10 Souvenirs You Must Bring Home from Azerbaijan
Forget the generic fridge magnets and keychains. Azerbaijan offers souvenirs with soul—handcrafted treasures, culinary delights, and cultural artifacts that tell the story of the Land of Fire.
Here are 10 authentic souvenirs worth bringing home (and where to buy them).
1. Saffron (Zəfəran) 🌼
What It Is:
- The world's most expensive spice
- Azerbaijan produces high-quality saffron
Why Buy It:
- Authentic: Locally grown
- Valuable: Expensive elsewhere
- Lightweight: Easy to pack
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar (Green Market): Fresh, authentic
- Taza Bazaar: Local vendors
- Old City Shops: Pre-packaged
Price: 20-50 AZN per gram
Tip: Look for deep red threads. Avoid powder (often adulterated).
2. Azerbaijani Tea (Çay) ☕
What It Is:
- Black tea from Lankaran (Azerbaijan's only tea-growing region)
- Herbal teas (thyme, rose hip, cinnamon)
Why Buy It:
- Unique: Lankaran tea is rare outside Azerbaijan
- Affordable: 10-20 AZN per 100g
- Cultural: Tea is central to Azerbaijani life
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar
- Lankaran (if you visit the south)
- Supermarkets (Bravo, Araz)
Bonus: Buy an Armudu glass (pear-shaped tea glass) to go with it!
3. Armudu Tea Set 🍐
What It Is:
- Traditional pear-shaped tea glasses
- Often sold in sets with a tray
Why Buy It:
- Iconic: Symbol of Azerbaijani tea culture
- Beautiful: Decorative and functional
- Affordable: 15-50 AZN per set
Where to Buy:
- Old City souvenir shops
- Yasil Bazaar
- Carpet Museum shop
Tip: Look for hand-painted designs.
4. Azerbaijani Carpet (Xalça) 🧶
What It Is:
- Handwoven carpets with traditional patterns
- UNESCO-recognized art form
Why Buy It:
- Heirloom Quality: Lasts generations
- Unique: Each carpet is one-of-a-kind
- Investment: Value appreciates over time
Where to Buy:
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Shop: Certified, high quality
- Old City Bazaars: Bargain, but verify authenticity
- Taza Bazaar: Local weavers
Price: 200-20,000+ AZN (depending on size, age, quality)
Tip:
- Check knot density (higher = better quality)
- Ask for a certificate of authenticity
- Carpets over 100 years old require export permission
5. Copperware from Lahij 🔨
What It Is:
- Hand-hammered copper trays, jugs, pots
- Made in Lahij village (1,500-year-old tradition)
Why Buy It:
- Handcrafted: Each piece is unique
- Authentic: Traditional techniques
- Decorative: Beautiful wall art or functional kitchenware
Where to Buy:
- Lahij Village: Direct from artisans (best prices)
- Old City Baku: Souvenir shops (higher prices)
Price: 20-200 AZN (depending on size and detail)
Tip: Watch artisans work in Lahij—it's part of the experience.
6. Kelagayi (Silk Scarf) 🧣
What It Is:
- Traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarf
- UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Why Buy It:
- Unique: Made using traditional tie-dye techniques
- Versatile: Wear as scarf, shawl, or wall hanging
- Cultural: Symbol of Azerbaijani identity
Where to Buy:
- Basgal Village (near Sheki): Source
- Sheki Bazaar
- Old City Baku
- Carpet Museum shop
Price: 30-150 AZN (depending on quality)
Tip: Test for real silk—it should "sing" (make a soft rustling sound) when shaken.
7. Dried Fruits and Nuts 🌰
What It Is:
- Dried apricots, figs, mulberries, plums
- Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds
Why Buy It:
- Delicious: High quality, natural
- Lightweight: Easy to pack
- Affordable: 10-30 AZN per kg
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar: Best selection
- Taza Bazaar
- Ordubad (for mulberries)
Tip: Buy vacuum-sealed packs for freshness.
8. Honey (Bal) 🍯
What It Is:
- Mountain honey from Guba, Gabala, Lerik
- Varieties: Acacia, chestnut, wildflower
Why Buy It:
- Pure: No additives
- Medicinal: Believed to have healing properties
- Delicious: Rich, complex flavors
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar: Local beekeepers
- Guba region: Direct from source
Price: 15-40 AZN per kg
Tip: Look for honeycomb—it's a sign of authenticity.
9. Pomegranate Products (Nar) 🍎
What It Is:
- Pomegranate juice, syrup (narsharab), jam
- Azerbaijan is famous for its pomegranates
Why Buy It:
- Unique: Narsharab (pomegranate molasses) is used in cooking
- Healthy: Rich in antioxidants
- Tasty: Sweet-tart flavor
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar
- Goychay (Pomegranate Festival in September)
- Supermarkets
Price: 5-20 AZN per bottle
Tip: Narsharab is great for salads and marinades.
10. Caviar (Kürü) 🐟
What It Is:
- Caspian sturgeon caviar (Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga)
- One of the world's finest
Why Buy It:
- Luxury: High-quality, expensive elsewhere
- Authentic: From the Caspian Sea
Where to Buy:
- Yasil Bazaar: Fresh, but verify legality
- Licensed Shops: Safer for export
Price: 50-200 AZN per 100g (depending on type)
Important:
- Export Restrictions: Check regulations
- Documentation: Get receipts and certificates
- Sustainability: Ensure it's legally sourced
Bonus: What NOT to Buy
Avoid:
- Fake Carpets: Machine-made, passed off as handmade
- Cheap "Saffron": Often turmeric or dyed threads
- Unlicensed Caviar: Illegal and potentially dangerous
- Mass-Produced Souvenirs: Generic, no cultural value
Shopping Tips
Bargaining:
- Expected: At bazaars
- Not Expected: In shops with fixed prices
- Start: Offer 60-70% of asking price
Authenticity:
- Ask Questions: Where was it made? By whom?
- Certificates: For carpets and caviar
- Buy from Source: Lahij for copper, Basgal for kelagayi
Packing:
- Fragile Items: Wrap well (honey, glass)
- Liquids: Check airline regulations
- Carpets: Can be shipped (ask seller)
Best Shopping Areas in Baku
For Authentic Souvenirs:
- Yasil Bazaar (Green Market)
- Taza Bazaar
- Old City (Icherisheher)
For Certified Quality:
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Shop
- Gülüstan (souvenir chain)
For Convenience:
- Port Baku Mall
- 28 Mall
Conclusion
The best souvenirs tell a story. They connect you to the place, the people, and the culture.
So skip the fridge magnet. Bring home saffron that perfumes your kitchen, a carpet that warms your floor, or a silk scarf that carries the spirit of Azerbaijan.
These are souvenirs with soul.
Xoş alış-veriş! (Happy shopping!)