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Baku is
the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is a
large
 scientific,
cultural and industrial center. Ancient foundations,
a large area and population all make Baku one of the
oldest and largest cities in the East. People have
lived and founded their settlements in Baku city and
the Absheron peninsula since ancient times. This was
motivated by continuous migrations from north to
south and from west to east due to the physical and
geographical conditions, a f avorable location in
the center of trade routes that crossed Silk Road,
climatic conditions, production of petroleum fuel in
ancient times and the availability of large power
resources. Baku was first mentioned in the Book of
the D ead by the Egyptian Pharaoh Minesan in 3,500
BC.The ancientage of Baku is also evidenced by stone
carvings dating back to 12,000 years ago and
archeological excavations. Another important piece
of evidence is a stone carving by August Guy Octavio,
who reflected the stationing of a military camp
under the rule of the Roman emperors Pompey and
Lucius near Baku (40 km to the south) for the
purposes of seizing the southern Caucasus in the 1st
century BC. This means that Baku is nearly 5,500
years old. Baku was one of the main cities in the
Shirvanshakhs State in the12th century, in the
Sefevids State in the 14th century, and became the
capital of the Baku khanate in the 17th century.
Baku is situated on the shore of the Caspian Sea in
the south of the Absheron peninsula. It covers an
area of 2,200 km2 and has a population of 2 million.
Baku has 11 administrative districts and 5
settlements. Baku has many popular tourist and
entertainment spots, such as the downtownFountains
Square, Maiden Tower, Carpet Museum,International
Mugham Centre, National Academic Theatre, Opera &
Ballet theatre, Shirvanshah’s Palace and Oil Rocks.
Baku's vicinities feature Yanar Dag, an ever-blazing
spot of natural gas. The city has many amenities
that offer a wide range of cultural activities,
drawing both from a rich local dramatic portfolio
and an international repertoire. It also boasts many
museums such as Baku Museum of Modern Art and
Azerbaijan State Museum of History, most notably
featuring historical artifacts and art. Among Baku's
prestigious cultural venues are Azerbaijan State
Philharmonic Hall, Azerbaijan State Academic Opera
and Ballet Theatre. The main movie theatre is
Azerbaijan Cinema and Park Cinema, Festivals include
the Baku International Film Festival, Baku
International Jazz Festival, Novruz Festival, Gül
Bayramı (Flower Festival) and the National Theater
Festival. |
