Foto: The Gobustan Rock Engravings (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Azerbaijan - South of Baku lies the impressive Gobustan National Park, an area famous for its prehistoric rock carvings. Some of these engravings are more than seven thousand years old, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of the region. Upon arriving at the park, I follow our guide Mehmet along a narrow stone path winding through jagged rock formations. The view alone is breathtaking: the vast, arid plain stretches all the way to the glimmering Caspian Sea in the distance. Along the way, Mehmet points out various carvings etched into the rocks. We see bulls, horses, and human figures—scenes believed to depict hunting or ritual dances. It’s almost impossible to comprehend that these artworks were created thousands of years ago with simple tools and, despite weather, wind, and erosion, remain visible. The silence of the landscape amplifies the sense of awe; it feels as if time has stood still here. We continue and enter a small cave through a narrow passage. More carvings adorn the walls—some finely detailed, others rougher, all reflecting a deep connection between humans and nature. Mehmet tells us that more than six thousand rock carvings have now been discovered in the region. Fortunately, we see only a small portion, as the area is vast and the heat intense. After the walk, we visit the accompanying museum. Its modern layout contrasts sharply with the ruggedness of the landscape. Replicas and explanations detail the carvings, early inhabitants, and their way of life. Still, I find the exhibit somewhat disappointing; it feels distant compared to the direct experience outside among the rocks. Some images in the museum are recognizable from what we just saw with our own eyes—but nothing compares to the magic of the original, engraved in weathered stone under the open sky, where humans and nature have met for millennia.
Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan
Azerbaijan - South of the town of Gobustan lie several mud volcanoes. "It’s more fun than it sounds," writes the Lonely Planet. On a whim, we take a turnoff a few kilometers before Gobustan. It turns out to lead to a small airfield — clearly not the right place. ...
Old City of Baku
Azerbaijan - We quickly head into Baku’s old city. One of the highlights is the Maiden Tower. Large groups of children and local tourists gather in front of it — everyone seems eager to go inside. This creates bottlenecks on the narrow spiral staircase. Since ...
Sheki Palace
Azerbaijan - Just after ten o'clock we arrive in Sheki. Inside the fortress walls stands the summer palace of the Sheki Khans. We park our car near the fort and walk through the gate. On either side, women call out asking if we want to visit their museums. We decline. ...
The Fire Temple of the Zoroastrians
Azerbaijan - Our guide Mehmet explains that Azerbaijan is rich in oil, a resource that helps the country develop economically. Outside the city, we see oil pump jacks scattered across the landscape, continuously pumping oil from the ground. Our first stop is Ateshgah, ...