National traditions of Azerbaijan. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Hospitality and everything connected with it is the main tradition that Azerbaijan is famous for. Even during ancient times, Azerbaijanis had a peculiar approach to visiting homes of other people and treating guests. Even centuries couldn’t change this national trait. “House that doesn’t greet guests will perish” as a famous Azerbaijan proverb says. Interestingly, hostesses of prosperous houses not only always feed guests but also give a bag full of delicious food as a gift. By the way, this is a hint that locals use when it is time for a guest to go home. They do not say anything but start making a bag with take-away food for the guest.

The ancient tradition of receiving guests is also interesting and unique. Hosts and other people that live in the same house gather in one place and separate into two groups. One group represents elders of different families. These people are called Aqsaqals. Elders bring bread and salt, flatbread, mirror, and sweets. All these items are wrapped in red fabric. Young people and musicians follow elders. Women throw flowers on the road in front of guests, and signers sing national songs. When guests enter the house, hosts unfold expensive ornamental carpets in front of them.

Feast is a sacred thing for Azerbaijanis. For them, it is important to offer delicious pilaf, meat dishes, and tea for guests, so prepare to eat and eat a lot! Actually, it is impossible to resist local food anyway because everything is so juicy, delicious, fresh, and, what’s really important, organic. However, don’t expect drinking alcohol when visiting the house of an Azerbaijani family. Moreover, do not offer alcohol to an Azerbaijani person! The thing is, Azerbaijani people follow the rules stipulated in Islam, and they will not compromise their principles. That being said, alcohol is a taboo for them (or, as Muslims say, haram). Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Tea party traditions are widespread in the country. In general, this tradition is also connected with the hospitable nature of the nation. Tea is usually served at least twice: before main course dishes and after the meal. Azerbaijan is a classic example of Caucasian tea ceremonies that are, by the way, somewhat different from internationally famous tea ceremonies in China and Japan. In Azerbaijan, there are no strict rules regarding the tea ceremony itself. There is only one universal rule – to serve tea even if a guest visits the house for one minute on occasion.

Azerbaijanis prefer to drink black tea. They usually add spices to the drink, such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Tableware used for drinking purposes is also very interesting and unusual. Mugs, glasses, and even porcelain cups are not very popular here. Azerbaijanis drink tea from Armudus, special glasses that are somewhat reminiscent of flagons. They drink only hot tea while holding the glass in a special holder. Tea is traditionally served with pastries, sugar cubes, and jam. Sand sugar is not common in the country because it ruins the magnificent taste of the freshly brewed tea. Local put sand sugar to the tea only in one case – in case of a marriage proposal, such tea means that the bride’s parents give their blessing.

Azerbaijani chaikhana deserves a separate mention. This venue is present in every settlement in the country. Many travelers are aware of chaikhana in the Middle East and consider them a place to have dinner, smoke shisha, and relax. However, chaikhana in Azerbaijan is the venue that serves only tea and some pastries. Only men are allowed visiting it. This is a place where men gather, discuss important things, talk about business and the latest news, meet their relatives, and play backgammon.