Overview

The historian Tadeusz Swietochowski calls Azerbaijan the quintessential borderland, many times over: between Europe and Asia, Islam and Christianity, Russia and the Middle East, Turks and Iranians, Shi a and Sunni Islam."" Although a relatively young country, having declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the culture of its predominately Azeri population stretches back through a colorful history of over a thousand years. Against the backdrop of a beautiful and varied landscape, young population and successful economy, Azerbaijan has become an increasingly fascinating destination for many.It's culture, affected for centuries by pervading Persian and Russian influence, is not easily summed up, and civil discourse is often preoccupied by the question of what truly makes up the Azeri national character. Of the many facets of the Azerbaijani mentalitet, a warm, generous hospitality, an inspired can-do attitude (""bajarana jan gurban"", blessed be the one who can), and a strong sense of family loyalty and care for ones elders, children and extended family, are values shared and cherished above all others.Culture Smart! Azerbaijan is most valuable in helping us to understand the country's complex present by way of a concise history of the Azeri people, their culture and the land. At somewhat of a cultural crossroads, chapters focusing on local attitudes, values, social and business etiquette mean this guide will help travellers and business people alike navigate this incredibly warm but sometimes complex culture, helping pave the way for greater understanding and ultimately more rewarding experiences in this beautiful land.

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9781857335446

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Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers, Sunday Times Travel - ...the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries, Global Travel - ...full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas, Observer - ...as useful as they are entertaining, Easy Jet Magazine - ...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world, New York Times.

Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers...' Sunday Times Travel, ' the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries.' Global Travel, ' full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas.' Observer, ' as useful as they are entertaining.' Easy Jet Magazine, ' offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world.' New York Times

Author Information

Nikki Kazimova is a Baku-born cross-cultural trainer and freelance writer. Over the last ten years, she has been dividing her time between Azerbaijan and the United States, where she studied and worked in journalism and for media development organizations, including CNN International and the International Center for Journalists in Washington, DC. Nikki has worked for ExxonMobil in Azerbaijan, was a regional correspondent for Bloomberg News and the International Journalists Network, and was consultant to a number of non-profit organizations in Baku and Washington. She also managed the communication campaign of the Council of Europe's ""All Different All Equal"" program in Strasbourg, France. She was an adjunct lecturer at Khazar University in Baku, and conducted training courses for young journalists in partnership with international organizations. Nikki is an honors graduate from the Azerbaijan University of Culture and Arts, and has an MA in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has also attended cross-cultural training, peace-building, and counseling courses at the American University in Washington, DC, the Catholic University of America, Argosy University, and the Interchange Institute.

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