Delve into the culture and history of Azerbaijan in a different way, away from mass tourists. Explore the colorful and serene suburb of Baku while meeting with the anima and animus of the locals.

PRICE: $94
per person

 

Guns, snakes, samovar, tea glasses, fruits, cows, deer – what do these have in common? And Sergei Parajanov? Sofi Hamid Shrine and Cemetery is a place riddling visitors with its unusual symbols and rich saturated colors. If you ask locals, very few will know about its existence. Sofi Hamid was a camel herd, but his main reputation among the locals came from his Sufi (mystical branch of Islam) teachings. At his deathbed, he asked his followers to bury him wherever his camel would rest. His will was granted and this spot became his tomb and shrine. Since then the area became surrounded with his followers and population who wanted to be buried close to a sacred shrine.

Sofi Hamid tells about the history of Azerbaijan, its culture and shared beliefs of locals much more than any other historical monument of the country. Sufism (tasawwuf), paganism and communism entwined into one in this area, about 50km away from Baku city center. As Rumi said: “Between belief and non-belief there is a thin line. I’ll meet you there.”

No wonder that Parajanov chose this spot for Ashik Kerib, Parajanov’s last and his own favorite film, for colorful pictures of camels, fruits and flowers and other scenes.

We truly believe that Sofi Hamid, located around Gobustan National Park, will become one of the must-see spots in Azerbaijan and will be in the lists of the most unusual cemeteries in the world very soon, competing with Merry Cemetery in Romania or Cimetière du Père Lachaise in Paris. Even more, the poetry composed by locals dedicated to their deceased relatives are another mirror of Azerbaijani society and how they look in the face of death with a stoic mindset. One of the poems on a colorful grave with images of a sewing machine and ablution jar reads:

“I’m on the transitory path
Out of a sudden, I was afflicted

Keep my grave, let it be a souvenir
Tombs won’t return the dead”

Tour Highlights:

Unique destination to discover colorful artwork of locals based on their beliefs
Explore how regimes and lives of people have changed throughout the centuries
Meditative trip around wind-swept plains away from hustle & bustle of the city
A must-see for people interested in mysticism, Sufism and art in Soviet era

Includes:

Entrance to the shrine and cemetery
Air-conditioned vehicle (sedan car/minivan)
Guided tour with a professional local tour guide
Food and beverages

 

This is just one of the many unforgettable experiences Azerbaijan has to offer. Discover more tours, hidden gems, and must-see spots on our complete Azerbaijan guide.