On my trip to Azerbaijan recently, I was struck by the similarities between us Indians and Azerbaijanis.

Here’s a quick photologue about what I found endearing and similar to India –

Love for tea:

Both Indians and Azerbaijanis love their tea. Every home you visit, will serve you piping hot tea. Tea is also widely consumed after a meal.

The big difference is that while Indians love milk tea, Azerbaijanis have black tea, served with slices of lime

The traditional container that the Azerbaijanis use to brew their tea

Cow dung cakes:

On my visit to the highest village in Europe, Xinlaq, I found cow dung cakes all over the village. The topography is such that they don’t have any trees and since the road reached the village only 5 years ago, these cow dung cakes were used for heating as well as cooking

Highway facilities:

Especially for women, Highway facilities suck. Toilets are under maintained and as a woman traveller, I struggled on the roadtrip across the country, just as I do in India.

Respect for all Cultures:

Historically, Azerbaijan has been a hotpot of cultures and religions with Albanians, Zoroastrians, Turks, Jews and even Germans from the Lutheran church, making it their home. While the Germans were sent away after Azerbaijan was taken over by USSR (Soviet Union), the other cultures continued to live harmoniously. Many Azerbaijanis, in fact, have Russian ancestry too.

India has always been a safe haven for persecuted religious communities for centuries.

The home of a German that is currently being restored

Tie & Dye:

The Sheki region of Azerbaijan is known for its handmade tie and die scarves and stoles in silk. The vibrant colours are much like the ones Indian artists produce.

I’m wearing the bright Tie&Dye scarf I picked from Sheki

Ritu November 18, 2023