Land of Fire, Land of Mud, City of Rock, Shore of the Sea

📍Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan🇦🇿, an economic and cultural hub, a vital oil base, nestled by the Caspian Sea. 2️⃣Heydar Aliyev Center, one of Baku's iconic landmarks, designed by the world-renowned Islamic architect Zaha Hadid, is a masterpiece of postmodern architecture showcasing fluid spatial aesthetics. 3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣Mud volcanoes, bubbling and gurgling. 6️⃣Museums and shops near the mud volcanoes, featuring many beautiful volcanic stones. 7️⃣Bone Museum, also near the mud volcanoes, displaying mostly animal skeletons. 8️⃣-1️⃣1️⃣Gobustan Rock Art, said to have over 6,000 rock carvings, located close to the mud volcanoes. 8️⃣9️⃣Inside the Rock Art Museum, an indoor exhibit explaining common rock art meanings, along with animal specimens and stone tool displays. 9️⃣ shows the oldest rock found, dating back less than 20,000 years. 🔟-1️⃣1️⃣Outdoor areas, each rock art site has illustrated guides, but visibility varies. 11 The pits in the last two photos were historically used to store rainwater. ⭕️All below are in Baku's Old City: 1️⃣2️⃣Top left: Flame Towers, a trio of massive flame-shaped buildings. Others are seaside views from Highland Park. 1️⃣3️⃣Flame Monument, also within Highland Park. 1️⃣4️⃣Famous Instagram spot, the lion🦁 head sculpture. 1️⃣5️⃣-1️⃣6️⃣Shirvanshahs' Palace, built in the 15th century, a classic example of Azerbaijani architecture. 1️⃣7️⃣Maiden Tower, used for city defense and as a refuge. 1️⃣8️⃣Seaside Boulevard, bottom right is the Carpet Museum, others show the area locals call "Little Venice." Shirvanshahs' Palace Heydar Aliyev Center Maiden Tower Mud volcano Highland Park