Azerbaijan, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, lays claim to vast reserves of oil and gas that serve as the main driver of its economy. The result is a deeply traditional country that\u2019s marked by bursts of modernity. In the capital city of Baku, you can shop in tiny, timeless markets that sit in the shadow of fancifully designed, cutting-edge skyscrapers, and the tourism infrastructure includes luxurious hotels and restaurants. Azerbaijan\u2019s quaint villages and gorgeous countryside are home to beautiful old palaces and impressive religious structures, but the biggest highlight for many visitors is the overwhelming hospitality of the Azeri people and their fascinating cultural traditions \u2013 from carpeting making to mugham chants \u2013 practiced the same way they have been for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4156,"menu_order":0,"template":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n