Feride Buyuran Tours - Food and Culture Tours to the Caucasus
Unique small-group tours primarily to Azerbaijan, also to Georgia, with a focus on food and culture.
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19/10/2024
My past travelers would recognize Rustam and his lovely guesthouse in Lahic village of Azerbaijan! Rustam is truly a remarkable human being - passionate about what he does, intelligent, and kind! Enjoy the video!
I can't wait to be back in Lahij in June! Join us!
In this episode of Meet The Locals, we speak to Rustam Rustamov, a guesthouse owner in Lahic's Coppersmith Village, who introduces international visitors to ...
24/07/2024
Another testimonial about our recent "A Taste of Azerbaijan" cultural and culinary tour! I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to show my birthplace to culture enthusiasts such as Judie!
"Spring 2024 Azerbaijan Tour with Feride was a magic carpet ride thrilling all eight senses and inviting one to engage completely with the moment. From Baku, a cosmopolitan city with 21st century buildings built around a medieval walled city the adventure began. Each day was always a feast, literally and figuratively, shared with local friends and family throughout. My traveling companions and I cherished every opportunity curated and spontaneous. Thank you, Feride for sharing so much with us. Your generosity of spirit is a beacon."
– Judie J. (Minnesota, USA) ~ 'A Taste of Azerbaijan' Food and Culture Tour to Azerbaijan (May 2024)
Our tours are designed around the concept of "Good for All" where "All" is everybody involved in the process, from people on the ground helping us, to travelers who are ready to learn and share their culture, too. Everybody is creating a beautiful experience for the benefit of all involved.
A happy traveler means we are staying true to our travel philosophy and mission (available on our website). Here's one testimonial about our May 2024 tour. Grateful.
"I highly recommend this magnificent trip to beautiful Azerbaijan! It is a clean, safe and fascinating destination! Our extremely kind and multilingual host Feride, created a comfortable deep dive into the culture and food of Azerbaijan. With her keen ability to connect with all kinds of people, from artisans, artists, historians, cooks, musicians, small town social entrepreneurs to wonderful host families, we were welcomed and treated to experiences that the average traveler would not have. We visited big cities, ancient walls, beautiful countrysides, stunning mountains, marketplaces, schools, historical sites and natural wonders. We watched the making of rugs, baklava, bread and tried our hand at silk printing and other crafts. The food was delicious, fresh and unique. It was a magical experience that I will never forget!
– Katherine M. (Minnesota, USA) ~ 'A Taste of Azerbaijan' Food and Culture Tour to Azerbaijan (May 2024)"
05/06/2024
A little over than a week ago, we completed our first post-covid food and culture tour, “A Taste of Azerbaijan.”
9 full days of traversing the many regions of Azerbaijan with a group of American culture enthusiasts.
Just like with the previous tours I designed, here too connections were at the core. We connected on all levels, we listened, we asked questions, we learned, we understood. We connected not only with the people, but also with the nature around us.
I’m going to miss all the people who opened their hearts and homes to us.
A remote Ehen village in the Caucasus mountains was our last stop. And what a stop it was! So much love, so much kindness! Memories made, to cherish forever.
Last call for our 'Taste of Azerbaijan' tour happening in May! This is a unique opportunity! A tour of this scope and depth is not offered elsewhere and I'm happy to be organizing and leading it myself!
We still have a few spots available but have to finalize the group sooner than later. Please share with your culture and travel loving friends and family!
Thank you!
~ Feride Buyuran
Create memorable experiences with our full immersion group tours to the Caucasus!
17/02/2024
Exciting news!
I'm adding a brand new destination to my "A Taste of Azerbaijan" food and culture tour happening in May. The South of the country! First on Feride Buyuran Tours!
Azerbaijani South is largely undiscovered, boasts beautiful nature and the most delicious food, distinct from the rest of the country.
Curious to find out where we are going and what are are doing? Get in touch with us! Come along and enjoy!
Photo of Southern knitters provided by Kifayat Talibzada.
29/01/2024
Brand new tour! First in 2024! Welcome, A Taste of Azerbaijan! An immersive culinary and cultural journey to the many diverse regions of the country, led by Feride Buyuran!
Space is limited and registration date is close. Don't miss this opportunity.
Share with your culture enthusiast friends and family!
