Nutritious Craftsmanship
As the community-oriented arm of the Social Innovation State Agency of Azerbaijan, unpopulated Assists small-scale farmers and folk artists with financial planning and marketing, resulting in a nationwide chain of boutiques. Its Baku outpost is housed in the Old City’s Haji Bani bath complex — look beyond the typical tourist paraphernalia (and Swarovski portraits of national leaders) and find colorful wooden cheeseboards and coasters with patterns derived from the country’s flat-woven jilli carpets, along with quirky socks printed with baklava and shakarburah motifs. pastry. The handcraft The concept store on Neftchiler Avenue features ceramics, leather goods and photo prints by local artists. Note the collection of sandals and embroidered vests made from wool dyed in natural colors by Pirsah, a philanthropic women’s group from the nearby village of Pirsagi.
Hipster Hub
Think about it Gazelle Housewhich includes two boutiques, a cafe, and an underground wellness center, set in a simple residential building (with a second outpost in Londonof South Kensington), as the Azerbaijani answer New YorkSoho House. Membership isn’t required, but it’s quietly become a hang-out for Baku’s crowd, who you’ll find sipping post-yoga oat milk lattes on the patio or brunching on glasshouse-like Mediterranean-tinged salads. cafe. Founded in 1999 by Baku-born geneticist Zarifa Hamzaeva, Gazeli Group began life as a cosmetics producer, stocking shelves with pomegranate-scented hand creams, face masks and serums made with the brand’s patented white oil. Health boutique in front. The same shop also stocks healing crystals and bespoke tea blends with black tea from gardens around the Lankaran region of southern Azerbaijan. side by side the shoulders The store specializes in homeware and accessories from around the world, including Jonathan Adler vases and cutesy ceramic cups. Morocco.