Caucasus Introduction

The Caucasus is a collection of three countries, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, each with its own distinct history, culture, and traditions. This region is considered one of the globe’s great crossroads, as it sits between the Arab world and Europe to the west, and Central Asia to the east. Nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus is home to a stunning diversity of landscapes, languages, cultures, and religions.

Historically, the area now known as the Caucasus has stood as a bulwark between some of the world’s mightiest powers, becoming a battleground between the Persians, Byzantines, Ottomans and Russians, with modern powers still grappling for control and influence over the region. It was also home to a significant stretch of the Silk Road, which saw Europe and China linked through trade corridors winding through deep valleys and over vast mountain ranges. Today, the remnants of this diverse history can still be found peppered across the three countries, from Islamic palaces and ancient fortresses to grand Christian monasteries and crumbling caravanserais.

Of course, each country has a distinct national identity, while the region more broadly is well known for cramming a huge number of different cultures, ethnic groups, and traditions into such a small area. Georgia and Armenia represent some of the oldest Christian groups on earth, with both countries adopting the religion in the 4th century. Meanwhile, neighbouring Azerbaijan is home to a distinctly Muslim identity, crafted by centuries of influence by the surrounding Central Asian and Persian states.

Overall, the region can be tackled as a whole, or by visiting each country in its own right. 

Georgia

Sitting on the shores of the Black Sea, Georgia combines an incredible mountainous landscape with some rich history, lush green valleys, and bustling urban centres.
The capital, Tbilisi, is known for its famous Old Town, a blend of medieval, Persian, Russian and more European architecture. A microcosm of the country itself. Beyond that, UNESCO-listed monasteries provide a link back to the nation’s early years, whilst the city of Gori gives a much more 20th-century connection, being the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, the wartime leader of the Soviet Union with a somewhat mixed legacy!

Azerbaijan

Nestled on the coast of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan firmly switches from the Christian identity of Georgia and Armenia to a clearer Islamic tradition. Within the capital city, Baku, the bustling urban centre with its modern skyscrapers and contemporary architecture is contrasted with the ancient medieval heart of the city. Beyond that, the countryside offers natural gas fires, Silk Road cities, and Ancient Flame Towers.
More broadly, the country is covered with lush forests, green valleys, and numerous local villages which have existed perhaps longer than the country itself!

Armenia

Armenia is a rugged mountain country, with stunning landscapes consisting of deep river gorges and distant towering peaks. The countryside is dotted with ancient churches and monasteries, given the country is considered one of the oldest Christian nations in the world. The capital, Yerevan, is a cosy city nestled beneath the distant silhouette of Mount Ararat. From the vast crystalline waters of Lake Sevan to the spectacular abandoned Soviet infrastructure that litters the city.
One of the distinct Koryo highlights in Armenia is the special permission we have to access an abandoned Soviet observatory, a unique link to Armenia’s oft-forgotten socialist past.

Caucasus History

1200-600 BCE

During this period, the first local tribes emerge across the Caucasus. Small kingdoms come to define the regions of the Armenian highlands and the coastal regions of western Georgia.

331 BCE

Following a successful conquest by Alexander the Great, the Caucasus region becomes part of the expanding Hellenistic Empire. The local tribes and kingdoms remain mostly independent, although adopt some Greek culture and traditions. Armenia officially adopts Christianity in 301. The first state to formally do so. The Kingdom of Iberia on the Georgian coast adopts the religion in 337.

1236

The expanding Mongol Empire invades the Caucasus, bringing most of the area under Mongol Rule. Once again, many local kingdoms continue to operate independently, although many are weakened by the invasions of the armies of Chinggis Khan and the Mongol hordes.

16th – 18th Centuries

The region becomes the frontier between the Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire. Throughout this period, modern Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan are repeatedly divided and split between each power.

1801-1828

The region is annexed by the Russian Empire.

1918

Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan declare independence for the first time as independent states following the collapse of the Russian Empire.

1922

The Caucasus are occupied by the Red Army of the newly formed Soviet Union. The three countries are incorporated into the USSR as Soviet Socialist Republics. This period saw rapid industrialisation and urban development.

1991

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, each republic declares independence.

Travelling in the Caucasus

In the years since independence from the Soviet Union, the three republics of the Caucasus have established themselves as solid travel destinations for foreign visitors. From those looking for unique and beautiful landscapes, to others in search of intriguing culture and rich history.

Travel to the region can combine all three countries, or each nation can be tackled separately. Each country has its own unique languages, culture, and national traditions, which makes for a unique contrast while venturing across borders. The three capital cities of Baku in Azerbaijan, Yerevan in Armenia, and Tbilisi in Georgia serve as the gateways to the region from where the area can be traversed overland by road or even by rail.

In Georgia, some of the most popular highlights outside of the capital include the ancient ‘Holy City’ of Mtskheta, the great vineyards of Kakheti, or the dramatic alpine scenery in the far north of the country. Visits to the coast of the Black Sea can provide a chance to rest. Notably, the resort city of Batumi provides a great blend of culture, architecture, and relaxation.

To the east in Azerbaijan, a completely different travel experience awaits. From the modern capital city, Baku, to the ancient petroglyphs in the Gobustan National Park and the eternal flames of Yanar Dag. A real highlight in the country is the town of Sheki, established as a Silk Road town that once welcomed weary travellers venturing between Europe and the Far East. Azerbaijan, and the region more broadly, is home to friendly, hospitable people, and as such, numerous opportunities to indulge in local traditions and explore the culture of each country.

Travelling to Armenia, many foreign visitors spend time exploring the capital city, Yerevan, before venturing out to the cliffside monastery of Geghard, and the Temple of Garni. The great Lake Sevan is an important highlight for nature-lovers, with its crystal blue waters making it a highlight of any visit. More broadly, Armenia is home to a mix of ancient Christian traditions, and Soviet-era planned cities and brutalist monuments and complexes.

With regards to the food, the region is renowned internationally for its culinary options. Georgian cuisine is famous for its ancient winemaking, as well as khachapuri, a type of cheese-filled bread. Armenian cooking focuses more on grilled meats and traditional bread, all mixed with mountain herbs. In Azerbaijan, the traditional menu often consists of a mix of Persian, Turkic and local influences, with rice and kebabs commonly available nationwide.