It is with sadness that I share that our lovely host in the Molokan village of Ivanovka of Azerbaijan, babushka Anastasiya, has passed recently.
On our tours, Anastasiya, pictured here with her husband Vasiliy, gave us a house tour, talked about old Molokan traditions, showed us intricate handcrafts she made in her younger years, demonstrated how the Russian pech (stove; pictured) works – all of these always with a happy smile on her face.
I will miss seeing her again on our future tours. Rest in peace, babushka. Thank you for everything.
~ Feride
25/10/2022
Everyone on our tours matters. Travelers, hosts, drivers, guides. We are all in the experience of discovery together. It's everybody's contribution that makes our journeys whole.
And we love our hosts dearly! We appreciate them for opening not only their homes but also their hearts to us with their outpouring love and care.
This said, it is with sadness that I am sharing the news of the passing of one of our hosts a few months ago, dear Sagibat who hosted us in the mountainous village of Ilisu in Azerbaijan's northeast. On all of our tours, Sagibat treated us to the best regional dumplings, taught us how to make them, and set beautiful tea tables in her lush yard against the backdrop of majestic Caucasus Mountains. How lucky for all of us who had a chance to feel Sagibat's warmth and generosity!
Rest in peace, dearest Sagibat, to me, Sagibat khala (aunt Sagibat). The memory of our times together will be cherished forever. Thank you for everything.
In memory of Sagibat, I'd like to share some photos we took of her and her tables on our pre-covid tours.
With gratitude,
Feride
24/05/2022
Tourism is back in Azerbaijan, and, looks like we can make our 2022 Artisan Azerbaijan and Culinary Traditions tour a reality if we have a group. The dates are September 22–October 3, 2022.
If you are interested, please let me know as soon as you can.
These are exclusive small-group tours designed and led by me (Feride Buyuran) and I will be offering them only occasionally.
Photo: Cultural artifacts on display at a historic defense tower in northwestern Azerbaijan.
06/04/2022
06/04/2022
While our summer 2022 Colors of the Caucasus tour is currently on hold, may I share with you something a dear friend Nazrin Garibova and her team at The Transcaucasian Trail have ventured into creating to happen right about that time?
If you love traveling, hiking, and learning about new cultures along the way, check out this amazing Transcaucasian Trail - Azerbaijan trek, happening for the very first time! Hope you join!
Here's some info from Nazrin and her team:
"The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) is a work-in-progress of creating a ~3,000km transnational hiking route across the Southern Caucasus Mountains. This long-distance hiking route passes through some of the most beautiful landscapes and historical settlements that the magnificent Caucasus have to offer, while prioritizing engagement with and benefit to local communities.
I wanted to share an exciting opportunity with you about the TCT – we've launched Azerbaijan's very first Supporters' Trek for the summer, an amazing 10-day hike through the extraordinary Eastern Caucasus. The old shepherd trails and caravan routes we'll follow take hikers through marvels of folded green mountains, hidden waterfalls, wildflower-saturated meadows, deep-cut canyons, and ancient villages of diverse ethno-linguistic communities.
All proceeds from this trek will serve to fund TCT development in the country. Here's a link to the Facebook announcement https://www.facebook.com/transcaucasiantrail/posts/2514365862028084 (it’s got some nice pictures, too!). This route is really quite extraordinary and showcases Azerbaijan’s landscapes, languages, tastes, and cultures.
Additionally, we are able to offer a 10% discount to those who sign up from Feride Buyuran Tours' referral before May! I am available and more than happy to discuss further and answer any questions via email (nazrin at transcuacasiantrail dot org). Thanks so much for your time, and hope to see you on the trail soon!"
Please contact Nazrin directly at: nazrin at transcuacasiantrail dot org
Happy travels!
Join our team to hike the newly launched TCT section in Azerbaijan through the spectacular landscapes and mountain villages of the eastern Greater Caucasus. June 20-29, 2022.
21/07/2021
This is a video segment by Voice of America’s Dilshad Aliyarli about my last pre-covid culinary and cultural tour to Azerbaijan in October, 2019. I was lucky to travel with amazing people who came from US and Australia to explore the best of the beautiful country in the Caucasus.
Azərbaycan mətbəxi haqda beynəlxaq mükafatlara layiq görülmüş “Nar və zəfəran: Azərbaycana kulinariya səyahəti” kitabının müəllifi, ABŞ-da yaşayan Fəridə Buy...
