Azerbaijan’s Relationship with Fire

Azerbaijan is symbolized by fire. Infernos have profound roots in Azerbaijan culture, from Baku's Flame Towers to Zoroastrian fire temples and flaming water. According to science, large quantities of underground gas are to blame. Fire provided light and was mysterious to the early dwellers.

Aturpatakan means "A site where the sacred fire is stored" in ancient Persian. Azer now denotes fire in Persian. The Ancient Greeks thought Zeus confined Prometheus to the Caucasus Mountains after he stole fire from the gods. The reason is most likely the unending flames that have dominated Azerbaijan's highlands throughout history.

The historical significance of fire is deeply ingrained in Azerbaijani society. The national symbol is a flame. Yanar Dag, or the blazing mountain, and the Ateshgah Fire Temple near Baku are also historic landmarks. Travel south to Astara, near the Iranian border, to view Yanar Bulag, a spring whose water burns when lighted. One thing is certain: 'The Land of Fire' still lives up to its name in the twenty-first century.