9 Transport

In Azerbaijan, transportation reveals a striking blend of tradition and modernity. Donkey carts and rickshaw-style carts, where the husband pulls the family, coexist alongside sleek Stadler trains and one of the region’s top-rated airlines.

Bicycles remain a rare sight, with motorcycles mainly confined to urban centers. Delivery scooters are common but typically used solo, while some deliveries unfold by bicycle, skateboard, or even on foot. Walking prevails as a practical mode of transport in towns and cities, though locals admit it is often more necessity than choice.

Old Ladas pepper the roads, some surprisingly well maintained, others clearly worn yet seldom abandoned roadside. Despite their reputation among Azerbaijanis for poor quality, these hardy vehicles carry everything from refrigerators and furniture to animal carcasses and construction materials, often packed to capacity with passengers and cargo alike. The humble Lada stands as an uncelebrated workhorse.

In Gabala, a vintage 1998 Lada offered an unforgettable journey. Most dashboard buttons served only as decoration, yet the essentials functioned. The shocks had long surrendered, transforming every road bump into a launchpad. The car swayed awkwardly from side to side, like a confused ballerina. The experience was both a full-body workout and an impromptu comedy performance.

A VAZ-1111 Oka microcar in Azerbaijan, a compact Soviet-era vehicle from the 1980s still in use despite its age
Figure 89: A VAZ-1111 Oka, a diminutive Soviet-era microcar from the 1980s, exemplifying the diverse range of vintage vehicles that continue serving Azerbaijani communities decades after production
A weathered VAZ-2106 Lada 1600 in Azerbaijan, showing decades of use but still operational
Figure 90: A VAZ-2106 Lada 1600, one of the iconic Soviet-era vehicles that remains a common sight on Azerbaijani roads, exemplifying the longevity and reliability of these utilitarian cars

 

Bustling local market in an Azerbaijani village, with vendors selling a diverse array of goods from fresh produce to hardware and car parts
Figures 91-92: A typical village scene with roadside produce vendors and a Lada serving dual purposes as taxi and cargo transport, illustrating the resourceful, multi-functional approach to rural commerce and mobility. A local village market in Azerbaijan, where everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to hardware and car parts can be found, serving as a vital community hub for rural residents
A three-wheeled cargo cycle used for transporting goods in Azerbaijan, a practical vehicle commonly seen at markets and for local deliveries
Figure 93: A three-wheeled cargo cycle used for transporting goods in Azerbaijani markets and villages, representing the practical, low-cost solutions for hauling produce and supplies in local communities
Worn Lada sedan heavily loaded with cargo on its roof rack, parked on an unpaved road in rural Azerbaijan
Figure 94: A Soviet-era Lada loaded for market in Azerbaijan.

The Lada is also the indispensable vehicle for market work, essential for transporting both passengers and stock to the stall.

Riding the metro trains in Baku presents an experience unlike those found elsewhere. The trains lack the jolting motion common in neighboring countries, yet a surprising noise level persists at times. The idea of researching noise intensity within the carriages and its effects on passengers and drivers emerges as an intriguing prospect, though not yet pursued.

Occasionally, commuters find themselves aboard newer trains equipped with air conditioning, easing the journey even in the height of summer. In contrast, older trains can become stifling, transforming brief rides into tests of endurance. The act of balancing on a moving train evokes memories of childhood waterskiing, where foot placement is crucial to maintaining stability. Navigating a crowded metro, surrounded by strangers and persistent noise, evolves into a unique skill in itself.

Walls of Remembrance appear in numerous towns and cities across Azerbaijan. These memorial walls showcase photographs of soldiers who lost their lives during the Second Karabakh War in 2020. Typically situated in public spaces such as parks, schools, and near government buildings, the walls offer a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes. Each image is accompanied by the soldier’s name, rank, and hometown, allowing communities to honor their local defenders. These memorials preserve the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and stand as enduring symbols of national pride, unity, and resilience.

Memorial mural displaying photographs of fallen Azerbaijani soldiers, honoring those who gave their lives in service to their country
Figure 95: Memorial mural featuring photographs of fallen Azerbaijani soldiers, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for those who sacrificed their lives and the enduring impact of regional conflicts on Azerbaijan’s collective memory

 

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Three years in Azerbaijan: Memoirs from the Land of Fire Copyright © 2026 by Dr. Wonda Grobbelaar is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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