President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex in the Absheron district.
Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, briefed the head of state on the development of the complex.
Construction of the complex began in 2021, located 59 kilometers southwest of Baku and approximately 17 kilometers northwest of Gobustan settlement, at an elevation of 235 meters above sea level. This development, also known as "Qılınc" (sword), was part of the Azerbaijan’s 2019-2023 Regional Socio-Economic Development State Program.
The Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex covers an area of 12 hectares and includes an administrative building. The newly established tourism infrastructure has generated over 60 job opportunities for local residents, particularly those from surrounding areas. The Tourism Information Center at the complex features an exhibition hall and workshop.
The Tourism Information Center at the complex features an exhibition hall and a workshop. Here, visitors can learn about the characteristics, natural, and therapeutic properties of mud volcanoes and see a life-size model of a mud volcano. The center also showcases around 80 rare minerals collected from across Azerbaijan.
The Nature History Exhibition Hall at the complex highlights the unique biodiversity of Azerbaijan's fauna. It features 98 animal skeletons from Azerbaijan and around the world, 870 species of dried insects, 57 live specimens in special liquid jars, various reptiles and amphibians, and paleontological exhibits.
Additionally, a 110-seat restaurant has been constructed on the premises.
Mud volcanoes are found in many countries around the world and Azerbaijan is recognized as a region of unique and classic mud volcanoes. Out of over 2,000 known mud volcanoes globally, more than 350 are in the eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Caspian basin. They are mainly distributed across the Absheron Peninsula, the islands around Baku, Shamakhi, Gobustan, and southeast Shirvan.
