Differences and similarities between Azerbaijan and Hungary – PHOTO GALLERY

Although the two countries are 2,000 kilometres apart, there are many similarities. Of course, differences can also be discovered. Here are some examples of these similarities and differences.

Baths – Similarity

Although Azerbaijan is the country of fire, there is a long tradition of spas, a part of the Muslim cleansing culture. In Budapest, in the Hungarian capital, you can find the recently reopened Veli Bej, as well as the Rudas and Király baths. While in Baku, HamamBath, Taze Bey Baths, and Almaz Qadin Klubu are popular places. It is interesting that

the population of Azerbaijan is around 10 million people, same as Hungary’s.

In addition, examining the capitals, we can state that both Baku and Budapest have about 2 million inhabitants.

Transport – Difference

In Hungary, we often think that the traffic is crazy. Especially in Budapest, traffic jams are common. However, Azerbaijan’s main export is oil, so the country has very cheap fuel. As a result, everyone is driving. Even though 8 or even 10-lane roads have been built, this is not enough for the amount of traffic. Everyone is trying to get to their destination on time, so the lanes easily fill up. This can be strange to the Hungarian eye, but the locals are driving their car in the safest way in this orderly chaos.

History – Similarity

There are geographical similarities between the two countries, and it was not only the Turks who appeared in the history of both countries. One of the most significant points in Hungarian history is the Trianon Peace Treaty of 1920. As a result, millions of Hungarians have been living outside Hungary ever since. In the lives of the Azerbaijanians, the peace treaty ending the 1828 Russian–Persian wars is similar. Azerbaijanian people believe that

50 million of their Azeri compatriots live outside the country.

Of these, 30 million live in Iran. In addition, the Soviet Union and Russia had a great influence on the past and present of both countries.

• Read also: Govt to spend €3.9 million on the Turk Council’s villa in Budapest

Gastronomy – Difference

Azerbaijan has a long tradition of soups. One of their famous soups is the dushbara, which has noodles stuffed with minced lamb. Also,

you should not miss the different homemade breads and the real, authentic Azerbaijani kebabs.

Their famous dish is dolma, which is minced meat stuffed into grape leaves. They also make stuffed tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. The latter is a popular dish in Hungary as well, even though the method of preparation differs significantly from the recipe of the Azeri version.

There is an old tradition of consuming tea in the country. A tea session is essential after every meal. In addition to hot tea poured into special glasses, it is customary to consume sugar cubes or other hard candies. An interesting tradition is Şirin çay. When the engaged couple’s parents first meet, and the girl’s parents give sweet tea to the boy’s parents, it means giving their blessing to the union.

Loving sports – Similarity

Like Hungary, various sports are popular in Azerbaijan. Of course, football is also the most popular here. In addition to the national team, the Qarabağ Futbol Klub team may be familiar to many, as they often get into one of the European Cup series. It is not only football that is popular, but they are also at the forefront in chess and wrestling.

Azerbaijan has seven Olympic champions.

When it comes to sports, we cannot miss the Formula One race in Baku, organised since 2016.

Other curiosities include the fact that the Azerbaijani language is agglutinating, just like the Hungarian language. That is, the suffix comes at the end of the word. We have several words in common, such as ‘alma’ (apple), and ‘szakál’ (beard).

Read alsoThe Armenian – Azerbaijani war through a Hungarian eye — PHOTO GALLERY

Source: termalonline.hu, DailyNewsHungary