Wines of Azerbaijan
In the center of Baku, shops are open from 9:00 to late in the evening, on the outskirts – mainly until 19:00-20:00. The lowest prices are in markets and fairs. Local silk, ceramics and other handicrafts can be bought at Sharg Bazary (modern closed market), as well as on the famous Torgovaya Street and in the “old city” in Baku. Prices are negotiable, so you can (and should) bargain. High-quality and inexpensive carpets can be found in the carpet weaving center in the Baku suburb of Nardaran, and expensive masterpieces can be found in specialized stores in the capital. In addition, it is worth bringing backgammon from Azerbaijan (this is practically a national game in which both old and young are “cut” in the country), metal utensils and the famous “airfield” caps. Of the edible souvenirs, you should pay attention to black caviar (which you can’t buy much in Russia now), Baku baklava, spices and aromatic herbs. Some stores accept US dollars. Given the problem with credit card payments, you should always carry cash with you. Basically, cash payments are everywhere. There are many good children’s stores in Baku, including Mothercare. Many goods sold in Azerbaijani stores are of Turkish origin. When buying products, be sure to pay attention to their expiration date. See Countryvv for labor market in Azerbaijan.
Wines of Azerbaijan
During Soviet times, Azerbaijan earned more from viticulture than from oil. This fact clearly shows how important the wine industry was for the republic. Which is not surprising – Azerbaijan has always been famous for its excellent wine. Archaeological excavations show that wine production began in Azerbaijan as early as the 3rd century BC. However, Muslims persecuted connoisseurs of this drink, and winemaking quickly fell into decay. Wild grapes helped local residents – they quickly adapted it to their needs. As a result, Azerbaijan received excellent grape varieties, which gave a rich harvest. Another blow to wine was the anti-alcohol campaign that unfolded in the USSR in the 80s of the last century. Because of it, huge areas with vineyards were cut down. It seemed that Azerbaijani wines will not return to their former greatness. But it was not there. Today, the country has relied on expensive grape varieties for the production of fine drinks. Surely many of us have heard or tried such varieties as Shemakha, Agdam, Kara-Chanakh, Kurdamir, Madrasa, Chinara, Baku Lights. Azerbaijani wines, even after decades, still remain piece goods. Previously, they were supplied mainly to the tables of the elite of the republic and the country, today they exclusively go abroad. A small number of vineyards also played a role in this. Most of them are concentrated in the Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Lankaran-Astara, Karabakh-Mil zones. But despite the fact that Azerbaijani wine is difficult to find on store shelves, this drink remains one of the most democratic for its price. Previously, they were supplied mainly to the tables of the elite of the republic and the country, today they exclusively go abroad. A small number of vineyards also played a role in this. Most of them are concentrated in the Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Lankaran-Astara, Karabakh-Mil zones. But despite the fact that Azerbaijani wine is difficult to find on store shelves, this drink remains one of the most democratic for its price. Previously, they were supplied mainly to the tables of the elite of the republic and the country, today they exclusively go abroad. A small number of vineyards also played a role in this. Most of them are concentrated in the Shirvan, Ganja-Kazakh, Lankaran-Astara, Karabakh-Mil zones. But despite the fact that Azerbaijani wine is difficult to find on store shelves, this drink remains one of the most democratic for its price.
