I took a train Baku - Yerevan in September of 1980 . It was a nice ride . The passengers were local Azeris and Armenians . Surprisingly they didn't speak each other 's language but used russian instead. Most of them have never traveled anywhere away from this area . I was the only " foreigner " for them from a distant "north" ( from the city of Donetsk in Ukraine ) . Very friendly people , everybody was trying to make me feel at home, they kept giving me grapes, melons, all kinds of food they had . The only nuisance were the soviet (russian) soldiers with their guns ready , who were sitting in the train and watching you all the time . The train tracks run just along the border , they would shoot you if you try to escape from the USSR " paradise " . The ticket price was 6 roubles, my monthly salary was 120 roubles , quite average back then in the soviet union . I do remember and recognize the railway station building in your video. Thanks for bringing back my memories.
You've gained a subscriber! I think you did a pretty good job of explaining the geopolitics of the situation as well! It's pretty difficult to talk about these topics on any platform without getting bombarded by Azeri bot farms, so be prepared for that!
Incredible video!! Absolutely stunning scenery and, wonderful filming, and nice narrative!! Really hope you channel continues to grow so we can see more like this!!
Me: Mum! I want The Tim Traveller! Mum: We have The Tim Traveller at home. *The Tim Traveller we have at home* Only kidding.. Thanks again for another great video ^_^
I'm appreciating the familiarity, but definitely enjoying Gabe's own style that's showing up more he does.. I only make the joke because of his comment in the Irish cow ski lift video ^_^
Your dedication to let us all peak over your shoulder at things that are obscure but do not deserve to be forgotten is nothing short of incredible. Sir, I salute you and humbly thank you for another treat. I suppose the relevant expression is "bloody well done"!
Been on the other side of the Iranian border at this spot in 2019, have a number of photos of the Jolfa Railway Ironbridge and Iranian plague/memorials, plus overlooks of the then still active (as of 2019) railway up by Chapel of Chupan and Monastery of Saint Stepanos. Totally agree, the scenery looking into Azerbaijan was (is) stunning.
I've been poring over the rebuilt Azerbaijani section and it really is impressive. They claim to be over halfway complete with the work, and there's a corresponding highway also being constructed. Turkey may also build a rail link to the Nakhchivan border to form a route to move consumer goods between China and Europe. Turkey previously built a direct rail link to Georgia between the border towns of Kars and Akhalkalaki to avoid Armenia. Here's hoping the section your video focused on gets finished and this route is used again. As a side note, there was a bust of a prominent Armenian Soviet politician at the Meghri station - did you see it?
Nice video. Your explanation opened up a lot of unknown things for me. I keep asking, what the hell could have been so bad about the overlord USSR? same with the federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other mini-states in the region that were pacified from outside, that the local princes were determined to strive for partition again. Ultimately they just made everything worse.
Many thanks for making this. A fascinating insight into some grim history set amidst stunningly beautiful landscapes. I'm looking forward to what comes next.
There is an international connection from Iran to the isolated Azerbaijan section of the line that it is opened. Also I think that the section of the line in that region is in service... perhaps a short-term solution could be to build a corridor via Iran
The thing is: Azerbaijan wanted to revoke the autonomy of Artzakh and there has also been anti Armenian pogroms in Baku. No wonder people in Artzakh didn't want to remain part of Azerbaijan
Do you want to speak that the pogroms of Baku was a reaction to the pogroms of Kafan, 1987? Stop acting like Azerbaijani have done think out of nothing… Armenians also deported all Azerbaijanis in Armenia and karabakh/ Outland of karabakh.
Thank you for this great video. Ive been many times to Armenia and its an absolute gem to visit ❤️ I hope the conflict settles for ever and stability returns to this part of the world
it'll take decades if not centuries for them to settle their differences, one way or another. wherever you see peace today, it is the result of the wars and tragedy of the past, which is sets the equilibrium between ethnicities, nations, etc whenever that equilibrium is upset, tragedy would return, until once again the equilibrium is found
Russia... Offers Military Protection... ahahahaha Russia Doesn't even the second best army in Russia anymore so what on earth could they do.... as always though great vid, many thanks
For another GREAT train trip try Andimeshk to Doorod in Iran. Spellbinding trip through the Zagros? Mtns with heaps of tunnels, valley and legendary Iranian hospitalit
I would say "somewhat mental alphabet". Check out Mongolian, Tibetan, or Burmese. There is a cool sculpture of the Armenian alphabet just a couple of km from the border crossing with Georgia by the way.
