The City of Winds (Azerbaijani: Küləklər şəhəri) is an unofficial, literary name for Baku, mainly because it is windy almost throughout the year. The name derives from the ancient Persian name of this locality: بادکوبه (Bādkube, lit. "pounding winds"). There are two winds common to Baku: cold and rough Khazri and mild and gentle Gilavar. The former is associated with negativeness and the latter is associated with goodness, forming an important chain in Azerbaijani mythology and beliefs, related to the struggle of Good and Evil.
Despite having one of the dirtiest chemical industry centers of the former Soviet Union in one of its suburbs, Sumgait, Baku's air remains relatively clean because of the air purification process by these winds.
Famous quotes containing the words city of, city and/or winds:
““Do not be afraid; for see -I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.””
—Bible: New Testament, Luke 2:10 -12.
Angels to the Shepherds.
“When the city gate catches fire, it’s the fish in the moat who suffer.”
—Chinese proverb.
“I call to mind the navy great
That the Greeks brought to Troye town,
And how the boistous winds did beat
Their ships, and rent their sails adown;
Till Agamemnon’s daughter’s blood
Appeased the gods that them withstood.”
—Henry Howard, Earl Of Surrey (1517?–1547)