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Tel Aviv Shines Blue and Yellow as the European Union Delegation and Members Mark Europe Day with a Show of Support for Ukraine
EuroParty 2022 was held on Thursday evening, May 12, in Tel Aviv’s Ganei Yehoshua park. This year’s celebration of Europe Day was dedicated to showing support for Ukraine, with a concert featuring Ukrainian and Israeli musicians, and a fundraiser for victims of the war.
The evening opened with refreshments served in the open-air space of the Wohl Auditorium. Tables were set up to display handmade Ukrainian crafts for sale, with proceeds going to the charities supporting Ukrainian victims.
Ambassador of the European Union to Israel, Mr. Dimiter Tzantchev, opened with greetings in Hebrew, noting that in his third posting in Israel, he is witness to the growth in the Israeli-EU relationship across numerous dimensions.
The ambassador touched on many of those areas of cooperation, from health (12 million doses of Covid 19 vaccines imported from the EU to Israel) to trade (EU-Israel trade rose from 31 billion euros to 37 billion euros in 2021, accounting for 30% of Israel’s international trade), to research and innovation (Israel is an active member of the Horizon Europe program).
Ambassador Tzantchev emphasized the EU’s commitment to peace in the region, and to Israel’s safety. He stated the EU’s clear condemnation of the recent wave of attacks in Israel, stating his remarks in English and Hebrew.
The theme of the night of course was European unity, peace and prosperity, represented by the May 9, 1950 Schuman declaration. The ambassador discussed the EU and member states’ unprecedented support for Ukraine, and stressed appreciation for Israel “standing with Europe and the US on the right side of history”, and to Minister of Health Nitzan Horowitz for being the first Israeli cabinet minister to visit Ukraine.
Minister Horowitz spoke on behalf of the Israeli government. Complimenting the ambassador’s impressive display of Hebrew, the minister noted that the Schuman declaration “serves as a symbol of the power, vision and determination of the human spirit.” He reiterated the values shared by Israel and the EU: “peace, democracy, rule of law, and sanctity of human life.”
Minister Horowitz expressed his appreciation for the EU’s Comprehensive Strategy on Combatting Antisemitism. He also noted the European Union’s efforts to advance peace, tolerance and democracy in the region and thanked the EU for providing financial support for the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian national economy.
Following the speeches, the national anthems of the European Union and Israel were played, and a toast was then raised. After enjoying dessert, guests were invited to the amphitheater for a concert featuring Ukrainian singer Viktoria Leléka and her European Jazz Quartet, and Israeli pop star Ivri Lider. Viktoria Leléka introduced her songs with stirring words of the need to bring peace for all people, as well as with the environment.
The distinguished guests at the celebration included H.E. Mr. Gil Haskel, Chief of State Protocol at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Assaf Moran, Director of the Department for Multilateral European Organizations and NATO at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Professor Tamar Safra from Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov hospital); Dan Catarivas, Director of the division of Foreign Trade and International Relations at the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel; Boaz Moldawsky, President of The Israel Diamond Exchange; Gidon Bromberg Director of EcoPeace Middle East Israel, as well as ambassadors, military attaches, and Israeli business and civil society leaders.
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates the EU mission and all EU members on Europe Day and offers best wishes for peace and prosperity.
Steven Aiello
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
Founder--DebateforPeace
https://debateforpeace.
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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In honor of Israel’s 74th Independence Day, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog host a festive reception for the foreign diplomatic corps
Today, Israel’s 74th Independence Day, President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog hosted a festive Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence for the foreign diplomatic corps.
At the official reception in the gardens of the President's Residence, the guests were treated to a selection of boutique Israeli wines and cheeses and fine Israeli ice cream. The diplomats were also treated to a musical performance by the eclectic Jerusalem-based brass band Marsh Dondurma.
The reception was attended by around 400 guests, including ambassadors and high-ranking officials from around 120 countries and organizations. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his wife Lihi, Deputy Foreign Minister Idan Roll, Office of the President Director General Eyal Shviki, MFA Director General Alon Ushpiz, and other dignitaries also participated.
