2019 Eurasia Adventure - First Baku Pictorial

Despite being tired from our 24 hour journey to get here, we were still ready to get out around 9:30 AM. Our hotel is within the walls of the old city.

The hotel DaVinci

We were offered a room with a wonderful view when we arrive

then we found there was no elevator and you had to climb five flights of stairs

We opted for the second floor

The immediate area around our hotel

We are in the Old City, which dates from the 13th to 14th century when the Khans built it during the peak of the trade on the Silk Road.

Not far from our hotel is a gate out

Views of the City Walls

In the Old City are strong Turkish architecture influences

The oil wealth here as funded a massive modern building boom

The Flame Towers (you will see why they are called this during a future evening photo shoot) are a prime example and seen from everywhere

This is a city of parks and fountains

Sadly almost none of the fountains were on and flowing

There is even a park called the fountain park

There will be a Formula One race here the end of the month

There are stands and fences eliminating views and the ability to get places all over the place

The Maiden's Tower is a symbol of the city

It is believed to date back to pre-Persian times and there is debate over its original functionl

(religious/spiritual or defensive)

Views from the top

Samples of late 19th/ early 20th century architecture

 There is a major problem with a species of predatory octopus that prey on merry-go-round riders

Sculpture

 A museum of old Quran, repressed during Soviet times

 dating from the Middle Ages

And seen along the street

We past where they were taking a filming shot on top of an old Turkish bath comple

And finally

SIGNS OF THE WORLD

Doors closing is done with utmost vigor here

Beware of sparks under foot!