Baku on Film: Where Classic Soviet Movies Were Shot

In Soviet times filmmakers called Baku a "dream factory". The Old City, the Caspian and the Gobustan semi-desert easily became Istanbul, Tehran, Latin America or Africa — no need to travel abroad.

The Diamond Arm (1968)

The "Istanbul" scenes were shot in Icherisheher, with the fortress walls, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace on screen. The famous slip-and-fall scene was filmed on Kichik Gala Street, where a statue of Yuri Nikulin's character now stands — one of the most popular photo spots in the Old City.

Amphibian Man (1961)

The film's Buenos Aires is really Baku's streets and seafront. Underwater scenes were shot in the Caspian and the characters' home in the old quarters of the centre.

Other films

• The Last Inch (1958) — its "African" coast is the Caspian shore.
• Tehran 43 (1980) — some scenes were shot in Baku.
• Azerbaijani comedies such as "Don't Be Afraid, I'm With You" also showcase the city.

Walking the locations

Nearly all the locations are in the Old City and along the boulevard, easy to cover in a couple of hours. Guides on our Baku city tour love showing "then and now" stills.