President Isaac Herzog’s full remarks:
It is a great privilege to celebrate Israel’s 74th Independence Day with you all, in this traditional gathering, which began with our first president, Dr. Chaim Weizmann. Gathering here amongst friends old and new, in a strong, independent, Jewish democratic State of Israel evokes the words of the Prophet Isaiah: “Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.”
Growing up in Tel Aviv in the 1960s, my mother and father were clear in articulating that our modern-day miracle in our ancient homeland was not to be taken for granted. They recounted in our ears the all-encompassing hope for the State of Israel coupled with the deep uncertainty they experienced with the establishment of the Jewish state.
My wife Michal and I and our friends, Minister Lapid and dear Lihi, all recall hearing from our parents the struggles of these early days. It is therefore such a privilege to gather today and salute our parents’ and grandparents' generations for what they created.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today we celebrate 74 years of a vibrant, multicultural democracy, in which all faiths are respected and all worshipers enjoy freedom of religion. Seventy-four years of courage and creativity in turning seemingly-impossible challenges into a catalyst for cutting-edge innovation.
Seventy-four years of keeping our hands outstretched in peace while standing strong against those who oppose us. And here, on this festive afternoon, Michal and I are delighted to open our home both to those who helped solidify our independence and to those with whom we could have only dreamed of sitting together on our 74th birthday.
Dear friends, since assuming office I have had the opportunity to travel to several countries, including many of our Middle Eastern neighbors. Throughout our region, I was met with sincerity and warmth, hospitality and curiosity, open-mindedness and dialogue. I encountered a willingness to find common ground and a profound effort to work together, despite our differences.
In short: I have seen a historic change.
The Abraham Accords, signed back in 2020, are but the most recent, exciting example of peace, following the groundbreaking, historic peace agreements with Egypt in 1979 and with Jordan in 1994. Peace made possible by a decision to focus on future prosperity and wellbeing rather than past conflicts and hate; by an understanding that lasting peace not only requires meetings between politicians, but is dependent on true friendship between peoples.
Step by step we are all learning to navigate this Renewable Middle East, building on win-win cooperation, stability and modernization, and slowly realizing the extraordinary potential of our region. If we succeed, the impact can be far broader than our Middle Eastern community. The world at large can benefit from the Middle East transforming into a global hub of sustainable solutions at the forefront of renewable energy, climate technology, innovative agriculture,
and environmental preservation. The entire world can benefit from a Middle Eastern strategic alliance of moderate forces, that can act to deter and defeat radical actors, and can enhance the security of our region.
As we well know, when peace takes root, extremism and terror insist on preserving the old path of incitement, violence and hate.
Just this week, Israel faced another murderous terror attack, following weeks of terror. But in the face of threats, assaults and hatred our message is rather clear:
When they attack us, we grow stronger. When they try to divide us, we grow more united. Israel we will do whatever is necessary to protect our cities and our citizens.
Dear friends, I am excited that after 74 years, this vision of a developed Middle East is materializing. And, I call upon each of the countries represented here today: Join the momentum created by the Abraham Accords; inform your citizens of the potential and the treasures of Israel; urge them to explore Israel’s medical institutions and scientific industry; encourage companies and corporations to explore opportunities and take advantage of the innovation, resources, and entrepreneurial spirit resonating throughout the Middle East. Join us in creating shared initiatives and ventures, and in rediscovering and redesigning the region.
Ladies and gentlemen, I take this opportunity to personally thank Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid, Ministry Director-General Alon Ushpiz, Chief of State Protocol Gil Haskel, and their teams, and each and every member of the Ministry’s dedicated staff and outstanding diplomats.
Thank you all for your cooperation, for your professionalism, and for your hard work together with me, with my director-general, and with the team at the Office of the President and its diplomatic department.
Happy Independence Day to all!
