By : Nedal Zubeidi
Jordan Daily – In today’s world, where everything seems measured by speed and efficiency, it is the small gestures of humanity- found in a cup of tea or a kind word- that leave the deepest impression. I recently visited Azerbaijan for the first time, and the experience felt like stepping into the heart of a culture that clings to its traditions without fear of modernity.
The trip was graciously arranged by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Amman, giving me the chance to witness both the official and cultural sides of the country. Invitations like this transform travel from mere sightseeing into an educational and human experience, offering insight into Azerbaijan’s national identity and how its people balance past and present, tradition and modernity.
A guest in Azerbaijan is not just a guest- they are an event. Tea is served with jam, perhaps accompanied by a small piece of traditional sweet, as if to say: “Take care, consider yourself at home.” This hospitality may remind one of Arab customs, yet it carries its own distinctive, proud, and quietly confident identity. In local cafes, generations converse as though time has paused, yet simultaneously keep you informed of the world’s news with a mix of charm and sharp intelligence.
And if you turn your attention to the food, you are in for a revelation that combines simplicity with richness. Baku, with its modern restaurants and historic markets, serves Kebab and dolma in ways that turn every meal into a story, every flavor a fragment of history stretching back centuries. Azerbaijanis love sharing food as much as Arabs do, but they do so with a calm smile and a tranquility rarely found in bustling cities. Even the small moments, like sipping tea after a hearty meal, carry a warmth and intimacy that remain in memory.
What impresses further is the harmony between national identity and openness to the world. Modern buildings in Baku blend seamlessly with historical landmarks, and traditional values coexist with the pace of contemporary life. In the old streets, you find traditional shops; nearby, glass skyscrapers could rival any European capital. Yet the local touch ensures every corner tells a story. There is a sense that the people know who they are and where they are going, a feeling that comforts and commands respect at the same time.
Ultimately, visiting Azerbaijan teaches a simple lesson: holding to your identity does not mean shutting the world out, and generosity does not require boasting. Humanity thrives when one preserves the spirit and extends a hand to others, no matter how the times or places change.
Perhaps the true joy of travel lies here: finding in other cultures a reflection of your own soul, discovering that happiness is not in grand cities or breathtaking scenery, but in small moments that make your heart smile, in a kind word or a warm cup of tea that makes you feel at home- even thousands of miles away.
Thank you, Azerbaijan, for the memories, the hospitality, and the lessons that will stay long after the journey ended.