Shopping in Azerbaijan where to buy souvenirs and local crafts

Azerbaijan is a dream for shoppers that love to discover unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Every marketplace in the country boasts about its rich history and craftsmanship through hand crafted carpets or hand painted ceramics, fragrant spices and locally made sweets. Shopping in Azerbaijan is a way to feel the country’s culture and be in the lively streets of Baku or in charming villages.

If you find yourself in Azerbaijan, you should definitely day away to wander the thrifty bazaars and wood stores. Beyond the souvenirs they are places to see these once in a lifetime traditions that have gone on for centuries through the generations. If you want to do this without any hassle, you can also apply Azerbaijan Visa Applications Online in advance and before you start your shopping adventure, ensure your Azerbaijan Visa is sorted.

Here is where to shop for souvenirs and local crafts in Azerbaijan.

1. Icherisheher (Old City) 

But the charm of Baku’s Icherisheher is its historic streets buzzing with artisan boutiques and cultural treasures. When wandering its cobbled ways you will encounter wonderful handcrafted carpets, delicate ceramics, intricate copperware that all serve to project Azerbaijan’s colourful period. Beautifully woven textiles and miniature paintings are made by equally talented artisans that make excellent souvenirs. Icherisheher is offering a shopping experience which combines history and craftsmanship, no matter what you are searching for, decorative pieces, elegant silk scarves or one of a kind handmade jewellery.

2. Taza Bazaar 

Taza Bazaar is a bustling hub of flavors and aromas that locals and visitors alike come to enjoy in Azerbaijan. Many food lovers cannot do without such a stopover full of fresh produce, exotic spices and the husk of which is locally harvested saffron. Dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic herbal teas are on sale in stalls that brim, perfect as gifts or personal treats. In the market, food is only one aspect of the energetic atmosphere of the place, with its colorful displays providing a real true authentic shopping experience where one can get a glimpse of everyday culture in Azerbaijan.

3. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum 

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum preserves Azerbaijan’s deep rooted tradition of carpet weaving. A huge assortment of intricately woven carpets with each one having their own story written in it through its patterns and colors can be seen here by the visitors. The gift shop in the museum also enables you to purchase an authentic handwoven rug, a timeless heritage of Azerbaijani culture. Although they are souvenirs these carpets are far too much more they are more than centuries of craftsmanship, skill, cultural pride, and are a truly special keepsake.

4. Nizami Street 

Nizami Street is the heart of Baku’s modern shopping scene and lined with an eclectic mix of boutiques, souvenir stores and luxury brands. One of the busiest avenues in Baku, this avenue offers trendy fashion pieces, handcrafted Azerbaijani inspired accessories and everything in between. Here you will find them, beautiful stylish apparel, elegant silk products, artistic home décor. Any time is a good time to check out the shopping on ‘Ahlan Dubai’ Street, where there is an abundance of boutiques, lively ambiance, beautiful architecture and great shopping.

5. Lahij Village 

Lahij is tucked away in the mountains and is a picturesque village with a centuries old tradition of copper craftsmanship. Thanks to its charming streets, one can stroll through its streets strolling through artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen engrave intricate designs on copper trays, pots and decorative items. These are not souvenirs but works of art of Azerbaijan's heritage. Lahij is not only a place for shopping, but a visit to Lahij is a visit to the time-honored techniques and the real spirit of Azerbaijani craftsmanship.

6. Sheki Bazaar 

If you are a sweet lover and traditional delicacies lover, Sheki Bazaar is a paradise for you. Sheki halva is delectable treat made of layers of nuts, honey and delicate pastry, which is what the market is most famous for. These mouthwatering sweets will be surrounded by beautifully crafted pottery, embroidered textiles and wooden handicrafts, all depending on the artistic tradition of that area. The people of Sheki Bazaar are welcoming, the bustling stalls filled with goods are enticing, a trip to Sheki Bazaar is not just a shopping trip, it is a cultural experience.

7. Ganja’s Artisan Shops 

One of Azerbaijan’s oldest cities, Ganja is a less well known treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship. Here artisans’ shops specialize in handwoven textiles, beautifully carved woodwork and finely crafted leather accesorise. Most of these creations are made through generations using techniques that have been passed down, keeping the authenticity of Azerbaijani craftsmanship. Besides shopping, visiting Ganja is a very unique experience as the issue is personal it’s about connecting with artisans and getting to know each handmade piece, talking to the maker himself. These both a perfect place for unique, high quality souvenirs with cultural twist.

Conclusion

Shopping in Azerbaijan is more of a travel through history, culture and art across the country. There are small artisan villages from where you can make a deal for ceramic plates or bazaars that are vibrant and historical marketplaces. Newly embroidered silver or gold for day on Thursday brings home an intricately woven carpet, a handcrafted copper tray, or a box of sweet Sheki halva is each which souvenir possesses a morsel of Azerbaijan’s thick inheritance.

Before you start your shopping expedition, make sure you are ready with all of your travel needs, including Azerbaijan Visa. In addition to this, if you are searching for a smooth and efficient process, you can also fill your Azerbaijan Visa Applications Online to make your trip hassle free. That being said, you are set to discover Azerbaijan’s exciting shopping scene and collect souvenirs that will remind you of this magical place.