Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Azerbaijan is a land of contrasts, from its varied geographical features to its cultural mix of East and West. It has a rich and ancient history, yet it has also embraced prerequisites of modern life with enthusiasm. Baku boasts a medieval quarter with an old tower and several restored hostelries that used to serve the “Caravan Serai of Silk Road.” Elsewhere in the country — in cities such as Ganja, for instance — efforts are being made to restore historic buildings. Baku also contains shining new office buildings, mosques and churches of a variety of denominations, embassies and foreign institutions demonstrating the integration of Azerbaijan into the international arena.
The national flag of the Azerbaijan Republic has three bands of color. The blue color means modernism, the red color means Turkism, and the green color means Islamism. The national seal is in the shape of a shield. The colors of the seal reflect the colors of our flag. The 8 cornered star represents the eight Turkish countries. The flame inside indicates the land of fires. The meaning of Azerbaijan is the land of flames. The oak tree on the left of the seal is a sign of longevity, and the grain on the right is a sign of the land of plenty.
Azerbaijan is located in the southeastern part of the Caucasian Isthmus, in Eastern Europe and the capital of our republic is Baku. Baku is the educational, political and cultural center of Azerbaijan. Our country is bordered by the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan is surrounded by Russia from the north, by Armenia from the west, by Georgia to the northwest, by Turkey from the southwest and by Iran from the south. The population of the Azerbaijan Republic is eight million. Ninety percent are Azeris and also Russians, Armenians and others live in our country.
Azerbaijan Republic is a legally constituted, secular republic. The state administration is conducted through the principle of the division of powers: legislative, executive and judicial. The president is the head of state and implements the policies decided democratically for the exercise of executive power. The president is elected by direct vote for a period of five years.
Azerbaijan, through its natural resources and conditions, is potentially one of the wealthiest countries in the region and, if measured by its potential per capita income, perhaps could be among the richest in the world. Energy resources constitute its major natural asset. Azerbaijan is a country with enormous agricultural potential due to its favorable climate, fertile lands and with the necessary diversity to enable the cultivation of a wide range of crops. Light industries in the country are quite diverse and based on the rich natural and agricultural resources. They include spinning, textiles, sewing, wool-spinning, knitting, leather processing, footwear production, ceramics, glass and chinaware.
All these contrasts, however, are confusing to the newcomer. Learning a little about the historical background of Azerbaijan and becoming acquainted with some of the physical features and natural resources of the country can go a long way in helping one to appreciate this fascinating country.
Ramil A. Babayev
International student from Azerbaijan Republic
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Mar 19 2004. Filed under Letters to the Editor.
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