Tandir craftsmanship and bread baking in Azerbaijan

Tandirs are traditional pottery ovens, crafted either as above-ground or underground structures, used for baking bread and cooking meat dishes. The bread produced in these ovens is an integral part of the daily diet in Azerbaijan, valued for its durability and distinct flavour. The practice of tandir craftsmanship and baking fosters social solidarity, as it involves collective participation within families and neighbourhoods. In accordance with local customs, fresh bread is traditionally offered to children and guests first, reflecting a deep-seated culture of hospitality and the belief that sharing bread brings prosperity to the household.