As winter fades in Azerbaijan people gather to celebrate Novruz, a festival dedicated to the arrival of spring. In the capital Baku, streets come alive with dancing.
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Novruz is also a time for feasting, with several sweet treats on offer. Pictured are pakhlava, an Azerbaijani specialty.
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It's also prime time for hiking. Walkers can explore the so-called Candy Cane mountains in the Khizi district, where the shale rock has taken on extraordinary colors.
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Or in the typically mild but sunny weather, they can trek between the remote mountain villages of the Greater Caucasus.
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Azerbaijan's vibrant capital Baku lies on the shore of the Caspian Sea. Dominating the skyline here are the Flame Towers, a nod to the country's nickname of "Land of Fire."
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The city is also home to many historic buildings. Shirvanshahs' Palace, pictured, was built in the 15th century.
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Shirvan National Park in southeast Azerbaijan is a birdwatching paradise. It is also home to the elegant goitered gazelle.
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Absheron National Park, near Baku, is another wildlife hotspot, where if you're lucky, you might see a rare Caspian seal popping its head out of the sea.