If you are heading to this corner of the world, read the Lonely Planet Travel Guide, Georgia: Sovereign Country of the Caucusus, Ali and Nino, Stories I Stole and others
Like Central Asia, The Caucasus is a region of complex politics, complex culture, and little-explored history. The three Caucasian republics of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are still emerging from the shadow of the Soviet Union, and trying to repair economies and infrastructure damaged by years of communism, neglect, and war. But the stunning nature, warm hospitality, and history literally looking down from every hilltop make this a fascinating region not to be neglected. If you are planning a trip to this volatile, stunning region, or if you are an armchair traveler looking for a little escape, here are some books to get you started on a journey through the region that has been called "The Mountain of Languages."
Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan (Lonely Planet Travel Guides): The Lonely Planet Guide is an excellent place to start, and if you are taking just one book with you, this should certainly be the one. it is thoroughly researched, and as up to date as a guide to an ever-shifting region can be. Keep in mind, however, that the prices in the guidebook are severely out of date: Georgia, especially, has seen real inflation--and the political climate has changed as well in Georgia, most notably with the formerly breakaway Adjara coming back into the fold.
Georgia: Sovereign Country of the Caucasus (Odyssey Travel Guide, Roger Rosen): More in-depth, Roger Rosen's guide has had a relatively recent, and much-needed, update. Heavily illustrated, the guide focuses more on Georgian culture and traditions, and gives the traveler insight into the country not to be found in the more widely focused Lonely Planet Guide.
Stories I Stole by Wendell Steavenson: A great collection of tales from a woman who braved Tblisi in a time when life was much worse there that in is now, when electric light was a cause for a celebration and heat in the winter was non-existent. Steavenson captures the romance and the chaos of Tblisi life, and will inspire you to dig a bit deeper into Georgian culture, and accept that invitation from a local to join him at the family table.
Ali and Nino by Kurban Said: On simply cannot travel in Azarbaijan and Georgia without first reading Ali and Nino, by the controversial author Kurban Said. This breathtakingly romantic novel tells the story of Ali, a young upper-calss Azerbaijani muslim, and his love for Nino, a Georgian beauty. the novel is set against the magnificent backdrop of Baku, Tblisi and Iran during the Bolshevik revolution. But the romance of the novel may pale in comparison with the true life story of its author . . . and for that, you need to read:
The Orientalist: Solving the Mystery of a Strange and Dangerous Life, by Tom Reiss: This excellently researched book tells the story of Lev Nussimbaum, a Jew from Baku and son of an oil magnate who took the name of Kurban Said and cobbled together a series of identities from his Caucasian homeland, fled the Bolshevik revolution in his homeland, and wrote Ali and Nino, becoming, with its publication the toast of . . . Nazi Germany!
Armenia and Karabagh (The Stone Garden Guide): this book provides an excellent historical background for Armenia and Karabagh, as well as being filled with absolutely stunning photos of the region. Also includes a detailed Armenian language guide. Possibly the best guidebook for Armenia and the contested republic of Karabagh.
Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War by Thomas de Waal: No traveller in the region can avoid the bad feeling that exists between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The book cannot help but be controversial, no matter how well-researched or unbiased it attempts to be. To prepare yourself for the ethnic tensions you will face in the region, give this book a read. But avoid discussing the war with locals. It is a quagmire you will not soon extract yourself from, and tempers run hot on all sides.
The copyright of the article Books About the Caucusus in Russia/Central Asia Travel is owned by Ray Nayler. Permission to republish Books About the Caucusus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