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid also attended at the reception for the diplomatic and consular corps hosted by President Herzog. Following are excerpts of his remarks:
“States are established by optimists. Pessimists sit and wait for the worst to happen, and it usually does. Optimists try to make their dreams come true. I know most of you by now, and I know the stories of your countries: Garibaldi and modern Italy, Mahatma Gandhi and India, Jomo Kenyatta and Kenya. All very different stories, all with one thing in common - our nations were created because there was a magical coming-together of circumstances and ideas that made people believe in the impossible. David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s founding father, once said: “A Jew who does not believe in miracles…is not a realist.” The State of Israel is a miracle. But miracles do not happen by themselves. They need to be helped. They need an army to defend them, an economy to support them, and good friends to stand beside them.
“This past year, a new government was established in Israel, which also set out a new policy direction. We opened new embassies and consulates in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. We appointed more than forty new Ambassadors around the world. We created new and exciting partnerships, like the Negev Summit where six Foreign Ministers, in an extraordinary and intimate atmosphere, formed new cooperation that is changing the Middle East. Like our renewed relations with Europe, restored on the basis of dialogue and honesty. Like our return to Africa and acceptance as an Observer to the African Union after too many years.
“We also strengthened our most important alliance, with the United States. Opponents of our alliance tried to test it in a vote in Congress on funding for the Iron Dome. It ended with a majority of 420 in favor to only 9 opposed. I doubt there is another country in the world that earns such sweeping, bipartisan support in American politics. It was an impressive display of friendship, and an expression of an alliance based on shared values.
“More tests await us, and we need to cooperate with you all to make the world a safer place. First and foremost, there is the Iranian threat: a fundamentalist terror state trying to achieve a nuclear capability. The world cannot afford a nuclear Iran, it would cause a new arms race endangering everyone on the planet.
“One learns over the years that friends are not only those who support you in difficult moments, but those who know how to share in your happiness as well. I thank you, my friends, for coming to share in our happiness today. Happy Independence Day!”
Photos credit Silvia G. Golan
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President Isaac Herzog today received the credentials of the new ambassadors of Tanzania, Armenia, Austria, Singapore, and Kyrgyzstan upon the assumption of their diplomatic duties in Israel. The incoming ambassadors were welcomed by the IDF Band playing their respective national anthems and they inspected an IDF honor guard, after which they presented their letters of credence to the President in the Great Hall of the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. The ambassadors held a meeting with the President and then signed the guest book. At the end of each credentials ceremony, the Israeli national anthem was played.
The first ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Alex Gabriel Kallua. The Tanzanian Ambassador extended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s personal regards to President Herzog and her wishes for enduring cooperation between Israel and Tanzania. President Herzog emphasized his desire to strengthen Israel’s relationship with Tanzania in a range of fields, including tourism.
The second ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Arman Akopian, who begins his posting in Israel after serving as Armenia’s ambassador to Brazil. The Ambassador presented his credentials in fluent Hebrew and signed the guest book in Hebrew. President Herzog and Ambassador Akopian discussed the 1,700-year-old history of the Armenian community in the Holy Land and affinities between Jews and Armenians as peoples with independent states and worldwide diasporas.
President Herzog noted that his father, the late Sixth President of Israel, Chaim Herzog, received the credentials of the first Armenian Ambassador to Israel after the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Ambassador extended President Vahagn Khachaturyan’s personal greetings to the President and the people of Israel.
At the end of the ceremony President Herzog invited the Armenian Ambassador to walk down to the reflecting pool with him, to show him the works of ceramic art by Armenian-Jerusalemite artist Marie Balian introduced to the President’s Residence by the President’s late mother, former First Lady Aura Herzog.
The third ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Nikolaus Lutterotti. President Herzog welcomed the Ambassador and thanked him for Austria’s friendship with Israel, saying: “We have a very unique, important and strong relationship between our nations.” President Herzog added that he looks forward to meeting Austria’s leadership, and Ambassador Lutterotti conveyed Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen’s personal regards. The Ambassador noted that the Austrian Government has tripled its spending to protect and promote Jewish life in Austria “to make it the vibrant part of our society that it used to be.”
The fourth ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Chuan Poh Lim, who has previously served as the head of the Singapore Armed Forces. Ambassador Lim updated President Herzog on the progress toward the establishment of a permanent Singaporean embassy in Israel soon, further to the Singaporean Government’s decision last month. President Herzog and Ambassador Lim discussed Israel and Singapore’s shared challenges, including urban density and water security, and noted that both nations have learned much from each other.