03/07/2021
Exactly 3 years ago today, I welcomed this lovely group of fellow Californians in Baku, my birthplace, to lead my very first culinary and cultural tour to Azerbaijan and Georgia.
I hope travel to the region reopens soon and we continue to explore the Caucasus together.
Hello from Azerbaijan! Home is where makhara is:) Makhara is the saj-cooked crepe from the northwest of Azerbaijan, namely the regions of Balaken and Zagatala, and, because my parents are from there, we’ve never had a shortage of it in our Baku home. Pictured here are also honeycomb and farmer’s cheese from local producers in Balaken. A perfect northwestern breakfast.
I hope the country tourisms resumes soon so that my wonderful culture-curious groups get to taste makhara themselves, among other deliciousness.
Since we cannot travel to Azerbaijan to explore its cuisine and culture just as yet, how about we take a virtual tour there with the help of a book?
It is with great pleasure that I announce the release of my cookbook "Pomegranates and Saffron: A Culinary Journey to Azerbaijan," in the E-BOOK format, available WORLDWIDE on multiple platforms, to read on your favorite e-reader, gadget or phone –—anytime, anywhere!
Gift yourself and your loved ones with a delicious journey to the Caucasus!
PS: Note that the hard copy edtion is sold out with no immediate plans to reprint.
05/02/2021
Firni, rice pudding with cinnamon pattern (can you guess what it is?) on top. Lahij village, Azerbaijan. Join our Artisan Azerbaijan and Culinary Traditions tour in September to try and learn about this and other culinary delights of the region.
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Videos
Ordubad-Style Lavash - Feride Buyuran
As Khatira was folding large sheets of homemade lavash bread to serve with the family meal, I took out my camera and quickly filmed the process:)
2013, Dasta village, Ordubad region, Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azerbaijan.
Select HD quality to watch. Enjoy!
#azerbaijanifood #experienceazerbaijan #delicious #travelgram #feridebuyurantours
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On a mission to connect cultures and people
Hi! I am Feride and I would like to welcome you to Feride Buyuran Food and Culture Tours!
We are on a mission to build bridges of trust, respect, and understanding across cultures, through food and more, while also promoting Azerbaijan as an authentic culinary and cultural destination with a lot to offer.
We strive to contribute to sustainable tourism and to design travel experiences that make a positive impact on the local society, economy, and environment.
What awaits you in the Caucasus? Be ready to discover cozy little towns along the Silk Road, eccentric large cities, and far-flung villages nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Along the way, meet local artisans engaged in art and crafts unique to the region. Savor lively market visits in the countryside, learn how to cook tantalizing regional specialties, and eat with friendly locals around abundant dinner tables in their homes.
And of all this with me as you host.
How did these tours come to be? It all started with my food blog AZCookbook and book Pomegranates and Saffron: A Culinary Journey to Azerbaijan. My readers asked me if I would consider conducting culinary tours to the place where this food originated.
That’s how the seed was planted. One thing lead to another and in October of 2017 I made the decision to lead my very first food and culture tour to Azerbaijan and neighboring Georgia.
I sat down and developed a vision – it had to be a unique tour that goes off the beaten path, where a traveler gets to take in the sights, tastes, and rich history of the Caucasus region while learning about a culture through connecting with everyday people. At the same time, I wanted to positively contribute to the lives of the locals. So, just as connecting cultures, making a social impact lies at the core of my tours.
I created an itinerary and after a few months of meticulous work on the details, I was ready to lead my first tour. My vision came alive when a friendly group of culture and food enthusiasts signed up, among them food writer Charles Perry, President of the Culinary Historians of Southern California and former staff writer for the food section of the Los Angeles Times.
During the tour, my travelers marveled at the unique experiences they had on every stop in both countries. Mr. Perry raved about the variety of baklavas he was able to sample in Azerbaijan. Another traveler, Kathy S. Rice, called the trip ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity!’
The tour was such a success! I hope you join me on my next culinary journey to Azerbaijan and beyond. Together, we will explore the vibrant traditions of an ethnically diverse landscape where East and West are intricately woven into the history, culture, and cuisine, and where hospitality is a way of life
You will receive the warmest welcome everywhere you go. The Caucasus will be your home away from home. That is my ultimate goal.
