DAY 3
The mud volcanos at Gobustan National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Do not be fooled by its name, it is not actually a real volcanos but its name was taken after their resemblance to the molten-lava kind. They have no lava and its safe to get close.
Methane and carbon dioxide gases released from deep within the Earth which cause Gobustan’s mud volcanoes to constantly bubble away, releasing a slow drizzle of wet mud that paints the ground grey and black (Source: Lush, 2022).
The drawings above are called, ‘Petroglyphs’. They are symbolic and figurative drawings by early humans. It is evidence of the development of symbolic thinking, making it one of the most important artefacts of early human history (Lush, 2022).
This is a cup mark dugged out with stone tool to gather rain water, sacrificial blood and preparation of meals.
These fires were subterranean gases that escaped to the surface. A few of these gas leaks caused fire which many believe it to be connected to the appearance of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan about 2,000 years ago (azerbaijan.travel, n.d.).
Fun fact: Did you know that Azerbaijan is the 24th largest crude oil producer in the world in 2018 and is second among EU4Energy focus countries after Kazakhstan?
Saw a Shepherd and his sheep and this was the nearest I could get to the sheep for a proper photo. 😂
Headed back for dinner and planning for tomorrow’s itinerary with my tour guide. 👍