol of Baku's rich history and its dynamic present, hosting numerous shops, cafes, and cultural events.

In recent years, Nizami Street has become a vital part of Baku's cultural landscape, hosting festivals, art exhibitions, and public performances. The street reflects the city's diverse heritage, showcasing not only Azerbaijani culture but also the influences of Persian, Russian, and Ottoman traditions. This cultural melting pot makes Nizami Street a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Baku.

Nizami Street is centrally located in Baku and easily accessible from various neighborhoods. The Baku Metro has a station named 'Nizami,' which connects to Line 1 (the red line), making it convenient for travelers. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Bolt and Uber are widely available throughout the city. Public buses also service the area, with several routes stopping near Nizami Street. For those arriving from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, a taxi ride to Nizami Street typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Nizami Street is pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot. The area features numerous shops, cafes, and cultural sites within walking distance. The Baku Metro is an efficient way to reach nearby neighborhoods, while buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) provide additional options for transportation. Bicycle rentals are available in the area, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely ride along the waterfront and through parks.

Nizami Street is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and stay vigilant, especially in crowded places. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in busy markets. While there are no specific high-crime areas in the vicinity, it's best to avoid deserted alleys and remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 102 for police, 103 for medical assistance, and 101 for fire services in Azerbaijan. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or clinic. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many are open late into the night.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious sites. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove shoes when required. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly or disabled passengers; don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals warmly; a handshake is common. Avoid overly familiar gestures until you know someone better. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offers; don’t refuse hospitality as it may be considered rude.

To experience Nizami Street like a local, visit the numerous cafes and tea houses where you can engage in traditional Azerbaijani tea culture. Don't miss the local markets, such as Taza Bazaar, for fresh produce and authentic Azerbaijani snacks. Explore side streets for unique shops and art galleries. Join local events or festivals if available, as they offer a glimpse into Baku's vibrant culture.

Baku is a city of diverse cultural influences. While the majority of the population is Muslim, Azerbaijan is known for its secularism and tolerance. It is important to be respectful of local traditions and practices, particularly during religious holidays such as Ramadan. When visiting places of worship, remember to be quiet and respectful, and avoid taking photographs in restricted areas.

When dining in local restaurants, it’s customary to wait for the host to start the meal. If invited to a local's home, bring a small gift, such as sweets or fruit, as a token of appreciation. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is common in restaurants.