Ha you'll be disappointed to hear but that's a Polish-language map and the town's actually called Vank or sometimes Vangli. I know, it ruined my day too
Yep, I expect a whole lot more videos on Caucasian railways. Once a glorious network it is now mostly defunct. Try Sochi-Tbilisi line, that goes through Abkhazia
Or try Chiatura in Georgia. It used to have dozens of cable cars that functioned as both public and cargo transport in the town. Now, again, mostly defunct with 3 or 4 new passenger routes.
You present a pretty anti-Soviet viewpoint in this video and that's fair but it's hard for me not to see this as just one more tragedy resulting from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Great stuff man, huge fan of the channel, should be good things coming to you I think. I'd like to make a trip to the Caucuses soon myself, probably by hitchhiking through Turkey.
I don't know everything about the region. But isn't it a totally oversimplification to favour a overlord who just unite the region by its sheer power? The people and borders at heart are still the same as 200 years ago where all real borders were very very different.
What, the whole theme of the video is that it was great to have the railway in Soviet times and it's sad that it's not in use any more. I would question how good those times where, even though it has little to do with the railway itself.
.....btw..... Jesus did preach to worship the OneGod/TheCreator and not anything else, and so did his followers, peace be upon them all. This unsettled the Roman Empire because this idea of Monotheism went against their pagan beliefs where the emperor was both emperor and god. They persecuted the followers of Jesus and even attempted to kill Jesus, even a Roman Empire servant Saul of Tarsus was out to kill Jesus. Saul never managed to meet Jesus in real life but after Jesus was taken up to Heaven Saul said he saw a dream and said he will now preach the teachings of Jesus. Saul of Tarsus is also known in todays christianity as Saint Paul, so todays christians are actually on the teaching of ''Saint'' Paul which brings in trinity and godhead figure of Jesus and rejects Monotheism. -Jesus was commanded to preach Monotheism, which he did and early followers were Monotheistic (Islamic) believing people, which later changed with the Roman Empires paganism spreading -Jesus was commanded to preach ONLY to the Israelites, which he did, but after him Saul of Tarsus aka ''saint Paul'' started to preach to the Gentiles, which is the foundation of todays christiandom. -Jesus was commanded to rule for the circumsicion which he did, but it was taken out after he left -Roman Empire in 325 AD held a council, with empire alligned 'scholars'' to decide and VOTE on whether Jesus was to be worshipped or not, they VOTED that Jesus be accepted as god (in aliagn with the pagan beliefs of the Roman traditions) and ever since the trinity became the 'christian way' (not what Jesus preached), and sinc that time the Church has chronicled how many times the ''Bible'' has been changed, verses removed and verses added to SUIT this altered idea of trinity! Best wishes, life is short.
Armenian authorities didn't only pull out and sell thier section of the railroad, they also systematically destroyed every single Azerbaijani village, town and City in the occupied zone.
ftgj these 120 years old railways are not usable anyway. In 21st century - single track, sharp curves along the river, short loops, terrible winter weather condition (snow) and so on. They have to build completely new line Turkey-Baku, north of Nakhichevan, with direct base tunneling, heavy load, double stack load gauge and so on, but it is completely impossible while Russia continues to wage wars everywhere.
11:14 This railway, you romanticise as have been encouraging closer ties between ethnic groups was used to deport Azerbaijani and Kurdish populations of Armenian SSR. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportation_of_Azerbaijanis_from_Armenia
There's not enough travel videos about the Caucasus. It looks beautiful. Thanks!
One of my favourite corners of the world!
Georgia felt like the Game Fallout to me! but then i visited in winter!
I took a train Baku - Yerevan in September of 1980 . It was a nice ride . The passengers were local Azeris and Armenians . Surprisingly they didn't speak each other 's language but used russian instead. Most of them have never traveled anywhere away from this area . I was the only " foreigner " for them from a distant "north" ( from the city of Donetsk in Ukraine ) . Very friendly people , everybody was trying to make me feel at home, they kept giving me grapes, melons, all kinds of food they had . The only nuisance were the soviet (russian) soldiers with their guns ready , who were sitting in the train and watching you all the time . The train tracks run just along the border , they would shoot you if you try to escape from the USSR " paradise " . The ticket price was 6 roubles, my monthly salary was 120 roubles , quite average back then in the soviet union . I do remember and recognize the railway station building in your video. Thanks for bringing back my memories.
Such a cool experience! Thanks for sharing!!
A star is born! That was a great watch and I know a little more about something I never thought about before.
what a great video! glad I got it recommended. you’re a fantastic (and hilarious) storyteller. I look forward to more!
