"Upon landing, I was struck by the sight of mostly women working behind the immigration counters—a powerful and refreshing symbol of genuine efforts toward women’s empowerment."
Baku through my lens: A colourful capital where history meets the modern Nomad - captured by a Gulf News reader photographer
Siddhartha Narayan captures the soul of Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital
Last updated:
2 MIN READ
"My recent quick escape to Azerbaijan—a young, vibrant country steeped in rich history—and its cheerful capital city, Baku, was nothing short of rejuvenating. Sometimes I marvel at the world we’ve built as humans: the way we’ve shaped communication and travel into something both efficient and exciting. In just three hours, I went from the summer heat of Dubai to the cool, crisp air of Baku."
Siddhartha Narayan/Gulf News reader
"As I stepped out of the airport, a wave of cold breeze greeted me. It was an instant relief, especially for someone escaping the heat of the UAE. I had pre-booked a taxi through an app and reached my hotel, conveniently located in the heart of the city. The first of my four-night stay ended with a relaxing evening exploring nearby cafés and malls, sampling local cuisine and drinks."
"The next morning brought freezing temperatures and fresh excitement. Adjusting to the chill didn’t take more than a warm jacket. We were lucky to witness a city-wide marathon that morning, with crowds taking over the boulevards. Walking freely on roads usually packed with traffic was pure joy."
"After capturing some happy, candid photos, we headed to our first destination—the Carpet Museum."
"Each piece on display told a story, revealing the royal, artistic legacy of Azerbaijan’s past."
"The museum itself was an architectural wonder that left a lasting impression."
"After a festive lunch on a street that felt like a carnival, we explored the city fort, which was equally impressive and well-preserved."
"As an enthusiastic photographer, my camera barely got a break—until I finally decided to put it away and simply soak in the beauty of Baku’s vibrant streets."
"Then we went to explore throughout the splendid streets of Baku as the next day was about long travelling to the beautiful outskirts of the country."
"The next morning began with breakfast by a scenic lake before heading out to a countryside village to visit the famed Fire Temple—an ancient Hindu temple. Standing in this spiritual place, tucked away in a European setting, felt surreal."
"Our guide explained that it dated back to the 16th century Silk Road era, when Indian traders would journey through this region."
"I found myself wondering—what if my own ancestors once stood and prayed here? It was a moment that filled me with both pride and wonder."
"From there, we drove to the highlight of our trip: Yanar Dag, or “Fire Mountain.” Cold winds whipped across the mountain as flames—fueled by natural gas seeping from the earth—burned steadily. It was otherworldly. Sipping hot coffee and unexpectedly hearing Bollywood tunes by Shah Rukh Khan made the moment feel both magical and familiar."
"Returning to the city felt different after the peace of the countryside. The quiet, chilled vibe of the outskirts had a calming effect I didn’t want to shake off."
"Our last day was spent reliving favourite moments—returning to the restaurants and spots we loved, trying to squeeze every drop out of the experience."
"At the airport, I made a quiet promise to myself: I’ll come back. There’s more of Baku to explore, more memories to be made."
"If you’re looking for a break from the daily grind—something peaceful, culturally rich, and soul-soothing—Baku is truly a worthy escape."
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