Baku

Why it's the capital

In 1191, after an earthquake hit their capital Shamakhi, the court of the Shirvanshahs moved to Baku. In 1918 Baku was proclaimed the capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, and in 1920 it became the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic.

Fun facts

1. At about 30 m below sea level, Baku is the lowest-lying national capital in the world.
2. By the start of the 20th century, half of the oil sold on international markets came from Baku.
3. Baku is nicknamed the 'City of Winds', and the cold khazri wind from the north and the warm gilavar from the south blow in all seasons.