While Gulf countries are suffering enormous losses and damages and Middle East is heated up by recent clashes, you might be wondering if it’s actually still a good time to visit Baku or if you’re already in Azerbaijan, stay longer. Additionally, many people think that Azerbaijan is Middle East or part of Asia. Worse than that, some people think it’s part of Russia. Therefore, it’s worth to break these preconceptions one by one.

Azerbaijan is not Middle East

Azerbaijan is not located in the Middle East, nor does it have much close ties with the Middle Eastern countries, except Israel. Many people wonder how a country with a majority of muslims living in the country can be so close with the enemy state of many Islamic countries. One of the reasons is that Azerbaijan has centuries old Jewish community living peacefully inside the country. Plus, strategic alliance has always been a priority for Azerbaijani government.

Azerbaijan is not an Islamic State

Azerbaijan is far from radicalism and majority of population does not consider religion an important part of their lives. Research by Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC) shows that over 20% of Azerbaijanis claimed to be “very” or “rather” religious, while 34% indicated they were “somewhat” religious and 41% “not very” or “not at all” religious. It’s rather a secular country where any spark of any ideology (religious or not) is usually not tolerated by the government. In 2015 a security operation in Nardaran village in the suburbs of Baku brought an end to pro-Shiite community, which means elimination of pro-Iranian and Islamic establishment.

Throughout the years Azerbaijan has prioritized strategic relationships that would keep the world powers’ interests balanced. Trump has recently mediated a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia bringing a final end to a hostile relationship between two countries.

Azerbaijan is not Russia

Just because Azerbaijan was part of Soviet Union does not make it part of Russia. In fact, we had a short two year independence back in 1918-1920, until Bolsheviks took over the Democratic Country (first in the Muslim world) which gave women right to vote even before the US (August 18, 1920). Good job! 🙂 However, being part of Soviet Union and having lots of immigrants from all around the world brought a new wave of secularism and high standards of education (99% of population being literate) among the population in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan does not have USA military bases

Azerbaijan does not host any US military bases, which adds to additional safety of the country, compared to Gulf Countries which are attacked exactly because of this.

Summary

Of course, always be cautious and read the updates from your embassy or consulate. Life is never predictable, so if your intuition tells you to rather postpone travel plans, then it might make sense to listen to it.

Another important question: How to leave Iran through Azerbaijan?

Currently, a lot of foreign citizens are fleeing Iran through Azerbaijan through Astara border. In order to be able to leave Iran, you need to be a foreign national (not Iranian citizen or at least hold another citizenship additionally to Iranian). Plus, you need to get a security code which can be issued by Azerbaijani consulate in Iran. You can also ask the assistance from your own consulate or embassy located in Iran or Azerbaijan. They will do their best. Plus, feel free to contact us if we can help with that, including organizing a car, accommodation and other necessities for you or your family. And of course, once you’re in Baku, definitely take a rest, enjoy the local food and scenery. See you soon and stay safe!