Azerbaijan — a destination that mesmerises at every turn Article by Israeli photographer

In an article published by Ynet News, Israeli photographer Tali Stein takes readers on a vivid journey through Azerbaijan, revealing a country where ancient heritage and futuristic modernity exist side by side. From the cosmopolitan streets of Baku to the remote heights of Khinalig and the striking landscapes of the Caucasus, Stein captures a land of unexpected beauty and contrasts. Her journey also explores the deep historical and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and its Jewish community, offering Israeli travellers a perspective that is both personal and evocative. Caliber.Az highlights the most telling parts of the article.

"There are destinations you arrive at, look around and tell yourself, 'Well, this is nice.' Then there are destinations that simply mesmerize you with what unfolds before your eyes and make you say, 'Wait, why is this so beautiful and captivating?' Azerbaijan and its capital, Baku, definitely belong in the second category.

Baku hits you immediately: a beautiful, cosmopolitan city that surprises you at every turn and from every angle. The secret to Baku's unique charm lies in its fantastic and unexpected combination of old and new, living side by side in harmony.

To my surprise, I discovered that Israel and Azerbaijan have close, longstanding ties, reflected in security, strategic, economic, cultural and scientific cooperation.

These factors, together with the country's thriving Jewish community, make Azerbaijan a welcoming destination for Israeli and Western travelers.

On one hand, ancient architecture, winding stone alleyways and old mosques such as Taza Pir and Heydar Mosque; on the other, futuristic and groundbreaking structures such as the Heydar Aliyev Center and the stunning Carpet Museum, designed to look like a rolled-up carpet. The city's cosmopolitan character is also reflected in its modern, luxurious hotels, available to tourists at affordable prices, as well as the local and international food served generously and in abundance.

The magic of Azerbaijan does not stop at the capital's borders. To truly delve into the soul of the country, we headed outside the city to experience its wild landscapes and fascinating history.

The best way to experience the ruggedness of Azerbaijan's natural landscape is on a challenging off-road drive. Our convoy of jeeps took us through hidden mountain passes, deep green valleys, rushing rivers and remote villages that are difficult to reach in ordinary vehicles. I felt that this was a breathtaking experience that brought me face to face with some of the most raw and impressive landscapes of the Caucasus.

We arrived in an area north of Baku characterized by particularly dramatic mountain scenery. The highlight here is a rare geological phenomenon known as the 'Candy Cane Mountains.'Due to the unique mineral composition of the soil, the mountains are marked by spectacular natural stripes of red, pink, purple, white and yellow, creating the feeling that you are walking on another planet.

Azerbaijan is known for its enormous number of mud volcanoes — more than anywhere else in the world. The area looks like the set of a science-fiction film and glows in reddish hues reminiscent of the surface of Mars. This geological phenomenon consists of mounds of earth from which mud, gases and water constantly bubble up — a mesmerizing and somewhat otherworldly sight that is worth making a special trip to see.

Another place that left a strong impression was the village of Khinalig (Xınalıq) in the Greater Caucasus. This is an ancient, isolated village located at an elevation of about 2,300 meters (7,545 feet) above sea level. It is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements and its residents fiercely preserve a unique culture, language and traditions unlike those of any other group. Reaching the village involves an exciting, winding drive between enormous cliffs and the sight of ancient houses built one above another along the mountainside is simply unforgettable.

Shaki is one of Azerbaijan's most historic and beautiful cities and once served as a major stop along the Silk Road. Surrounded by dense forests and the Caucasus Mountains, it is famous for the spectacular Palace of the Shaki Khans, whose windows feature impressive stained glass made from colorful glass assembled without nails or glue.

Red Village (Qırmızı Qəsəbə) is the only town outside Israel and the United States populated entirely by Jews, known as Mountain Jews. The town lies on the banks of a river in the Quba region and is characterized by grand homes, active synagogues and a warm community that proudly welcomes Israeli travelers and celebrates its roots. A visit there offers an emotional full-circle experience along the history of the Jews of the Caucasus.

The local Jewish community lives in harmony and cooperation with the Muslim community. We met representatives of the Jewish community at the local club. Many of them have family ties to Israel and speak some level of Hebrew. It was moving and awe-inspiring — I highly recommend not skipping a visit.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan proved to be an exceptional, surprising and unforgettable destination. The combination of a well-maintained and futuristic capital, rich and welcoming culture, warm and friendly attitudes toward Israelis and rugged, wild nature in the form of the Caucasus Mountains makes it one of the destinations most worth considering for Israeli travelers looking for something new, fascinating and out of the ordinary," she wrote.