Baku

Baku, a district and town in the Trans-Caucasian province of Asiatic Russia. The district extends along the W. shore of the Caspian Sea from a point just below Derbend in the N. to Astara in the S., and includes the promontory of Apsheron (q.v.). It stretches inland nearly as far as Lake Gotcha. Russia has occupied it since 1806. The town and port of Baku lies to the S. of the promontory of Apsheron, and affords safe anchorage for the Russian fleet and numerous trading vessels. It is fortified, and contains an old castle and Persian mosque. Cotton, fruit, opium, rice, silk, and wine are produced, but the place derives its commercial importance from the never-failing springs of naphtha or petroleum, which in ancient times attracted the veneration of fire-worshippers.