The last ambassador to present his letter of credence was the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, who also serves as Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to the Republic of Turkey. Ambassador Omuraliev arrives as Kyrgyzstan’s first ambassador to the State of Israel in twenty years. President Herzog began by wishing Ambassador Omuraliev a Ramadan Kareem and handed him a personal letter to President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on the occasion of thirty years of diplomatic relations. President Herzog and Ambassador Omuraliev discussed opportunities to expand trade, academic and cultural cooperation, and reciprocal tourism between Israel and Kyrgyzstan.
Photos credit: Haim Zach/GPO.
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Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivan Korčok Inaugurates the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem, Opening a New Chapter in Israel-Slovakia Relations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic H.E. Ivan Korčok, together with the President of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, H.E. Boris Kollár and Minister of Labor, Social Affairs , H.E. Ambassador of Slovak Republic to the State of Israel Igor Mauks, Director of the Institute Mr. Urik Jakub and Family H.E. Milan Krajniak inaugurated the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem on Wednesday evening.
"The opening of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem opens a new chapter in relations between Slovakia and Israel. This piece of Slovak land in Jerusalem will be a meeting place not only for artists and representatives of the cultural community but also for all friends of Slovakia and Israel, including thousands of Slovak pilgrims who visit the Holy Land every year," said Minister Korčok. There are currently nine such cultural institutes in the world, with Jerusalem being only the second one located outside the European Union.
"I see cultural diplomacy as one of the best tools for the presentation of Slovakia abroad, which opens the door to new opportunities for artistic cooperation, but also to support Slovakia's interests abroad. That is also why the support of culture and art is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Diplomacy," said Minister I. Korčok.
At the ceremony, Minister Korčok thanked the present mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, for their helpfulness in setting up the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem. The institute has been operating since September 1, 2021, but due to Covid 19 safety measures, the grand opening ceremony had been postponed. The director of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem is an experienced cultural diplomat, Jakub Urik.
"We can be proud of this piece of Slovakia on the prestigious King David Street in Jerusalem. It is a modern multifunctional space, which currently has the largest exhibition of Slovak contemporary art abroad," said Jakub Urik, director of the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem. According to him, dozens of top Slovak artists who exhibit in the best galleries in the world will be able to exhibit in Israel for the first time through the Slovak Institute.
"Since September 1, 2021, since the Slovak Institute in Jerusalem began to function officially, we have already managed many projects. At the Institute, we currently have the largest exhibition of Slovak contemporary art abroad, EXPEDITION 10, curated by Vladimír Beskid. The most important Israeli cultural institutions are interested in cooperating with Slovak artists, and the city of Jerusalem, which is visited by 4.5 million tourists a year, placed a statue of the leading Slovak sculptor Bohus Kubinsky in one of its parks in the city center. The Slovak Republic will be the main guest of the jubilee 10th year anniversary of the largest photography festival in Israel, Israel Photo, the best private galleries in Tel Aviv are interested in presenting Slovak artists and the recent tour of Slovak jazz performers was sold out in all clubs in February”.
Slovak institutes belong to the network of diplomatic institutions of the Slovak Republic, which manages the diplomacy department. They are an integral part of the tools through which the Slovak Republic supports cultural cooperation and develops international relations.
At the opening ceremony, Israel Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid spoke on behalf of the government of Israel: “We appreciate and cherish this moment, and even more so - the years to come. We will continue to strengthen cooperation and ties between our countries.”
www.diplomacy.co.il and DebateforPeace congratulate the government, the Embassy and the Slovak Institute for inaugurating this important new chapter in relations between Slovakia and Israel.
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Steven Aiello
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Azerbaijan Tourism Board launched its official representation in Tel Aviv & invites Israeli travellers to turn over an eco-friendly leaf with exhilarating and conscious travel experiences
Azerbaijan Tourism Board announced today the opening of its official representation in Tel Aviv. Lead by Jamila Talibzade, the new office reflects the boards strategy to embrace the opportunity for change and inviting travellers to take a new look at what Azerbaijan has to offer in this new era.
