Your production coordinator
in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is famous for preserving history. This is obvious in the old city of Baku or the drawings dating from the prehistoric age at Gobustan. Our journalist fixer knows exactly who you could speak with to learn details about these wonders.
If you are looking for remote areas where time seems to stand still, then you need to let our production coordinator take you to the mountain village of Khinalig. In this farming community, you can see how manure pressed into bricks still makes for cheap fuel.
Baku
Locations around Baku are split between the ancient city, the Soviet-built area, and the newest parts. The palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must-see if you are looking for a medieval vibe. Let our location scout show you around the cobbled streets and beautiful old houses with lovely fresco paintings on the outside walls. In addition, our production coordinator in Azerbaijan can help you manage a shoot here and give you a feel of what it was like centuries ago.
Caucasus Mountain
Northern Azerbaijan is a part of the world defined by isolation. The Caucasus Mountains are high and terrible. Also, they are full of caves for gnomic tribes and nomads to hide in. It was an unconquerable land and remains divided into pockets of separate and singular cultures, as per our production coordinator in Azerbaijan. In an area roughly the size of West Virginia, there are some two dozen languages, most of them unique to villages that spent centuries isolated from the rest of the country and each other.
Caucasus Mountain
Aran
In Aran, you will find Gandzasar, an Armenian Monastery. It stands up a hill, surrounded by mountains. The region is lush, with densely forested mountains. It is almost 800 years old, has wonderful architecture, and claims to hold relics of St John the Baptist. Our journalist fixer knows the other places of worship in the area, such as Mingachevir Mosque – a relatively large modern structure – or Yerits Mankants Monastery, located in a river gorge, surrounded by dense forests.
Daghlig Shirvan
Our location scout recommends Gobustan Rock Art. It is an archaeological site where you can see real Stone Age drawings. The area was discovered in the 1940s by a local miner and represents the history of humanity, from the Upper Paleolithic era up to the Middle Ages. The rock carvings, known as petroglyphs, represent the flora, fauna, hunting, lifestyles, and culture of pre-historic and medieval times. Also there are over 6,000 rock engravings, covering a period of 40,000 years!
Daghlig Shirvan
Lankaran
Lankaran is one of the oldest settlements in Azerbaijan. The area was inhabited from the Bronze Age. Our production coordinator in Azerbaijan will tell you that Lankaran developed as a major stopover point for caravan routes thanks to the linkages between the East and the West such as the silk route. Trades such as blacksmithing, copper smithing, pottery, and weaving are key cultural traditions throughout Lankaran. Our location scouting can show you around the old prison and lighthouse where they kept Joseph Stalin or other attractions.
Hiring a location scout in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is known as the ‘Land of Fire’ because of the burning hillsides, where wildfires are caused by natural gases. Its capital, Baku, is famed for its medieval walled Inner City and iconic skyscrapers that frame the skyline. The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers, consisting of apartments, offices, and a hotel. Besides our production coordinator in Azerbaijan recommends heading to the revolving rooftop bar at the Hilton Hotel for the best view of it.
The modern, sleek architecture of Baku also includes the Famous Heydar Aliyev Centre. Considered a symbol of modern Azerbaijan, the architectural masterpiece won the London Design Museum’s Design of the Year award in 2014. It’s famous for its unique curves and the number of unique exhibitions and museums inside. Whether you are looking for contemporary architecture or ancient sites, contact us! We can show you hidden gems or unique angles on locations to fit every need!
