Behind Metro Nizami

15th of February 2014 – Baku, Azerbaijan

From my first walk with my new camera in the neighborhood behind Nizami metro station. This is still a traditional quarter with narrow lanes and relatively little car traffic.

First I met this woman at her small fruit and vegetable shop. She first was not decided whether she wanted me to take pictures, but then she was happy and I got my reward of two lemons from Lenkaran, three mandarins and a hug. I still need to return to give her the paper copy of the photo.

Later on I came across this mobile vegetable stall

and the woman selling the produce.

Both were quite colorful and added to the uniqueness of the neighborhood. This area seems to see not often foreigners taking pictures and people asked for what purpose I am doing this. It must be a weird concept for these people that it is just a leisurely activity.
This woman is quite exceptionally with her big smile and she does look neither Azerbaijani nor Russian with her very friendly and open face.

This woman warmed up after a few pictures and I wished my Azerbaijani was better that I could understand what she was saying. Many people, in particular older ones, wear black clothes, which give them together with the lack of a smile a stern look.

It was a rather warm and sunny Saturday afternoon and people took advantage of the nice weather to do their laundry.

Life is certainly less sterile in these old neighborhoods, which is also reflected in the offerings of the small shops.  I am not sure to which animals the legs once belonged. The bottles contain pear soda, which often tastes rather artificial, but can also taste very nice, depending on the brand.

This small offering of a glass of yoghurt and sweets is displayed on a burnt car.

This is a tendir bakery with the typical bread baked on the inner wall of the bell-shaped more than one meter high oven with an opening at the top. I first saw the bread attached to the chair and it looked like a taken hostage.

Chairs are quite common on side walks or the street. This small shop offers it customers the comfort of an armchair while waiting for their friends and family members to find the right outfit.

Chairs, often in bad shape, have also their existence independent of shops and make a nice contrast to the tainted wall in the case below.

But also tables are seen outside and make use of all kind of legs.