Overview
Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, boasts diverse and picturesque landscapes that include mountains, valleys, plains, and a coastline along the Caspian Sea. Here are some key features of Azerbaijan’s landscape:
- Caucasus Mountains:
- The northern part of Azerbaijan is dominated by the Caucasus mountain range, which forms a natural border with Russia to the north. These mountains are characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and scenic landscapes.
- Ganja-Gazakh Plain:
- Stretching in the west-central part of the country, the Ganja-Gazakh Plain is a vast lowland area with fertile soil. It’s an essential agricultural region and is home to the country’s second-largest city, Ganja.
- Caspian Sea Coast:
- Azerbaijan has a coastline along the Caspian Sea to the east. The coastal areas feature sandy beaches, and the Caspian Sea itself is the world’s largest inland body of water.
- Absheron Peninsula:
- The Absheron Peninsula juts into the Caspian Sea and is home to the capital city, Baku. The landscape here is semi-desert, with flat terrain and mud volcanoes. Baku, the largest city and economic hub of Azerbaijan, features a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture.
- Gobustan National Park:
- Gobustan is known for its ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and archaeological sites. The landscape here is semi-desert, with rocky outcrops and plains. The petroglyphs in Gobustan depict scenes of daily life and wildlife from the region’s prehistoric period.
- Talysh Mountains:
- In the southeastern part of Azerbaijan, the Talysh Mountains run along the border with Iran. These mountains are characterized by dense forests, providing a stark contrast to the arid landscapes found in other parts of the country.
- Sheki Region:
- The Sheki region, located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, is known for its lush greenery, forests, and the city of Sheki, which is famous for its historic architecture, including the Sheki Khans’ Palace.
