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BAKI
Baki is the capital of the Azerbaijan Republic, one of the
largest industrial, scientific and cultural centres.
Today boundaries of Baki encompass considerable part of the
Apsheron peninsular. Resort zones are well known in many parts
of our country. Population of Baki is about three million now
(data of 2001).
Historians give different explanations to the origin of the name
Baki. Some of them say that this word comes from the Persian “bad
kube” which means “blown by winds”, others say that it comes
from “bad kiu” – “town of winds”. There also exists an idea that
Baki received its name from the name of tribe “bakan”, or “bagi”
who lived at the Apsheron peninsular during XII – X centuries B.C.
Baki was firstly mentioned in the V century. It is known that in
the VIII century oil became main factor in development of the
large industrial city. It is the oldest centre of oil industry. First
experiments on oil refining were carried out in Baki in the 30s of
the XVIII century, and first oil well was drilled at Bibi-Eibat oil
fields in 1848.
Baki is a beautiful and well-built city. Examples of modern
architecture are Government Palace, Circus, complex of
buildings of the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences. Subway was
constructed in Baki many years ago.
Alongside with the Caspian seashore there is a beautiful
“Primorski” park where various kinds of palm-trees,
rhododendrons, plants, acacias are grown. Cinemas, clubs, cafes,
new three storey building of the seaport, exhibitions complexes
have been built here. One of the beauties of “Primorski” park is
the artificial chanal with bridges over it. Baki citizen call it
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“Venice”.
The lower building of funicular connecting two parks
“Primorski” and “Nagorny” – is situated near “Azneft” square.
One can admire the beautiful view of Baki descending as an
amphitheatre to Baki bay from “Nagorny” park.
Unique architectural monuments are in the oldest part of Baki
– “Icheri shekher” fortress, with its narrow streets, surrounded by
ancient XII – XV century walls. Here are historical architectural
buildings of Nobel brothers, who were involved in oil business
made their contribution to the European style of the town.
Besides many theatres and museums, this Islamic influenced
city has numerous mosques and caravanserai. Today some of
them are used as restaurants. Baki has much to offer to visitors,
because of the location and historical development, it has a
marked individuality. Every sightseeing tour has to include the
Maiden’s Tower, with the city’s landmark (but in the 12 century),
the city’s old town with the Palace of the Shirvan Shakhs and the
Juma Mosque.
MOSCOW
Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation. It was
founded more than eight centuries ago (in 1147) by Yuri
Dolgoruki. There is a monument to him in Moscow.
Moscow is a big industrial, cultural and political centre of the
country. Moscow’s numerous plants and factories produce
different goods for the population and various machines for all
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branches of national economy.
Moscow is also a large educational and scientific centre. There
are many educational establishments of various kinds of research
institutes in Moscow. The oldest Russian educational
establishment – Moscow University is also here. It was founded
by M.Lomonosov, a great Russian scientist of the eighteenth
century, and is named after its founder. The building of the
University is so high.
After the war thousands of new blocks of flats were built in
various parts of Moscow and great construction work is still
going on.
The traffic system was also greatly improved. The Moscow
underground is without doubt the best in the world. The
underground is the quickest and most convenient means of
transport.
The centre of Moscow is the Red Square where the Kremlin is
situated.
Demonstrations and parades take place on this square.
The Moscow Kremlin is one of the world’s largest collection
of historical and art treasures.
A wonderful collection of world famous pictures by Repin,
Levitan, Surikov and other Russian artists is exhibited in the
Tretiakov Gallery. The Pushkin Art Museum possesses art works
by foreign masters. In the world famous Bolshoi Theatre we can
see the best ballet performances and listen to Russian and foreign
operas. The capital is also famous for one of the largest libraries
in the world – The Lenin Library – where you can find all that is
necessary for work and study.
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GREAT BRITAIN
The British Isles are formed of Great Britain, Ireland and a
number of small islands situated to the west of the European
continent. The total area is about 120000 square miles. The
United Kingdom is composed of four parts: England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland. The south coast is washed by the
North Sea and the west coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean.
There are no high mountains in Northern Wales. The highest
mountain is Showdown in Northern Wales. The biggest rivers are
the Severn and Thames joined by canals. It is possible to travel by
water from one end of the country to the other. The climate of
Great Britain is mild. It is never too hot or too cold.
The population of Great Britain is over 55 million people.
Great Britain is no longer the most powerful capitalist state in
Europe but it has highly developed industries. There are many big
industrial cities there, such as Birmingham, Manchester,
Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff, Sheffield and others.
One of the leading industries of Great Britain is the textile
industry. Liverpool and Manchester are the main centers of
textile manufacturing.
Northern and Western England are traditionally coal and metal
countries. The oldest centers of iron and steel industry are
Birmingham and Sheffield. Liverpool is an important centre of
engineering and chemicals. It also comes first in Britain in
clothing and food industries and in film industry. Scotland is
Britain’s largest shipbuilding centre.
Great Britain is the country of many great scientists, poets,
artists and writers. Among the world-known scientists are:
Newton, Darwin, Edison and a number of others. Shakespeare,
Defoe, Dickens, Byron, Burns and many others. The most famous
English painters are Hogarth, Turner, Reynolds and other.
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