Eurasian Journey

Foreword As I write these words, Azerbaijan and Armenia have just ended another brief Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the three countries of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus or Outer Caucasus region have a complicated love-hate relationship that has lasted for thousands of years. This region south of the Caucasus Mountains, east of the Caspian Sea, and west of the Black Sea, is located at the junction of Europe and Asia. Historically, the South Caucasus was ruled by the Persian Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Arab Empire, and the Ottoman Empire, and was later incorporated into the territory of Tsarist Russia, becoming part of the Soviet Union. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, the three countries became independent, and it has been just over 30 years. Although they are three countries, the total area of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia is about the same as that of Hebei Province in China, and the total population of the three countries is only about 1/5 of Hebei Province. Only Azerbaijan has a population of over 10 million, and the other two countries have a population of about 3 million, mostly concentrated in their respective capitals. The Nagorno-Karabakh dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the disputes between Georgia and North Russia over South Ossetia and Abkhazia, make this small region extremely complex. And this is the heartland of the Eurasian continent, where different civilizations and religions blend. The majestic mountains, deep canyons, ancient churches, old cities, quiet towns, and winding coastlines all come into your view here. The people strolling leisurely by the Caspian Sea in Baku in the evening, and the musicians and passers-by dancing and singing in Tbilisi at night, are all showing you the calm and passion from the Caucasus. Our journey begins from here, from the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan to the Kura River flowing through Tbilisi, crossing the mountains and valleys of the Caucasus, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, which we could not visit due to time constraints. This is a journey to the heart of Eurasia, the Caucasus. The trailer is out, let me tell you all about it. Looking at the Caspian Sea from the Baku Heights Park, this largest city in Azerbaijan is known as the 'Little Dubai of the Caucasus' One of the landmarks of Baku - the Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the famous Zaha Hadid Studio. Sheki, Azerbaijan, the star track of the Caucasus Mountains. Georgia's famous love town, Sighnaghi. The Ananuri Castle, which has been on the cover of 'Lonely Planet'. Overlooking Tbilisi under the night sky from Mt. Sulorak. The girls dancing on the streets of Tbilisi at night. The night of Tbilisi. Azerbaijan Chapter Baku, 'Little Dubai of the Caucasus' Departing from Beijing, flying for more than 3 hours to Urumqi, Xinjiang, and then flying west for 4 hours, you can reach Baku, the largest city in the South Caucasus by the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is actually not a 'sea', but the largest lake in the world. However, the area of the Caspian Sea, which is 370,000 square kilometers, is actually larger than many of the world's seas. Geographically, the Caspian Sea is part of the ancient Mediterranean Sea. The Caspian Sea is a place where locals usually walk and relax. It's very comfortable to feel the autumn breeze here. The vast Caspian Sea has given Azerbaijan rich oil and gas resources. From the plane flying over the Caspian Sea, you can see many drilling rigs in the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan is one of the birthplaces of the modern oil industry, and the world's first oil well is in Baku. Before the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan and Russia were the only two member republics that did not need central financial subsidies. The local wealth is evident. Among the three countries in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan's economic strength is also the best. The world's first oil well, Azerbaijan is the birthplace of the modern oil industry. This is a common sight in Baku, with densely populated residential areas on the seemingly sparse vegetation hillsides. The villas and small buildings on the top of the mountain are said to be built by local rich people. The abundant funds brought by oil and gas resources not only helped Azerbaijan gain the upper hand in the recent Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also made the capital Baku a very modern city, known as the 'Little Dubai of the Caucasus'. Walking in the central city area of Baku by the Caspian Sea, it feels like strolling on the streets of Europe. There are many luxury stores and cafes with crowds of people, and there are also many luxury cars on the streets, which are very lively.