Recent Trip to the Regions of Azerbaijan

Our Spring Break and Novruz Celebrations have ended, and now we are just waiting for the weather to get warmer! Spring has arrived, with the time change and all... but the weather isn't as pleasant as we would like!  However, I was able to travel to some warmer regions of Azerbaijan or break.

I took a few days to escape the city of Baku and explore the regions of Azerbaijan. This was a special trip because I was able to stay with villagers and visit some extremely interesting areas. The 5 hour marshuka (mini-bus) ride to Agdam Rayon was definitely worthwhile.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at odds for many years because of this occupied territory of Azerbaijan, and the mistreatment of people on both sides of the conflict. The city of Agdam has been occupied by Armenian military since 1993 and is located in the conflict area of the Nagorno-Karabakh regions. Therefore, this was my destination.

It has been about 16 years since the cease fire was negotiated, but the destruction and loss is still evident. Evidence of the conflict be seen in the structures, as well as within the hearts and minds of the people. Refugees from the occupied territories have struggled for many years, and their living conditions have not improved all that much. Life has not been easy for the people in the villages, refugee camps, and cities closest to the occupied territory. However, the people are very welcoming and kind. I had a lot of chay (tea), homemade bread, butter, yogurt, and cheese. I was told about what life was like before the conflict, and shown how they are surviving in today's world.

** The map shows the occupied territory and the area that I traveled to (or as close as is allowed).  
** The second picture is the home of a family of refugees.  Six people live in that 2 room house.  The outhouse can be seen to the right of the house. 
** The last picture shows a woman making tendir bread outside.  She places the dough on the sides of their homemade oven-- really great tasting bread!

The military is present along the entire border of the Nagorno-Karabak zone.  I was able to go to the Azerbaijani military line and take a few photos.  However, we didn't linger because there are still shots that are fired between the two sides-- even with the cease fire in place.

In the picture, you can see the separation of zones.  The furthest rock pile designates the neutral zone... and then further still Armenian military are stationed.  The mountains look really far away, but they aren't it was just a hazy day.

If you have a moment or two, you should really look up some of the information that is available about the Nagorno-Karabak conflict, especially since Azerbaijan and Armenia have been in the news negotiating lately.  Who knows if and when an agreement will be made though....