Jamila Talibzade said: "At a time when the environment, sustainability and reconnecting with people while maintaining social distancing are hot topics of conversation, Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is extremely happy to cut the ribbon of its new representative office at Herbert Samuel Dock on the sea front of Tel Aviv". She explained that the main role of the new office will be increasing awareness of Israelis about Azerbaijan, promoting tourism potential of the destination, bring together people of both countries, maintaining day-to-day management and administration related to tourism promotion, along with detailed market research.
The new office will be working with all of the major travel agents, tour operators, and airlines that are currently resuming their direct 3 hours flights to Baku.
Jamila has been working as a civil servant for over 25 years in Azerbaijan. In 2017 she joined the Azerbaijan Tourism Promotion Board as a marketing manager. Since the establishment of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2018, she has held the position of head of the International Relations Department.
47,000 Israelis visited Azerbaijan in 2019 (compared to 40,000 in 2018), thus representing a terrific increase of 17.3%. Although this number drastically decreased because of the worldwide pandemic, ATB is working in various direction to make it up through various online tools and webinar, and trade shows. The opening of the Tourism Representative Office in a huge step towards this commitment.
Israeli tourists are eligible for e-visa and visa upon arrival issued at the airport. An e-visa can be obtained via evisa.gov.az/en portal and is sent directly to the applicant’s email. The standard e-visa is issued within 3 working days and is valid for a period of 90 days with permission to stay in the country for 30 days on a single-entry basis.
Arriving in Azerbaijan is very comfortable thanks to the state-of-the-art Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which was given a 5-star rating by Skytrax. Currently, through a relatively short 3-hour direct flight from Tel Aviv to Baku via AZAL, IsrAir and Arkia Airlines, Israelis can gain a unique cultural experience at very affordable prices. The majority of Israelis visited Azerbaijan in summer in accordance with vacation in Israel. Israeli travelers spend an average of 4.5 nights in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan has been a home for Jewish community since 19th century, which has been cherished and preserved till nowadays. The destination has long been welcoming guests from Israel, attracted by the beauty, culture, traditions, people and hospitality of this country. Azerbaijan’s Jewish community consists of around 16,000 people, with 11,000 of them being mountain Jews.
More than 3,000 of them live in Guba region, in a settlement called Red Village – the only community of dense Jewish population outside Israel and the US. Today, the country is home to many Jews, who are divided into three ethnic subgroups: Mountain Jews, Ashkenazi and Ebraelis or Georgian Jews. In the southern regions of Jalilabad and Lankaran you can also find Subbotniks and Gers – groups of ethnic Russians practising Judaism. The museum of mountain Jews opened there just last year to shine a light on this one-of-a-kind community, their traditions and culture, keeping them safe for generations to come.
Jewish heritage in Azerbaijan is also represented by monuments spread across Baku, Guba, Oghuz, Ismayilli and other regions. Many ruins of ancient synagogues have been found in diverse parts of the country and seven synagogues are still currently functioning. Today, it is possible to walk in main streets of Baku and enjoy fascinating Jewish synagogues, learn about well-known Jews of Azerbaijan and their contribution to the socio-economic development of the country. Jewish walking tours offered to tourists will take you through the key sites of Jewish heritage in Baku while uncovering the stories of exceptional people and historic events. During the tour, participants visit the synagogue of Mountain Jews and the new museum, the synagogue of Ashkenazi and Georgian Jews, the memorial board of Nobel prize laureate Lev Landau born in Baku, the State Song Theatre which used to be Baku’s first synagogue and Jewish theatre, as well as Chabad-or-Avner Education Complex that offers secondary education to Jewish students.
Straddling two continents where East meets West, Azerbaijan offers a rare and vibrant mix of culture, architecture and culinary heritage. Add in the warm climate and diverse natural landscapes – from mountains, volcanoes and gorges to waterfalls, forests and sandy beaches along the Caspian Sea – Azerbaijan has all the ingredients for socially-distanced tourism that is both accessible and exhilarating.
