Sumqayit
Sumqayit, or Sumgayit (Sumqayıt) is the third-largest city in Azerbaijan.
Understand
Sumqayit was one of the biggest industrial cities of its time during the Soviet Union era. There were nearly 90 heavy-to-medium industrial plants but nowadays only 5 or 6 of them remain. The city was planned and built in 1950s so that the industrial zone was 3-4 km away from residential areas in an unsuccessful attempt to minimize the pollution effects on people. This is why the coast line of the city consists of so much green area.
Get in
By marshrutka
It is around 45 km (27 miles) from Baku, or a 1-hr drive away by bus.
By taxi
Since gas prices are as low as water prices in Azerbaijan, only an estimated cost of 10 manat should be expected for a ride from Baku to Sumqayit by taxi. You can bargain though, and the taxi drives can go as low as 7 manat—some travellers even reported 3.50 manat.
By car
It is around 45 km (30-40 min) from Baku center Targovi to Sumqayit coast (Göyercin).
See
- The municipality building in the town center, there is a UEFA accredited football stadium which you can also use and exercise there.
- The shore of the city which there also stands a bird-like statue is the only place you can get some entertainment. This area is called goyerchin, or the dove.
- The Peace Dove is an allegorical sculpture in Nasimi Culture and Leisure Park in Sumgayit, Azerbaijan. The Peace Dove is the symbol of Sumgayit. The monument was designed by the Chief Artist of Sumgayit Vagif Nazirov and architect A. Guliyev. It is made of solid concrete. It was raised in 1978 as a symbol of peace.
- If you like pictures of decaying industrial building with sheep in between, checkout the region southwest of the center.
Do
Also, see Baku Region for nearby sights and dos.
Drink
For an authentic experience, there are a few board game cafés in town, where you can drink tea and watch the locals (mostly elder men) play games. Ask a local if you cannot seem to find them.
Sleep
Some apartments are for rent in Sumgayit.
- Sumgayit Plaza Hotel, 17-19 Sulh St, ☏ +994 50 251 83 18. Kind of spendy. Has an indoor pool and restaurant with breakfast buffet though. 102 manat.
Go next
- Baku – Capital of the country whose historical center is UNESCO heritage.
- Qobustan – National Historical-Artistic Reserve, just nearby Baku. Best known for its rock petroglyphs (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and mud volcanoes. Mud-volcano-wise, a better option might be the free site a little further south, see Baku Region.
- Quba – Gateway into the Caucasus, its urban suburb is home to the largest Azerbaijani Jewish community in the mountains and is considered one of the largest Jewish communities in the former Soviet Union.
- Shamakhi (Şamaxı) – A town that used to be the capital of the Medieval state of Shirvan. Famous for its traditional dancers, Şamaxı dancers, and its impressive mosque. An ancient history and once one of the key cities along the Silk Road.
- Qabala — A new resort town deep in Caucasian Montains, which has taken its name given from the archaeological site.