World Tour Series Europe: Baku, the Capital of Azerbaijan

Located on the southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula along the western coast of the Caspian Sea, Baku's elevation (approximately -27 meters above sea level) places most of the city between -28 and -25 meters. This unique geography makes Baku the world's only capital below sea level and the largest city by area situated beneath sea level.

**Images 1-7: Baku Old City**
Dating back to the 12th century when the Shirvanshahs established their capital, this 220,000-square-meter historic district retains its medieval layout, making it Azerbaijan's oldest urban area. Its name derives from Persian, meaning "city struck by wind" or "mountain of God." As a key Silk Road hub, it blends Persian, Arab, and Russian cultural influences.

**P4: Shirvanshahs' Palace**
A 15th-century Islamic complex featuring palaces, mosques, and mausoleums, meticulously built from limestone. It represents the pinnacle of Azerbaijan's medieval architecture.

**P6-P7: Baku Fortress Walls**
Constructed between the 12th and 15th centuries, these stone walls encircle the Old City. The double-arched gates adorned with lion and bull motifs symbolize strength and divinity.

**Images 8, 16-18: Flame Towers**
Baku's iconic trio of glass-skyscrapers, inspired by Zoroastrian fire worship. Their LED light shows at night have made them a city symbol.
- **South Tower**: 190m (39 floors), luxury residential with 130 apartments.
- **North Tower**: 33-floor Fairmont Baku Hotel, offering 250 rooms and 61 serviced apartments.
- **West Tower**: Office space (33,114 sqm) with retail at its base.

**Image 9: Azerbaijan Carpet Museum**
A cultural landmark showcasing over 6,000 traditional handwoven carpets and artifacts, representing seven regional styles. Its rolled-carpet design, by architect Franz Janz (2014), merges artistry with functionality.

**Image 11: Azerbaijan Flag Square**
Home to a 162m flagpole (a 2010 world record). The giant flag flutters against a backdrop of night traffic, illuminated buildings, and waterfront reflections.

**Images 12-13: Baku Boulevard**
A 6km scenic promenade along the Caspian, linking Flag Square to Baku Port, famed for leisure spots and modern architecture.

**Image 19: Maiden Tower**
This 27m cylindrical stone tower, built in the 7th century and fortified in the 12th, served as defense and lighthouse. Legend ties it to a maiden's tragic love; it survived a 1304 earthquake and now houses a museum.

**Image 20: Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center**