On June 14, the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan organized a media tour to the Mud Volcano Tourism Complex for representatives of the press and mass media.
During the tour, media representatives were provided with detailed insights into the 12-hectare complex, its infrastructure, and the tourism facilities developed within the area. It was highlighted that the newly established tourism infrastructure has created over 60 new jobs for local residents, particularly benefiting communities in surrounding areas.
The journalists visited the Tourism Information Center, which consists of an exhibition hall and a workshop where they learned about the unique characteristics and medicinal properties of mud volcanoes. The center also features a model representation of a mud volcano, providing an interactive learning experience for visitors. Additionally, the exhibition displays 80 rare minerals collected from across Azerbaijan, accompanied by detailed information about their chemical composition and geographical origins. The workshop area will host masterclasses on pottery and oil painting using crude oil.
A key highlight of the visit was the Natural History Exhibition Hall, which features an extensive collection of wildlife specimens under thematic sections such as "Big Cats," "Gobustan Fauna," "Wild Animal Footprints in Azerbaijan," "The World of Insects," and "Small Animal Skeletons." The exhibition showcases 98 animal skeletons, 870 species of dried insects, 57 preserved amphibians and reptiles, and a variety of paleontological artifacts. All skeletal displays are original specimens, ethically sourced and collected by Azerbaijani experts over several decades. The exhibit provides valuable insights into Azerbaijan’s rich biodiversity, including information about protected species in national parks such as the Caucasian leopard, bezoar goat, gazelle, and Caspian seal.
The Mineral Exhibition within the complex presents 80 different types of minerals from various regions of Azerbaijan, including Gobustan and Nakhchivan. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of precious stones, crystals, and geological samples. The exhibition is divided into two sections: one focusing on rock breccia ejected by mud volcanoes, and the other displaying minerals extracted from Azerbaijan’s natural resource deposits. Informative materials on geological processes, rock formation, and mineral development are also available for visitors.
The complex features modern tourism infrastructure including a 110-seat restaurant, pedestrian walkways, and a panoramic observation deck that offers visitors a unique elevated view of the surrounding mud volcanoes. A designated parking area has also been created for visitor convenience. Adventure-seekers can experience eco-friendly quad biking tours across the challenging volcanic terrain.
The establishment of the Mud Volcano Tourism Complex is expected to enhance public awareness and scientific interest in these natural formations, positioning Azerbaijan’s mud volcanoes as a key geotourism attraction.
It should be noted that on June 13, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attended the inauguration of the Mud Volcano Tourism Complex in Absheron District, where he was informed on the completed infrastructure and tourism developments.
