Beş Barmaq

In late April we took a trip up the coast to Siyəzen. There is a photo of us in a gym in an earlier post that comes from Friday of the same weekend.


Saturday we hiked up Beş Barmaq - Five Fingers. It is one of the most famous mountains in the Caucas range due to its size, location and supposed connection to certain mystical elements of Islam. Thus, it is somewhat of a pilgrimage site for Azeri Muslims. The five fingers are supposed to represent the five pillars of Islam:

1. Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad;
2. Establishment of the daily prayers;
3. Concern for and alms giving to the needy;
4. Self-purification through fasting; and
5. The pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.


The first picture shows Emma heading towards the mountain. We started on the side facing the coast and made our way up and around the eastern face. There is a series of steps that starts on the opposite side. They are the only way you can make it to the top.




Due the plethora of pilgrims, there are also large numbers of beggars who line the steps leading to the summit.




Here I am standing on an outcropping of stone, which once constituted part of an old castle.





Once you get to the top there is a small room built into the side of the rock. There is a holy man who, for a small donation, will sing your prayers. The room is also filled with holy artifacts. This picture was taken just outside the room. This is where the holy man heats the water for his tea.

Me standing on the runes of another part of the castle. Behind/below me are the Caspian and coastal fields. You should be able to see white salt deposits lining the fields.

Friends making it down the steps. The steps are built into and out of the stone face. There are rails in some spots but for the most part it is pretty hands free. Thus, it takes a while to get up and down.

Emma and me after the hike. Of course, I am wearing an authentic Mary Jane Akins head warmer, once owned by Virgil T Akins. It was pretty cold and windy. The glasses were just for fun.

This is the western face. Here are some friends after completing the hike. They were all wearing Adventure Weekend headbands. We fashioned them the night before.

That's about it. Hope you enjoy the photos.