Baku: The Capital of Azerbaijan

One of the richest and most dynamic cities in the northwestern part of Asia, Baku is located on a peninsula along the Caspian Sea and is the capital of Azerbaijan. It is the lowest-lying capital city in the world, sitting about 92 feet below sea level, and serves as an important industrial, educational, and cultural center of the country.

Oil deposits in the Caspian Sea have brought major investment and income to Azerbaijan, which, together with the country’s rich culture and historic cities, makes Baku an attractive destination for business travelers and tourists. With an area of about 820 square miles, the municipal territory of Baku is one of the largest urban areas in Western Asia, and the city plays a key role as a major business and transportation hub in the region.

The history of Baku dates back to the late Bronze Age, and the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Modern Baku is located about 170 miles southeast of Tbilisi, around 335 miles north of Tehran, about 330 miles northeast of Tabriz, and roughly 900 miles east of Ankara.

Baku is a coastal city situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, and the historic core of the city is known as Icherisheher. The city is famous for its tall modern skyscrapers built side by side with historic landmarks, including ancient walls, mosques, palaces, fortresses, traditional markets, and other cultural sites.

The largest neighborhoods and nearby towns include Yasamal, Khatai, Sabayil, Sabunchu, Zabrat, Mehdiabad, Lokbatan, as well as the nearby city of Sumqayit.