Azerbaijan - Culture Smart!

Author: Nikki Kazimova
Publisher: Kuperard
ISBN: 1857335481
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 172

Book Description
For Westerners, the modern state of Azerbaijan may be hard to pinpoint. This small, oil-rich country in the southern Caucasus, on the southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea, only made its way on to the contemporary world map after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. As the world shrinks and competition for precious resources intensifies, the direction this strategically and economically important country takes will affect us all. The historically tolerant and pluralist Azeri people have an ancient history and a rich culture. Azerbaijan lay on the route of the Great Silk Road, the trade network that connected China with Europe, and its people have lived through centuries of conquests by different imperial powers. It was also situated in the heart of the Great Game, the struggle for control of Central Asia played out between Russia and the West at the turn on the nineteenth century, which seems to be going through a modern remake. Azerbaijan has been called “the quintessential borderland, many times over: between Europe and Asia, Islam and Christianity, Russia and the Middle East, Turks and Iranians, Shi'a and Sunni Islam.” Azerbaijan was briefly independent after the First World War, when it was the first Muslim state to adopt progressive Western values. A democratic republic with full women's suffrage, it boasted the first women's high school, the first opera, and the first female opera composer, as well as the first ballet in the Muslim world. There followed seventy years of Soviet rule. After a bitter war in 1991&–94, areas of Azerbaijan were occupied by neighboring Armenia, and the country has absorbed a huge number of refugees. At the same time, it is experiencing a new oil boom and the economy is growing. Among the people, there is a growing sense of national identity. Culture Smart! Azerbaijan looks at the many facets of this identity and explains the complex workings of Azerbaijani society. It will equip you with vital information and advice about the customs, practices, and sensibilities of a society poised on the brink of change.

Culture Smart!

Author: Nikki Kazimova
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Book Description

Armenia - Culture Smart!

Author: Susan Solomon
Publisher: Kuperard
ISBN: 1857336267
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Book Description
Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships. Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include: * customs, values, and traditions * historical, religious, and political background * life at home * leisure, social, and cultural life * eating and drinking * do's, don'ts, and taboos * business practices * communication, spoken and unspoken

Splendid Azerbaijan

Author: Glen Alberto Salazar
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781492393856
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 168

Book Description
Known as the "Land of Fire," Azerbaijan is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. While it has accumulated riches from being a trading post along the Silk Road, the country has been devastated by invading hordes charging from the four cardinal points on the compass. Azerbaijan is a country born from the explosive encounters between the Persian and Turkic Worlds, inheriting a red-hot history and culture. Rule under Persian shahs, Turkic khans, and Russian tsars has added bursts of color to the beautiful threads comprising the carpet of Azerbaijan."Splendid Azerbaijan: The History and Culture of the Land of Fire" will let you discover the secrets hidden by the perfumed rose garden of this Eurasian country. From nomads roaming the steppes of Central Asia to global citizens living at the foothills of the Caucasus and the shores of the Caspian, Azerbaijanis have a charismatic spark that torches like wildfire the soul. At the heart of Azerbaijani culture is a sweet-sounding Turkic language spoken in the streets of Baku, similar to the languages spoken in the bejeweled cities of Samarkand in the East and Istanbul in the West.

Georgia - Culture Smart!

Author: Natia Abramia
Publisher: Bravo Limited
ISBN: 1857336585
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 164

Book Description
Georgia lies between Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, on the southeastern shore of the Black Sea. This small Caucasian country is used to playing a significant role in global geopolitics, and its strategic location at the crossroads of different civilizations has been a curse as well as a blessing. Once a battlefield of the Christian and Muslim worlds, today it is caught between its NATO aspirations and its location in Russia's backyard. The Silk Road brought the best of the world to Georgia. Its ancient Christian culture shows the influence of Arab, Persian, and Ottoman conquerors. Combined with this is a southern, "Mediterranean" feel, traces of the Soviet legacy, and a strong Western influence. What awaits the visitor is a unique culture that goes back thousands of years. Georgia has a rich historical heritage, wonderful food and wines, unforgettable scenery, authentic folk music and dances, an attractive business climate, and an educated and hospitable people for whom indulging a guest is more a religion than a duty. Culture Smart! Georgia offers invaluable insights and practical tips for tourists and business people alike. The author, Natia Abramia, guides you through the past and present-day realities of her motherland, explaining what makes people tick, how they live and feel, and how to get on with them. You will discover that the Georgians will not let you down. Learn how to reach their hearts, and they will charm you back.

