Azerbaijan can surprise you the moment you arrive. In the video, Hamzeh Afghani lands in Baku and quickly captures an atmosphere of everyday life—women in hijab and men in dark clothing—set against a backdrop that feels both modern and deeply rooted in history. His journey begins with an idea he repeats like a promise: don’t rush the country. Give Azerbaijan time to show you what it really is.
Baku first: history, viewpoints, and an old-city mood
Hamzeh explains how he made a deliberate start before diving into the “cool places”: he wanted to understand where Azerbaijan sits on the map. He notes the country’s location near the Caucasus region and mentions key surrounding countries (including Russia, Turkey, Iran, and Georgia/Armenia in the wider area), then focuses on Baku’s changing character—from older districts to famous city sights.
He visits an “old city” area in Baku, describing how today’s view may not look dramatic at first, but that the same streets and buildings could reveal more depth in the coming days. From there, he heads toward a viewpoint where the city, distinct buildings, and the Caspian Sea (Cazvin Sea) unfold below.
The “Green Bazaar”: mickle-mackle of tastes and pickles
One of the video’s most vivid stops is the Green Bazaar (Qreen Bazar). Hamzeh says that once you step inside, it feels like you can find almost anything—right down to jars of produce on display. What stands out most is that the bazaar’s offerings are presented as “everything is pickled or made into preserves”—from vegetables to fruits such as dried or processed items, with many foods prepared in the local style.
He also shares a lively exchange during the market visit—talking with locals and hearing about relationships between Azerbaijan and nearby countries—adding a human warmth to the sightseeing.
Yanar Dag: the Mountain of Fire that never seems to go out
After Baku, the trip turns into a nature-focused adventure. Hamzeh travels toward Yanar Dag, describing it as the “Mountain of Fire” (the place name he explains means “mountain of fire”). He shares how the flames are always burning, and he contrasts the popular imagination with a grounded explanation he heard on the trip.
What’s the “scientific” reason, according to the video? Hamzeh says the fire is linked to natural gas deep under the earth. He explains that natural gas can come to the surface, and unlike fire that uses a visible fuel you can extinguish, this fire is sustained by what’s happening underground—so pouring water won’t necessarily put it out.
The result is a striking landscape: a constant band of flames that makes visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into something ancient or symbolic—whether you see it as legend or as geology.
A mud volcano experience for wellness seekers
The journey continues to another unusual natural site—an Azerbaijan mud volcano Hamzeh describes as rare and less common worldwide. He explains that the locals and visitors enter a controlled way near the mud activity, and he notes that people come not only to watch but also for the natural mud’s perceived benefits (he mentions uses connected to the skin and for conditions such as rheumatism/rheumatism-like complaints as stated in the video).
Hamzeh highlights a practical detail: if you get close, you’ll likely end up needing water to rinse off, and he jokingly worries about dirtying his car—yet he still tries the experience carefully, keeping the mood adventurous and respectful.
Shamakhi: countryside time and local flavours
After long stretches of driving, Hamzeh reaches Shamakhi—described as about two hours from Baku. He makes it clear that travel in the video is real and physical: he spends long hours on the road, then takes time to settle, eat, and explore slowly.
In Shamakhi, he enjoys local food including lamb/ meat and dairy, and he shares price impressions from the places he visits in the video—highlighting that the area feels more “lived in” than purely tourist-driven.
Fields, sunflowers, and everyday rural life
One of the most relaxing portions of the video is the countryside: Hamzeh sees vegetable fields, and he particularly admires sunflower crops. He offers a simple botanical description—how sunflowers follow the sun as they grow, then later the “movement” shifts as the plant matures, after which seeds develop.
The video also captures roadside rural moments, with neighbours and local workers creating a calm sense of daily rhythm—far from the bustle of Baku.
Why this trip is worth it
This Azerbaijan route is memorable because it connects three kinds of “wonder” in one journey: city culture (Baku and the Green Bazaar), natural phenomena (Yanar Dag’s fire and the mud volcano), and slow countryside life (Shamakhi and surrounding fields). If you love travel that’s part discovery, part storytelling, and part nature photography, Hamzeh’s itinerary is a strong blueprint.
Planning your own Azerbaijan adventure (from the video’s lessons)
- Allow time: Hamzeh repeats that you should stay at least a couple of days in Baku to properly explore.
- Expect long drives: the video includes multi-hour road stretches between destinations.
- Choose a flexible approach: he describes using day-to-day transport options and also highlights car hire arrangements discussed in the video.
- Be ready for messy nature: mud volcano visits can require rinsing afterward.
If you’re looking for an Azerbaijan itinerary that goes beyond the obvious—one that blends markets, history, “eternal fire,” and the weirdly wonderful world of mud volcanoes—this route is made for you.
