Sumqayit: Azerbaijan's Coastal Gem

• HelloSalam
  [sah-lahm]
• GoodbyeBaşqa
  [bah-shkah]
• YesBəli
  [beh-lee]
• NoXeyr
  [khayr]
• Please/You're welcomeZəhmət olmasa
  [zah-hmət ol-mah-sah]
• Thank youÇox sağ ol
  [choh sah-ohl]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [bah-guhsh-lah-yuhn]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [neh-jeh-sehn]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [yahkh-shuh-yahm. sahn]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dili bilmirsiniz?
  [ihn-gee-lees dee-lee beel-meer-see-neez]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [ahn-lah-muh-rahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseZəhmət olmasa menyunu görmək istəyirəm
  [zah-hmət ol-mah-sah mehn-yuh-noo guhr-mək ees-tə-yee-rahm]
• I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm
  [muhn uht yeh-mee-rahm]
• Cheers!Sağ ol
  [sah-oh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseZəhmət olmasa ödəmək istəyirəm
  [zah-hmət ol-mah-sah o-də-mək ees-tə-yee-rahm]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kuh-mək]
• Go away!Get!
  [get]
• Call the Police!Polisi çağırın!
  [poh-lee-see chah-ee-ruhn]
• Call a doctor!Həkim çağırın!
  [heh-keem chah-ee-ruhn]
• I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm
  [yoh-loo-moo ee-teer-mee-shəm]
• I'm illMən xəstəyəm
  [muhn khuh-stə-yəm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...
  [ahl-mahq ees-tə-yee-rahm]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sah-deh-jeh bah-khuh-rahm]
• How much is it?Nə qədərdir?
  [neh guh-dər-deer]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahadır
  [choh bah-hah-duhr]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti endirə bilərsiniz?
  [keey-muh-tee ehn-dee-rah bee-lər-see-neez]

• What time is it?Saat necədir?
  [saht neh-jeh-deer]
• It's one o'clockBir tamamdır
  [beer tah-mahm-duhr]
• Half past (10)Onun yarısı
  [oh-noon yah-ruh-suh]
• MorningSəhər
  [səh-ehr]
• AfternoonGünorta
  [goon-or-tah]
• EveningAxşam
  [ahkh-shahm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [doo-nehn]
• TodayBu gün
  [boo goon]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sah-bah]
• 1Bir
  [beer]
• 2İki
  [ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [oosh]
• 4Dörd
  [durd]
• 5Beş
  [besh]
• 6Altı
  [ahl-tuh]
• 7Yeddi
  [yehd-dee]
• 8Səkkiz
  [sək-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?
  [muh-nuh guhs-tuh-ruh bee-lər-see-neez]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) ne vaxt gedir?
  [nohv-buh-tee (ahv-toh-boos) neh vahkst guh-deer]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir biletlə (... -ə)
  [beer bee-leht-lə (... -uh)]

Sumqayit, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, was officially established as a city in 1949. It was primarily developed as a hub for the Soviet Union's heavy industry, particularly chemical and metallurgical plants. The city's rapid growth was driven by its strategic importance and industrial potential.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Sumqayit experienced significant industrial expansion. The construction of numerous factories and plants, including the Sumqayit Chemical Industrial Complex, transformed the city into one of the largest industrial centers in the Soviet Union. This period marked a time of economic prosperity and population growth as workers from across the region flocked to the city for employment opportunities.

The intense industrialization of Sumqayit came at a cost to the environment. By the 1980s, the city was facing severe pollution issues, earning it a place on the list of the most polluted cities in the world. The heavy industrial activities released harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air and waterways, impacting the health and well-being of the residents.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Sumqayit, like many other cities in Azerbaijan, faced economic uncertainty. The transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy was challenging, leading to the closure of several industrial plants. However, the city has since been working towards revitalizing its economy through diversification and modernization efforts.

Despite its industrial roots, Sumqayit has a rich cultural scene. The city is home to several theaters, museums, and cultural centers that celebrate Azerbaijani heritage and arts. The Sumqayit State Musical Drama Theatre and the Sumqayit History Museum are notable landmarks that offer insights into the city's cultural and historical evolution.

Today, Sumqayit is a dynamic city that blends its industrial past with modern development. Efforts to improve environmental conditions have been implemented, and the city has made strides in enhancing the quality of life for its residents. New residential areas, parks, and recreational facilities have been developed, making Sumqayit a vibrant place to live and visit.

Sumqayit is located approximately 31 kilometers northwest of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The nearest international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku. From Baku, you can take a taxi, intercity bus, or a train to Sumqayit. The journey by car typically takes around 30-40 minutes, while the train ride takes about an hour. Buses and marshrutkas (shared minibuses) are also available and provide affordable travel options.

Sumqayit has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, minibuses, and taxis. Local buses and marshrutkas are the most common and affordable means of transportation within the city. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available in Baku and Sumqayit. Note that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your travel accordingly.

The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Sumqayit. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and currency exchange services can be found in banks and exchange offices.

Sumqayit is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places such as markets and public transportation. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Sumqayit has several medical facilities and pharmacies where you can seek help or purchase over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or clinic to your accommodation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Show reverence when visiting mosques and other religious sites. 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 warm smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sumqayit like a local, visit the Sumqayit Boulevard, a popular spot for evening strolls and socializing. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their city. Don't miss the chance to visit the Sumqayit History Museum to learn more about the city's rich industrial heritage. For a unique experience, explore the nearby Caspian Sea beaches, which are a favorite among locals during the summer months.