You've gained a subscriber! I think you did a pretty good job of explaining the geopolitics of the situation as well! It's pretty difficult to talk about these topics on any platform without getting bombarded by Azeri bot farms, so be prepared for that!
There is not many videos that would make me instantly subscribe. But this is one of them. Well done:)
This is a great video! Completely unique topic (geopolitically anyway), I think you captured the story really well.
Keep up the good work (when you can!)
Great to have another channel highlighting the oddities and interesting things in the world :)
Incredible video!! Absolutely stunning scenery and, wonderful filming, and nice narrative!! Really hope you channel continues to grow so we can see more like this!!
Very enjoyable video sir, and congratulations on making it into the tom scott newsletter!
Really loving your channel, can't wait to see more. And those views were stunning.
Brilliant video, inspired me to subscribe!
Me: Mum! I want The Tim Traveller!
Mum: We have The Tim Traveller at home.
*The Tim Traveller we have at home*
Only kidding.. Thanks again for another great video ^_^
I like my home and I like this channel 😂
I like the amateurish quirkiness of Tim but I like the approach of this young lad here more!
I'm appreciating the familiarity, but definitely enjoying Gabe's own style that's showing up more he does..
I only make the joke because of his comment in the Irish cow ski lift video ^_^
It's Tim Traveller if he had the nerve to leave Western Europe.
Here before Tim responds to this
Your dedication to let us all peak over your shoulder at things that are obscure but do not deserve to be forgotten is nothing short of incredible. Sir, I salute you and humbly thank you for another treat. I suppose the relevant expression is "bloody well done"!
Thank you for going to the really interesting places.
Been on the other side of the Iranian border at this spot in 2019, have a number of photos of the Jolfa Railway Ironbridge and Iranian plague/memorials, plus overlooks of the then still active (as of 2019) railway up by Chapel of Chupan and Monastery of Saint Stepanos. Totally agree, the scenery looking into Azerbaijan was (is) stunning.
Great video! I really like the kinda-scenic shots of you talking (like at 11:07 or at the end). So it's fine to show yourself more in the video. :D
An interesting video with just the right amount of levity.
I've been poring over the rebuilt Azerbaijani section and it really is impressive. They claim to be over halfway complete with the work, and there's a corresponding highway also being constructed. Turkey may also build a rail link to the Nakhchivan border to form a route to move consumer goods between China and Europe. Turkey previously built a direct rail link to Georgia between the border towns of Kars and Akhalkalaki to avoid Armenia. Here's hoping the section your video focused on gets finished and this route is used again.
As a side note, there was a bust of a prominent Armenian Soviet politician at the Meghri station - did you see it?
World class video ❤
Nice video.
Your explanation opened up a lot of unknown things for me.
I keep asking, what the hell could have been so bad about the overlord USSR?
same with the federal Republic of Yugoslavia and other mini-states in the region that were pacified from outside,
that the local princes were determined to strive for partition again.
Ultimately they just made everything worse.
Many thanks for making this. A fascinating insight into some grim history set amidst stunningly beautiful landscapes. I'm looking forward to what comes next.
The same happened with railway lines between India and Pakistan .
There is an international connection from Iran to the isolated Azerbaijan section of the line that it is opened. Also I think that the section of the line in that region is in service... perhaps a short-term solution could be to build a corridor via Iran
Only Iran and Azerbaijan have different track gauges 😂 Iran uses Standard gauge and Azerbaijan uses russian wide gauge
The thing is: Azerbaijan wanted to revoke the autonomy of Artzakh and there has also been anti Armenian pogroms in Baku.
No wonder people in Artzakh didn't want to remain part of Azerbaijan
Do you want to speak that the pogroms of Baku was a reaction to the pogroms of Kafan, 1987?
Stop acting like Azerbaijani have done think out of nothing…
Armenians also deported all Azerbaijanis in Armenia and karabakh/ Outland of karabakh.
Thank you for this great video. Ive been many times to Armenia and its an absolute gem to visit ❤️ I hope the conflict settles for ever and stability returns to this part of the world
It stresses me out to think how long this would have taken to film. Fantastic.
Mate tell me about it, I'm definitely gonna be slightly less ambitious for my next video 😅 and thanks!
@ No problem...
...Gabe.
You are taking big steps after only a few baby steps with this channel.
Not complaining though. Not at all.
Oh totally, I'm going waaaay more low-key after this video. The next few are gonna be shorter and lighter!
