Can you drink alcohol in Azerbaijan? - Ulduz Tourism, Azerbaijan - Türkiye Tour Operator (2024)

FAQs

Can you drink alcohol in Azerbaijan? - Ulduz Tourism, Azerbaijan - Türkiye Tour Operator? ›

In Baku (the capital) it is allowed in most places, except for places of religious purpose such as mosques. In fact, you can buy alcohol in almost all supermarkets and order such drinks in most restaurants and all pubs/clubs.

While drinking alcohol is forbidden in Islam, it is drunk relatively freely in Turkey, though mainly in more secular, western and tourist coastal regions. Local wine consumption was 834,000 hectolitres in 2021, just below Bulgaria, with less than a tenth of Turkey's population.

Local varietal wines include Matrasa, Shirvanshahi, Khindogny and Misqali. Buza or boza, is a slightly fermented beer made from grains, one of Azerbaijan's national alcoholic drinks that has been popular in the region for centuries. It contains a low level of alcohol and has a slightly acidic, sweet taste.

Even though 93.4% of the Azerbaijani people identify as Shi'ite Muslim, they take more of a cafeteria approach to Islam — and only loosely observe the Islamic prohibition of alcohol. Drinking wine is permitted, and very few women wear a veil (sort of a non sequitur, but interesting).

You can pack as many alcoholic beverages as you want as long as they contain less than 24% alcohol. However, passengers toting alcoholic beverages containing 24% to 70% alcohol can only bring a total of 5 liters of alcohol and they should be in their original unopened packaging.

In Baku (the capital) it is allowed in most places, except for places of religious purpose such as mosques. In fact, you can buy alcohol in almost all supermarkets and order such drinks in most restaurants and all pubs/clubs. During Ramadan, there may be a few places where alcohol is not served.

Free import by persons of 16 years and older:

200 cigarettes; 1,5 liters of alcoholic beverages; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use; goods up to an amount of USD 1,500.

Baku is the perfect city for a night out, to dance the night away and enjoy long conversations while drinking beer or co*cktails accompanied by great music.

Crime is relatively low. Most reported crimes involve burglary, assault or petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Thieves sometimes pose as police officers and demand that tourists pay on-the-spot fines. If faced with this situation, offer to follow the officer to the nearest police station to pay the fine.

Pork consumption is forbidden to Muslims in Azerbaijan, in accordance with Sharia, the Islamic law. Fish, usually sturgeon, normally skewered and grilled as a kebab, is served with a tart sour-plum sauce.

What food is Azerbaijan famous for? ›

Saffron-infused plov (pilaf), the king of Azerbaijani cuisine, is always centre-stage, its courtiers a cast of grilled kebabs, skewered meats, dolma and cold salads. These are often accompanied by a glass of Azerbaijani wine or sherbet, a refreshing soft drink made with lemon, sugar, saffron and fresh fruit.

Do Azerbaijanis eat pork? Well, it is not forbidden in Azerbaijan and you can find pork products in stores. Strictly muslim people prefer to avoid it, but for others it is just a matter of taste.

The pomegranate: This ruby-red fruit is revered in many cultures, but in Azerbaijan it's a national symbol. Cultivation: Thought to originate in the region spanning Iran to northern India, pomegranate shrubs (Punica granatum) swiftly spread west to the Mediterranean and east to China.

Water Quality:

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Coffee is also popular in Azerbaijan but is more typically consumed as a morning beverage. Cocoa is less popular than tea or coffee but is still enjoyed by many Azerbaijanis.

Heavy drinking is not a part of Turkish culture, they usually enjoy a few drinks with a meal or at a nightclub but don't drink to excess. For this reason, drinking in moderation is recommended. It isn't the norm to drink while walking in the street but it's fine to sit and enjoy a beer outside at a street cafe.

Licensing. Licenses are required in Turkey to sell or serve alcohol, including beer. Alcohol can be sold in markets only between 6 am and 10 pm, but there is no time limit in restaurants, bars, etc.

It is important to take care not to say anything offensive about the Turkish nation or the Turkish flag or to write such things on social media. It is also a criminal offence to deface or tear up Turkish currency. The penalty for these crimes is from 6 months up to 3 years imprisonment.

Rakı or raki (/rɑːˈkiː/, Turkish pronunciation: [ɾaˈkɯ]) is an alcoholic beverage made of twice-distilled grape pomace and flavored with aniseed. It is the national drink of Turkey. It is popular in many Mediterranean countries and is often served as an apéritif or with seafood or meze.