Yanardagh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve

Located 27 kilometres from Baku, within the territory of Mammadli village, Yanar Dagh is one of the Caucasus region’s most distinctive natural landmarks. Here, natural gas seeping from beneath the ground has burned continuously for centuries.

Sites of this kind - where such an unusual natural phenomenon occurs - have long been regarded as sacred by the people of Azerbaijan and are closely associated with ancient fire-worship traditions. In recognition of its historical significance within Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the area was designated in 2007 as the Yanar Dagh State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve.

The Yanar Dagh Reserve is one of Azerbaijan’s most visited tourist destinations. The site includes a museum and exhibition hall dedicated to the history of fire worship, nearby mud volcanoes, an open-air museum, and a space showcasing local craft products.

The Yanar Dagh monument itself is situated on a slope measuring approximately 15 metres in length and 5 metres in height, at the heart of the reserve. It is surrounded by an amphitheatre used for open-air concerts and performances.

Historically, the flames of Yanar Dagh extended across a much wider area. Indeed, the three burning tongues of flame that have become a symbol of Baku were inspired by three extinct hill formations located near Yanar Dagh.