English-Language Azeri Blogs

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to find proper news and commentary about life in Azerbaijan in the Armenian media — and the same is true the other way around — which is why blogs have the potential to move in to fill the gap. However, until recently there were very few, but now the situation has changed dramatically. In addition to a number of blogs set up by Peace Corps Volunteers in Azerbaijan, a few others have emerged.

Thoughts on the Road, for example, is an excellent blog written by an American journalist resident in Baku, but where the English-language Azeri blogosphere really starts to show promise comes in the form of those set up by Azeris both inside and outside Azerbaijan. In Mutatione Fortitudo and the wonderfully named Flying Carpets and Broken Pipelines offer an informed view on the political processes in play inside the country while Sheki, Azerbaijan introduces its readers to the local culture.

However, for a humorous look at the contrasts between life in the West and the South Causus, Scary Azeri in Suburbs is a welcome addition. Written by an Azerbaijani mother married to an Englishmen on the outskirts of London, it’s recommended reading. In many cases, as this post illustrates, the reflections on differences between lifestyles are just as relevant for Armenians as they are Azeris.

Anyone who has ever been invited to an Azeri house for a dinner would find the spread overwhelming and humanly impossible to consume in one go. Not to mention the sea of dishes replacing one another at any Azeri wedding.

Back home, food is a symbol of prosperity, hospitality and generosity. People would rather die than not have enough to feed their guests at the table.

Also, we Azeries just love to show off a bit. It is a cultural thing.

[…]

I got pretty worried when I first arrived to the UK and noticed my in-laws habit of cooking just enough for dinner. To be perfectly honest, I got pretty depressed. I figured they were pretty bloody tight with their food, and as an Azeri I found that aspect awfully embarrassing. […]

[…]

An Irish girlfriend claims that the English never had to starve so they do not need to over-cook in order to be happy and satisfied with their meal. I have no idea. […]

Anyway, some marvelous blogs have materialized and it can only be hoped that the trend continues. Until then, keep an eye on the blogs listed above and also check out the Azerbaijan section of Global Voices Online from time to time. Meanwhile, if anyone knows of any other Azeri or Georgian blogs, please post the links in the comments section of this post. There’s also a Facebook group intended to bring bloggers on the region together here.