Whether you have been to Azerbaijan before or are a first-time visitor, the country has something for everyone, and now is the time to explore all its offerings with international borders gradually opening
# A vibrant food scene with a focus on Slow Food
Thanks to the country’s geographical location along the ancient Silk Road, every region has its own culinary heritage and unique produce, which together provide the foundation for the rich flavours of Azerbaijani cuisine. By combining travel with first-hand culinary experiences with farmers, shepherds, butchers and bakers, travellers are helping to preserve gastronomic traditions and local ingredients that may otherwise be on the brink of extinction.
One such experience offers travellers keen to discover this side of Azerbaijan the chance to stay overnight at rural guesthouses and help with seasonal activities, such as seeding, planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing and packaging, and be rewarded with the opportunity to cook and taste the fruits of their labour as well.
ATB has also recently introduced the national Ark of Taste menu, which was created as part of an EU-funded project to promote Slow Food. The menu offers a unique celebration of the traditional cuisine by supporting local farmers and food producers to safeguard native ingredients and techniques, such as the production of mountain honey, the Madrasa grape, hazelnuts, rosehip syrup, and dairy products made from buffalo milk.
# Nature at its best
With people seeking to travel more safely and privately than ever, outdoor and eco-friendly activities are increasingly in demand, and Azerbaijan has almost every kind of geography to explore. Highlights include:
Hiking in pristine nature – with around 150 kilometres of marked hiking trails connecting remote mountain villages and passing through lush forests, waterfalls and lakes in the Caucasus mountains, it is now easier than ever to hike, cycle, and camp in these landscapes and travel between them.
Birdwatching – with around 400 recorded species of birds, Azerbaijan has established itself as a leading birdwatching destination. There are magnificent sites in the Caucasus Mountains for birdwatching, and there has been particular focus on preserving and developing the Besh Barmag State Reserve, northwest of Baku, to help protect and keep track of the area’s bird population and serve as a birdwatchers’ hub.
Winter activities – travellers looking for a fairy-tale destination this festive season, should look no further than Shahdag in Gusar, Tufandag in Gabala and Agbulag in Nakhchivan for a real taste of winter, while adrenalin-seekers will love the choice of activities available on land and in the air, including skiing, snowmobiling, paragliding and quad tours.
# Wonders of the natural world
Along with abundant opportunities for nature-focused activities, travellers also have a chance to develop a deeper appreciation for the country by sampling a variety of wellness experiences that harness the restorative effects of nature itself.
Salt therapy – said to have positive effects on a variety of ailments including asthma and allergies, as well as having benefits for aging skin, one of the most impressive places to experience traditional salt therapy is Duzdag, or ‘Salt Mountain’ in Nakhchivan. The former salt mine is made up of a complex of tunnels burrowed 300 meters into the mountain which is thought to contain 130 million tons of the purest natural salt in the world.
Now part of the Duzdag Physiotherapy Center, guests can stay overnight in one of the Center’s subterranean rooms, enjoying not only the restorative powers of the salt, but solitude and peace of mind.
Thermal baths and springs – since ancient times, locals in Azerbaijan’s south-eastern region have turned to thermal water springs for their health. Known as “istisu”, bathing in the mineral-rich water — or even drinking it — is a common pastime in Lankaran, Gabala, and the Karabakh region, where it is revered for its rejuvenating qualities and used to treat numerous conditions.
With over 30 hot and cold mineral water springs to be found across the Greater Caucasus Mountains – each one offering health-seekers distinct concentrations of minerals and organic substances – there are plenty of opportunities to bask in soothing formal treatments while enjoying unbeatable views of some of Azerbaijan’s great natural attractions.
The oil of Naftalan – used for therapeutic purposes going back as far as the 12th century, the unique composition of Naftalan oil has helped turn the town of Naftalan into one of Azerbaijan’s leading health tourism destinations.
According to local folklore, the oil’s healing properties were first discovered by a Silk Road merchant who left one of his sickly camels by a pool of Naftalan oil and later returned to find it fully recovered. Today, it is believed to possess natural anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antihistamine properties, and can be used to treat more than 70 different ailments from skin conditions and problems related to the nervous system to stress and fatigue.
