Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Azerbaijan on SBS – Azerbaijan sits between the sparkling Caspian Sea and the rugged Caucuses Mountain range.
It was a strategic position on the ancient Silk Roads, leaving a legacy of diverse cultures that contribute to Azerbaijan’s unique heritage today. Award winning historian Prof. Bettany Hughes journeys through this captivating land exploring the treasures.
In the desert-like plains of Gobustan National Reserve, Bettany uncovers extraordinary rock art dating back 40,000 years – making them among the oldest in the world. Bettany then travels north to Shaki, a vital stop for merchants travelling the ancient Silk Roads. The riches generated by the Silk trade are still evident in the form of a remarkable 18th century Palace of glass. Shaki remains a hub for silk production, and Bettany is given a behind-the-scenes tour of the local factory.
Bettany’s final treasure takes her deep into the Caucasus Mountain range to examine the unique cultural heritage of Shusha. Here poets are lauded like rock stars, celebrated by lavish monuments. Bettany explores the plains of Jidir Duzu – meaning ‘horse racing field’ – where poetry and music festivals were hosted. It’s also home to a source of inspiration for poems, paintings, and songs – the Karabakh horse.
Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Azerbaijan – Premiere – Sunday, 26 March at 7.30pm on SBS and SBS on Demand
More TV Central SBS content HERE
RelatedPosts
