Shopping In Azerbaijan: What To Buy & Where To Shop In The Land Of Fire

If you are looking for bringing back cute If you are looking for bringing back cute souvenirs are perhaps one of the best things about a trip. It is a memory that remains with you even when the trip has ended long ago. It’s always great to bring back a part of a place with you, for you become the places you go to. Azerbaijan, the place where the Orient (West) meets the Occident (East) in this case becomes the perfect place to buy some cute objects for your house and yourself. From international brands at large malls to street shopping, Azerbaijan offers you all of it and more! If you are new to this Eurasian destination and don’t know what and where to buy, we have prepared a quick guide for you to follow for a great and hassle-free experience

5 things to bring from Azerbaijan 

        1. Kelaghayi headscar of silkheritage in Sheki

The intricate kelaghayi headscarf is not only an elegant addition to traditional female attire, but also a symbol of love, beauty, peace and security. Adorned with captivating ornaments, this headscarf embodies the distinctive qualities of folk art, ancient Azerbaijani values and the devotion of Azerbaijani women.

Although silk craftsmanship is developed in various regions around Azerbaijan, it is no coincidence that Sheki stands out prominently when it comes to this niche. Sheki is the ancient land where the art of kelaghayi has been passed down from generation to generation, and it is also listed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

          2. Azerbaijani Carpets

Azerbaijani folk-applied art and its branch-carpet weaving occupy a special place in the history of the national culture of the people.

The most widespread type of folk art is the art of carpets, which occupied a strong place in the life of the Azerbaijani people and almost became the symbol of the people. Fleecy and pileless carpets, decorated with various elements and drawings, are used in wall decoration and laying of beds, tents, alachigs, as well as residential houses and other buildings, and are of high aesthetic importance at the same time.

According to archaeological materials and written sources, carpet weaving was engaged in Azerbaijan even from the Bronze Age. (before the end of the II millennium BC -at the beginning of the I millennium). The city is associated with enthusiastic people from around the world who have enjoyable. Hey. (II millennium BC), a Chul picture decorated with flower images was discovered on the Hasanli Hill near Lake Urmia of golden glass ( I millennia BC) the description of the glaze covered on the surface and other findings show the ancient history of carpet art in Azerbaijan. Remains of Palas and carpets belonging to the I-III centuries were found during archaeological excavations in Mingachevir from catacomb graves.

Even magical properties were ascribed to carpets. It was believed that their patterns can help to maintain health and make the house prosperous. But even without the mysticism there were a lot of secrets in Azerbaijani carpets Thanks to choice of wool, natural dyes and the skills of the weavers, the flavor and coloring of carpets and rugs acquired greater depth and brightness over time. For centuries, Azerbaijan remained one of the trendsetters for carpets.

        3. High Quality Azerbaijani Saffron

Due to the fact that the investments of the state in agriculture, the emergence of new areas, and the creation of the agricultural sector's processing industry are included to the state priorities, it is expected that further steps will be taken in the development of the production of saffron.

It is planned to establish Absheron Saffron Ltd in the Pirallahi Industrial Park to process saffron and produce various saffron products.

The saffron is used as a medicinal plant since ancient times.

Saffron is one of the best means to prevent cancer. It normalizes blood pressure of all cells in the body, strengthens the body's immune system, increases the body's overall tone, regulates gastric and intestinal activity, is useful in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis, also improves brain activity and strengthens memory, positively affects the nervous system, provides normal sleep.

Currently, saffron is widely used in the world of cosmetics. One hundred grams of saffron contain some 23% of your daily requirement of folates, which is a fancy word for B vitamins. It also contains around 18% of your daily requirement for vitamin A, but a whopping 135% of your daily requirement of vitamin C!

Saffron is a brightly-colored spice that's high in health-promoting compounds, such as carotenoid antioxidants. Research findings suggest saffron has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and may improve heart health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep, and protect eye health.

         4. Azerbaijan's Resm Jewellery

Azerbaijan national Jewellery brands.

"Resm" introduce the modern interpretation of ancient Azerbaijan ornaments. Its jewellery is not simply a luxurious accessory, but a matter of culture, traditions and national spirit of Azerbaijan. Unique products perfectly combine the colour range, richness, and colour of beautiful, mysterious ornaments. Two ancient types of national art combined the Azerbaijan brands - Resm and Irs. After all, the jewellery of the brand Resm are created on the basis of carpets motifs: symbols and signs embodying a wide range of ancient and later Islamic religious and cult representations. Each named item is accompanied by a passport, which tells the history and meaning of the ornaments on the basis of which the product was created. Today Resm offers several collections : "Nar", "Mahi", "Hulyavi Gushlar", "Gobustan", «Buta» and the largest collection of "Resm" - products with carpet ornaments.

5. Azerbaijani Traditional azerbaijan pastries shakarbura and bakhlava

Most traditional Azerbaijani sweets are most popular for events and festivals, whereas fresh fruits are served as a sweet course after a meal at home. Many Azerbaijani desserts feature natural ingredients, like honey, nuts, and fresh dough, to make intense flavors without overloading on sweetness. Like many other dishes in Azerbaijani cuisine, desserts can vary from region to region, with some regions specializing in certain desserts.

Pakhlava

Pakhlava, or baklava, as it’s known internationally, is a rich dessert made of thin pastry layered with honey and chopped nuts. Most commonly served on Nowruz in March, pakhlava has a distinctive diamond shape, which symbolizes fire (called pakhla in Azerbaijani, and a prominent feature in many carpets). Make sure to try the pakhlava in Sheki and Quba, two cities famous for their sweets.