Social Life in Azerbaijan
Behavior
The Azeris are conservative in most aspects of their lives, much of which is based on their Islamic faith. To a degree they also maintain much of the Soviet mentality as they rarely get involved in other people's personal affairs and tend to keep to themselves when in public. Due to this attitude, the people take offense at few things. Although everyone will notice odd behaviors and cultural abnormalities, rarely will anyone point out your cultural mistakes.
As a visitor to Georgia try to follow the lead of the locals by dressing in alike manner (see below for details), dining in the local etiquette (see our Georgia Dining & Food Page), and avoid sensitive conversation topics, such as politics, finances, and business unless initiated by your local counterpart. Also try to avoid being loud, rude, or showing off wealth.
Dress
The dress in Azerbaijan today is reflective of their Soviet past, which introduced western-styled clothing, but it also reflects their Islamic religion, which demands conservative dress. The conservative dress has been the constant for some time, but prior to the Soviet takeover the clothing in Azerbaijan more closely reflected that of many Middle Eastern countries than it did Europe as it does today.