Experience Azerbaijan

The podcast focuses on contemporary architecture as a symbol for optimism in the Caucasus region and in particular Azerbaijan’s stunning architectural heritage. It features expert architect and designer Saffet Kaya Bekiroglu, formerly of Zaha Hadid Architects and a co-author of the iconic Heydar Aliyev Centre. The discussion sheds light on how Zaha Hadid’s monumental, award winning Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan provides a unique symbol of optimism and hope for the future of a region that is still finding its way since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Listen in to a fascinating conversation with biologist and bird tourism expert Kai Gauger, who describes the amazing bird tourism experiences that await in Azerbaijan and gives an insight into the country’s unique geography and culture. Find out also about some of the unique birds that live here.

In this podcast we chat to Nazrin Garibova, who is leading a project to implement the Transcaucasian Trail - an over 3,000km-long hiking route spanning the South Caucasus - in Azerbaijan. Nazrin shares her recent experiences of scouting for routes in the Caucasus Mountains and the dazzling diversity she encountered there.

In this podcast we explore the stunning city of Sheki in northwest Azerbaijan with local tour guide Zamina Rasulova, who takes us on an inspiring journey through the city’s UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, craftsmanship traditions, cuisine and beautiful places. Listen in to learn why Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s must-see places.

This podcast explores the dynamically developing contemporary art scene in Azerbaijan. Founder of the Caspia Contemporary art gallery, Afsana Tahirova, and contemporary art researcher, curator and writer Lesley Gray discuss the fascinating historic trends driving its development.

In this episode we explore the essence of Azerbaijani cuisine with Feride Buyuran, author of the award-winning cookbook, Pomegranates & Saffron: A Culinary Journey to Azerbaijan, as well as the blog AZ Cookbook. We touch on everything from classic dishes to tea culture and regional diversity. Enjoy listening!

In our next Experience Azerbaijan podcast, we chat to veteran travel writer Mark Elliott about his decades-long fascination with Azerbaijan, covering everything from Nakhchivan to the delights of local cuisine. Listen now!

In this podcast with German field biologist and regular visitor to Azerbaijan, Michael Heiss, we explore what makes Azerbaijan a unique destination for birders. Listen in for a taster of the key birdwatching areas and target species.

Blessed with glorious mountains to the north, west and south, Azerbaijan is an undiscovered gem for hikers. In this podcast we chat to the Tourism Board's hiking expert, Tural Omarov - listen in to discover the best areas to go hiking and what makes Azerbaijan's mountain villages so special.

Listen now to a new episode of the Experience Azerbaijan podcast. We time travel back to Baku during the Oil Boom with researcher and tour guide Fuad Akhundov, who describes its dramatic impact still visible in the period’s architectural heritage.

In our latest podcast British cyclist adventurer Luke Grenfell-Shaw shares his amazing journey across Azerbaijan on a tandem bicycle. To hear the story behind the journey plus Luke’s thoughts on local culture and places like Baku and Khinalig, listen now.

This podcast is dedicated to the art of carpet weaving and features Shirin Malikova, director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. The discussion covers the special role of carpet weaving in Azerbaijani art, its historical and cultural heritage, development over the centuries, the symbolism and philosophy of Azerbaijani carpets, and their impact on the formation of people's worldview in ancient and modern times.

This podcast, featuring Robert Cekuta, former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan as the speaker, is dedicated to Azerbaijan’s business relations and economic situation in the country.