Mystical Sofi Hamid Shrine and Cemetery
ID: GYG604878-1015279
Category:
Country: Azerbaijan
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Guns, snakes, samovar, tea glasses, fruits, deer... Sofi Hamid tells about the history of Azerbaijan, its culture and shared beliefs of locals much more than anything in the country.
Guns, snakes, samovar, tea glasses, fruits, cows, deer – what do these have in common? Sofi Hamid Shrine and Cemetery is a place riddling every visitor with its unusual symbols and rich saturated pastel colors. What is so unusual about this place is its obscure existence until Baku Explorer’s founder has discovered this place out of the blue. If you ask locals, very few will know about its existence. However, Sofi Hamid tells about the history of Azerbaijan, its culture and shared beliefs of locals much more than any other historical monument of the country. This trip and guided tour won’t leave you without impressions and haunting memories.
We truly believe that Sofi Hamid, located around Gobustan National Park, will become one of the must-see spots in Azerbaijan and will be in the lists of the most unusual cemeteries in the world very soon, competing with Merry Cemetery in Romania or Cimetière du Père Lachaise in Paris. Even more, the poetry composed by locals dedicated to their deceased relatives are another mirror of Azerbaijani society and how they look in the face of death with a stoic mindset. One of the poems on a colorful grave with images of sewing machine and ablution jar reads:
“I’m on the transitory path
Out of a sudden, I was afflicted
Keep my grave, let it be a souvenir
tombs won’t return the dead”
Highlights
- Unique spot to discover colorful artwork of locals based on their beliefs
- Significant place to explore how beliefs have changed throughout the centuries
- Meditative and serene trip around wind-swept plains away from the city
- Must-see for people interested in mysticism, semiotics, Sufism and local art
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As we will be traveling to a place considered sacred by locals, please consider dressing appropriately (avoid short skirts/shorts) and behaving respectfully in the cemetery area. Covering your head is not necessary.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel/hostel lobby. If it's a residential building, we'll wait you outside. You will get relevant information beforehand.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.