Published by Nick Nwolisa on 09 Jul 2008 at en.iepf-ngo.org. In order to see pictures just visit the web site.

I have not lived all my life in Azerbaijan, but I have lived long enough to be a witness of the Azerbaijan hospitality. One thing the Azerbaijanis are very sure of is that they are one of the most hospitable people in the world. Although this has remained their own judgment of themselves, I will not fail to say how correct they have been to adjudge themselves so.

Azerbaijan is very strategic in its location in that it is bridge between Asia and Europe. Azerbaijan is surrounded by so much Orientals like the Persians, the Turks and the influence of Arabs due to its religion of Islam. The nation Azerbaijan has been able to blend all these Orients from its neighbors to create its own identity. No wonder Azerbaijan offers its own blend of unique cuisines, arts and culture, etc.

Coming into Azerbaijan, with a very minute pre-knowledge of what the society will be like, I had held my own little fears. Fears of what the world has actually installed into all individuals due to divides brought about by religion stereotypes. As a fact, there is always a skepticism that exists in minds of any travelers where his religion is in minority. This is also a true case of a country like Nigeria where religion has unconsciously divided its boundary with Muslims in the North and Christians in the South; even traveling across Nigeria is not always an easy adventure for Nigerians. Therefore I can be very justified to say I had my own little doubts coming into Azerbaijan.