8-10 hoursCountry of fire: Ateshgah temple and burning mountain
Do you know why Azerbaijan is called the "land of fire"? You will be acquainted with the unique sights of the country on this excursion, visit the ancient Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah, climb the famous "burning mountain" and see with your own eyes how important a vibrant bright flame is for Azerbaijanis. You will be able to fully imbue the spirit of the “land of fire” by visiting ancient defensive towers and places of power amazing in their energy, take amazingly beautiful photos of the living flame and understand why the cult of fire worshipers - Zoroastrians - is still alive here.
What awaits you?
The main points of the program are acquaintance with the fortification towers of the Middle Ages in Gala and Mardakan, visiting sacred places with unusual rituals (chyldag), Ateshgah temple, a walk along the unique "burning mountain" of Yanardag and practical acquaintance with the beliefs of Zoroastrians. You are waiting for dancing flames on the slopes of Yanardag, the ancient walls of Ateshgah and truly unforgettable impressions!
Ateshgah: sacred place of fire worshipers
The tour begins in the small village of Surahani. You will learn how oil production began in these places, take a photo of oilrigs and look at Ateshgah, an old Zoroastrian temple, which locals call the temple of eternal flame. Ateshgah is the shrine of the fire worshipers of Zoroastrians, but at one time adherents of other religions prayed here, and there were periods when the building was completely empty.
Now it is a large museum complex, the walls of which store the wisdom of the ancients
It seems that the wornout stone slabs still hold imprints of the knees of many pilgrims from India and Persia who once flocked here along the Silk Road…
Mountain of Fire Yanardag
Just imagine: you are standing on a huge mountain, the slopes of which are covered by wild dancing flames of fire, beating directly from the ground! Do you know how spectacular that is?
You can feel all emotions if you climb Yanardag
Due to the unique geological structure, its slopes are constantly engulfed in flames, and neither wind nor rain can extinguish it. You will hear bewitching legends that in their own way explain the origin of the flame, learn why the cave at the top has the demonic name “Wolf Gate” and you can take stunningly beautiful photos against the background of pillars of fire.
Visit of Russian Emperor Alexander 3 to the Black City
We will follow the route along which the Great Russian Emperor Alexander 3 traveled in 1888.
On the second day of his trip to Baku, he visited the Black City and the enterprises of theNobel brothers, where he walked without any protection.On the third day, the emperor went to the place of oil production, met with large oil producers, who installed two tents for the arrival of the king: in the classical European and Eastern style. Nearby were installed oil fountains that hit directly from boreholes. We will try to repeat his route. We will visit the village of Balakhany, where the first oil refinery in the Caucasus was built, and where the above events took place. You can also see the oilrigs. Here you can stop and go to one of them. Touch a drop of oil falling from a tap with your finger - tell your friends that you were holding real “black gold” in your hands! As you know, Alexander 3 was unpretentious in food. You will find out why the tsar was treated during a ceremonial dinner, if I wish, I will recommend where to buy dishes and pastries the «royal» menu.
Tales and stories of Mardakan
Mardakan as an interesting fairy tale. You never know what lies ahead, but I am sure that everything will end well. We will go to a small village located near Baku.
This is a real paradise, where at one time the famous Russian poet Yesenin found peace of mind.
Thousands of ordinary people come here every year to feel the magical power of local shrines, breathe in the cleanest air, wander under the crowns of relict trees, and recharge their life energy. You will find a walk through the Yesenin places. The poet dreamed of going to Persia, but the path there was closed for him. Friends brought him to Mardakan where he immediately stuck everything with his soul. Here he wrote several of his famous poems. Next, you will be immersed in history; you will learn how Azerbaijanis care about holy places. They come to the shrine of Pir Hasan to bow to the memory of the saints and rest their souls. People believe that visiting the sanctuary relieves of mental anguish.
A walk along Mardakan will continue in the crystal Mosque of Mir-Movsum aga, where you will visit an Azerbaijani healer. It is fascinated by her luxurious decoration and positive energy
During the Mosque visit, I will tell some amazing stories about how unexpectedly the strength of this person manifested, for what actions his name will forever go down in the history of the country. You will learn and see the techniques of the ancient healers, how the ancient ritual of the childgag is carried out, which relieves of illnesses and stresses
Secrets of the old fortresses Gala and Myardyakan
Just imagine that the ancient fortresses of 12-13 centuries survived to the present days.
During the tour I will tell you about the secrets hidden by the castles in Gala and Mardakan, how the people who remained in it managed to hold a siege for months
A separate story is about a man who, at the call of his heart, became the Guardian of the fortress in our time.
Fish feast
On the tour, you only teased your appetite, so it is time to dine
Lunch will be held in one of the fishing villages, where the main trump cards of this place are barbecue with spices and dishes in pomegranate and cornel sauce with barberries and tomatoes from the gifts of the Caspian Sea - the best Caspian fish (bersh, omul, sturgeon, and beluga).
The chef says he uses dozens of spices in the marinade and keeps this unique formula a secret.
Information for Guides
The text of the tour is patented, any use will be appealed in court.