Azerbaijan

Author: Debbie Nevins
Publisher: Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 1502658704
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 146

Book Description
The nation of Azerbaijan combines rich historical tradition with a modern mindset. As a former part of the Soviet Union, it has had to forge its own path in the 21st century. Readers will explore the successes and setbacks along the way with this informative and engaging guide. The detailed narrative and enlightening sidebars highlight political, cultural, geographical, and economic facts about Azerbaijan. Maps and images of this country's landscapes and people bring its culture into delightful focus. Recipes allow readers to take a hands-on approach to enjoying Azerbaijan.

Discovering Azerbaijan

Author: William Jones
Publisher: Mamba Press
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 98

Book Description
"Discovering Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide" Embark on an unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and vibrant traditions of Azerbaijan with "Discovering Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide." Authored by the seasoned explorer, William Jones, this guide is your passport to the Land of Fire, offering a meticulous and engaging exploration of this often-overlooked gem on the crossroads of Europe and Asia. In this meticulously crafted guidebook, Jones invites you to traverse the bustling streets of Baku, the City of Contrasts, where modern skyscrapers coexist with ancient architecture. Wander through the ancient wonders of Gobustan National Park, where history speaks through rock, and uncover the tapestry of culture in the picturesque town of Sheki. "Discovering Azerbaijan" goes beyond conventional travel guides, providing a humanized perspective that captures the essence of Azerbaijani hospitality, the heartwarming stories of locals, and the immersive experiences that await the curious traveler. Each chapter unfolds like a vivid story, taking you through the landscapes, culinary delights, and cultural gems that define this diverse nation. Highlights of the Guide: Culinary Adventures: Delve into the flavors of Azerbaijani cuisine, from succulent kebabs in Baku's Old City to the sweet delights of Sheki's baklava. With William Jones as your culinary guide, savor the tastes that define Azerbaijani gastronomy. Nature's Masterpieces: Immerse yourself in the symphony of landscapes, from the eternal flames of Yanar Dag to the alpine meadows of Quba. With breathtaking descriptions, the guide paints a vivid picture of Azerbaijan's natural wonders. Arts and Crafts: Uncover the artistic heritage of Azerbaijan, from the intricate designs of Sheki's Khan's Palace to the timeless beauty of Azerbaijani carpets. Jones introduces you to the artists and craftsmen who breathe life into the nation's cultural treasures. Festivals and Celebrations: Join the jubilant festivities of Novruz Bayram, dance to the rhythms of the Baku Jazz Festival, and witness the colorful Goychay Pomegranate Festival. "Discovering Azerbaijan" guides you through the joyous celebrations that define Azerbaijani life. With practical travel tips, cultural insights, and captivating narratives, William Jones ensures that "Discovering Azerbaijan" is not just a guidebook but a companion for the intrepid traveler. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or a cultural explorer, this guide is your key to unlocking the secrets of Azerbaijan. Pack your bags, open the pages, and let the adventure begin!

The Azerbaijanis

Author: Nicholas Awde
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781898948346
Category : Azerbaijan
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description

The Politics of Culture in Soviet Azerbaijan, 1920-40

Author: Audrey Altstadt
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317245423
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 314

Book Description
The early Soviet Union’s nationalities policy involved the formation of many national republics, within which "nation building" and "modernization" were undertaken for the benefit of "backward" peoples. This book, in considering how such policies were implemented in Azerbaijan, argues that the Soviet policies were in fact a form of imperialism, with "nation building" and "modernization" imposed firmly along Soviet lines. The book demonstrates that in Azerbaijan, and more widely among western Turkic peoples, the Volga and Crimean Tatars, there were before the onset of Soviet rule, well developed, forward looking, secular, national movements, which were not at all "backward" and were different from the Soviets. The book shows how in the period 1920 to 1940 the two different visions competed with each other, with eventually the pre-Soviet vision of Azerbaijani culture losing out, and the Soviet version dominating in a new Soviet Azerbaijani culture. The book examines the details of this Sovietization of culture: in language policy and the change of the alphabet, in education, higher education and in literature. The book concludes by exploring how pre-Soviet Azerbaijani culture survived to a degree underground, and how it was partially rehabilitated after the death of Stalin and more fully in the late Soviet period.

Iran - Culture Smart!

Author: Stuart Williams
Publisher:
ISBN: 1857335988
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 169