During the Soviet period, relatives on either side could not visit each other, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and Azerbaijan's emergence as a sovereign country, many family ties have been restored. Iran allows Azerbaijani citizens visa-free visits for 15 days. Photographer Famil Mahmudbeyli visited Iranian Astara to get a sense of life in and around the city.
Life On The Iranian Side Of Astara
The mirrored cities of Astara, on Iran's border with Azerbaijan, have been divided since 1828 when the Russian and Persian empires signed a peace treaty to end a two-year war. The Astara River separates the current Iranian and Azerbajani cities.
9
The oldest and largest bazaar in Astara. Locals said it was once called the "Russian Bazaar," but now it is known as the "Sahili Bazaar." "Sahili" refers to the nearby Caspian coastline in Azerbaijani language.
10
This 36-year-old shoe salesman says he started his business immediately after his compulsory military service ended. His clients are mostly from Azerbaijan and Dagestan.
11
Children wait for their parents after classes at the Parvin Etesami secondary school.
12
Banners with the names of Shia imams hang above the street outside the Abrava Mosque in Iranian Astara during the month of Muharram -- the first month of the year on the Islamic calendar, and one of the four sacred months.