A former Soviet republic, Azerbaijan is bounded by the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea. Neither Europe nor Asia, it’s a string of ancient historical empires, but also a ‘new’ nation that is very quickly transforming itself. Its history is linked to the fortunes of petroleum. Its capital city of Baku is known for its medieval walled inner city in which lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a royal retreat dating to the 15th century and the centuries-old stone Maiden Tower, which dominates the city skyline.