Located along the southern coast of the Apsheron Peninsula, Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was often referred to as Eastern Paris in the last century.
One of the city's defining features is its amphitheater-like setting that descends towards the Caspian Sea. Baku has rapidly developed both economically and industrially, with its population nearly doubling in the past decade to approximately 4 million residents, of which only 43% are Azerbaijanis.
Baku's history dates back to 885, although it was founded even earlier. Its strategic location at the crossroads of migration and trade routes, along with a fertile climate and vast fuel resources, has made Baku an attractive prize for conquerors throughout history.
Over the course of twelve centuries, the city has witnessed conflicts for control among various powers, including the Shirvanshahs, Mongols, Persians. Notably, Baku's numerous oil-filled wells, capable of producing three tons of oil daily, played a pivotal role during World War II as a primary fuel supply center for Soviet military aviation and armored vehicles.
In 1994, Baku became a focal point for the energy industry when the 400-page "Contract of the Century" was signed, outlining the sharing of production from deep-water fields like Azeri, Chirag, and Gunashli.
More recently, Baku has transformed into a major cultural center, marked by the construction of ultra-modern buildings reminiscent of Dubai and Singapore. These developments have been fueled by the city's petrodollars in the past three to four years.
