Elmira Tariverdieva, Baku. Exclusively to VK
The musical contest Eurovision fulfilled its main task which was initiated by Baku – it told the world about Azerbaijan. The country welcomed the musical contest that has the biggest TV audience in the world among non-sporting events. It reflects more than just a love for music, the article by the foreign ministry of Azerbaijan Elmar Mamedyarov published in The Wall Street Journal Europe says. “It singles out renaissance of the country in the international society and lets us demonstrate our achievements for years of independence,” the minister wrote.
Despite heavy criticism of Azerbaijan by the Western media caused by statements of the opposition, which looked like a PR action, journalists and guests who came to Baku couldn’t help but value everything they saw. The Washington Post reported that Baku got rid of its dark industrial image and turned into an active center of business life combining Istanbul charms of the Old World and architecture achievements of Dubai.
Azerbaijan possesses potential and attractiveness for tourists as a unique example of Muslim secular state. Azerbaijan is at the crossroad of Europe and Asia, and it reflects in everything – from cuisines to architecture. Baku guests noted harmony of East and West.
Eurovision guests felt hospitability of Azerbaijani people, as the Western culture of service and European lifestyle are combined with Caucasian hospitability. Baku has a lot of high-class hotels in the center of the city and far away from city fuzz, for example, in mountains. More than 130 museums, galleries and their offices, theatres, mausoleums, mosques, fortresses, and other unique cultural facilities can be found in Azerbaijan. The Old City is a trademark of Baku.
Azerbaijan is famous for its carpets and Zoroastrian temples. Several years ago the Museum of Modern Art became Baku’s trademark. People who appreciate ancient times can visit unique mountain villages. There you can find craftsmen who make carpets.
Azerbaijan’s nature is beautiful. Even though the country takes not very large territory, Azerbaijan has unique climate peculiarities – 9 of 11 climate zones of the planet are presented in Azerbaijan. Moreover, Azerbaijan possesses a half of all mud volcanoes in the world.
Baku hopes that after Eurovision the tourist flow to Azerbaijan will increase in many times, and the world will learn about this beautiful and original country more.