# Take a walk through history and culture
From World Heritage sites to amazing architecture, there is so much history and culture to explore in Azerbaijan. There is no better way to discover the cultural heart of the capital city Baku than with a specially-curated walking tour to the its medieval core – UNESCO-protected Old City with Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace.
The unique history and culture of Azerbaijan, home to some of the earliest civilisations, have also been enriched by the constant stream of travellers passing through along the great Silk Road. One of the locations where their traces can be clearly seen is the Ateshgah Fire Temple, which was built around naturally burning fires previously worshipped by Zoroastrians. Adopted by Hindu merchants trading in nearby Baku, the temple was an important place of pilgrimage for fire worshippers until the 1880s.
Another visible trace of the Silk Road is the city of Sheki, whose historic centre is Azerbaijan’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its local traditions of craftsmanship, which date back centuries, Sheki is also part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
There is one more route to track in Azerbaijan to explore its cultural heritage. One of the most recent inspiring destinations in Azerbaijan is Shusha - home to many Azerbaijani composers, musicians, and poets, as well as one of the leading schools of mugham, a traditional genre of vocal and instrumental arts. It is also known for its carpet-weaving traditions and was the centre of the renowned Karabakh carpet school.
# Ease of travel
Currently, citizens and permanent residents of 42 countries can travel to Azerbaijan by air, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. With restored connection via the Azerbaijani Airlines, Flydubai, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways, passengers aged over 18 can now fly to Azerbaijan, submitting both a COVID passport (an official document issued by the relevant country on complete vaccination or recovery from COVID-19) and a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the flight, while for minors only the latter needs to be provided within the indicated period of time.
# Air and on the ground information
Getting from the airport to the city centre is around 20 mins by car or by bus. There are shuttle buses on the route from the airport to the downtown, as well as taxis available at the entrance to the terminal. Arriving visitors can also use Bolt or Uber apps to get a taxi from the airport to their destination. In Baku, it is possible to use the underground metro, public buses and taxis, as well as taxi apps. For interregional travel, it is possible to rent a car or buy a ticket for interregional bus ride.
Azerbaijan’s country code is +994. Mobile phones not purchased in Azerbaijan can be used for 30 days but after that you'll need to register the phone's IMEI code.
Accommodation options are available for all types of travellers and budgets. While the majority of hotels and other types of accommodation are located in the capital city Baku, such as global hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons, Fairmont and soon-to-be-opened IHG and Ritz Carlton, other regions of Azerbaijan offer a good variety of options to make visitors’ stay unforgettable. For those wishing to take a rest from the busy city life, large resorts and spas offering numerous health treatments await them in picturesque surroundings. There is also a growing range of hostels and homestays available throughout the country.
Those travelling to Azerbaijan can find plenty of places to get a great taste of the local traditional cuisine, as well as a growing mix of popular international franchises, contemporary cafes, pubs, wine bars and other catering facilities.
The national currency of Azerbaijan is Manat (AZN). For current exchange rates, please check with the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. The exchange rate for USD fluctuates around 1.7 AZN for 1 USD. In Baku, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere - at hotels, stores, cafes and restaurants. The most common credit card types in Baku are VISA, Visa Electron, Master Card but you should have no problem finding ATMs that also accept Maestro and American Express.
Currently citizen of 65 countries are allowed to enter the country. Below is the updated list:
Russia, Turkey, the United States, Bahrain, the UAE, Great Britain, Israel, Hungary, Qatar, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Greece, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Croatia, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Argentina, Australia, Brunei, South Korea, Chile, Ecuador, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Norway, Oman, Panama, Salvador, Uruguay and New Zealand.
About the Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB)
The Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) is the national promotion body established under the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Its main objectives are to support the growth of Azerbaijan’s tourism industry and encourage visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural offering and experience its ancient heritage.
For more information, visit https://azerbaijan.travel/
and follow on social media at: https://www.instagram.com/experienceazerbaijan/
https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceAZE/, https://twitter.com/ExperienceAZE
Diplomacy.co.il congratulates Azerbaijan on this wonderful celebration
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