@@WhatOnEarthIsThisThing Nononono, NO need to be shorter...! :)
Fascinating, informative and yet so very, very sad. The ego of Man causes so much suffering.
it'll take decades if not centuries for them to settle their differences, one way or another.
wherever you see peace today, it is the result of the wars and tragedy of the past, which is sets the equilibrium between ethnicities, nations, etc
whenever that equilibrium is upset, tragedy would return, until once again the equilibrium is found
Russia... Offers Military Protection... ahahahaha Russia Doesn't even the second best army in Russia anymore so what on earth could they do....
as always though great vid, many thanks
damn it, I came here to laugh not to feel.
@@ericmosher6969 I can only apologise 👀
While Artzakh has been kept alive by Armenia, it kinda still worked as it's own country with it's own government and parliament.
BS.😂😂😂 Armenia ran artsakh like a colony
The same happened with the Georgia to Russia line, between Abjazia and Georgia, track lifted and a bridge blown up.
For another GREAT train trip try Andimeshk to Doorod in Iran. Spellbinding trip through the Zagros? Mtns with heaps of tunnels, valley and legendary Iranian hospitalit
I hope you also took a ride on the world's longest aerial tram in Tatev?
@@OnkelJajusBahn I did indeed! It was mad. I could not believe how high it was. Unfortunately I didn't film it
@WhatOnEarthIsThisThing Great to hear
I would say "somewhat mental alphabet". Check out Mongolian, Tibetan, or Burmese. There is a cool sculpture of the Armenian alphabet just a couple of km from the border crossing with Georgia by the way.
Please tell me you went to Wank
Ha you'll be disappointed to hear but that's a Polish-language map and the town's actually called Vank or sometimes Vangli. I know, it ruined my day too
that's why the guards came
I would say that TGM loco needs fitters attention (and an engine)
Yep, I expect a whole lot more videos on Caucasian railways. Once a glorious network it is now mostly defunct.
Try Sochi-Tbilisi line, that goes through Abkhazia
Or try Chiatura in Georgia. It used to have dozens of cable cars that functioned as both public and cargo transport in the town. Now, again, mostly defunct with 3 or 4 new passenger routes.
You present a pretty anti-Soviet viewpoint in this video and that's fair but it's hard for me not to see this as just one more tragedy resulting from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Great stuff man, huge fan of the channel, should be good things coming to you I think. I'd like to make a trip to the Caucuses soon myself, probably by hitchhiking through Turkey.
I don't know everything about the region. But isn't it a totally oversimplification to favour a overlord who just unite the region by its sheer power? The people and borders at heart are still the same as 200 years ago where all real borders were very very different.
Ah yes, let's give a sympathetic eye on the power that created this mess in the first place, for a purpose that doesn't serve anyone but itself...
What, the whole theme of the video is that it was great to have the railway in Soviet times and it's sad that it's not in use any more. I would question how good those times where, even though it has little to do with the railway itself.
There were a lot of Greeks there before 1923 !
.....btw.....
Jesus did preach to worship the OneGod/TheCreator and not anything else, and so did his followers, peace be upon them all.
This unsettled the Roman Empire because this idea of Monotheism went against their pagan beliefs where the emperor was both emperor and god. They persecuted the followers of Jesus and even attempted to kill Jesus, even a Roman Empire servant Saul of Tarsus was out to kill Jesus.
Saul never managed to meet Jesus in real life but after Jesus was taken up to Heaven Saul said he saw a dream and said he will now preach the teachings of Jesus. Saul of Tarsus is also known in todays christianity as Saint Paul, so todays christians are actually on the teaching of ''Saint'' Paul which brings in trinity and godhead figure of Jesus and rejects Monotheism.
-Jesus was commanded to preach Monotheism, which he did and early followers were Monotheistic (Islamic) believing people, which later changed with the Roman Empires paganism spreading
-Jesus was commanded to preach ONLY to the Israelites, which he did, but after him Saul of Tarsus aka ''saint Paul'' started to preach to the Gentiles, which is the foundation of todays christiandom.
-Jesus was commanded to rule for the circumsicion which he did, but it was taken out after he left
-Roman Empire in 325 AD held a council, with empire alligned 'scholars'' to decide and VOTE on whether Jesus was to be worshipped or not, they VOTED that Jesus be accepted as god (in aliagn with the pagan beliefs of the Roman traditions) and ever since the trinity became the 'christian way' (not what Jesus preached), and sinc that time the Church has chronicled how many times the ''Bible'' has been changed, verses removed and verses added to SUIT this altered idea of trinity!
Best wishes, life is short.
The Tarkovsky of infrastructure UA-camrs
My a new rail line be bild ther buy 2 nations at peace.
🚂😥
Armenian authorities didn't only pull out and sell thier section of the railroad, they also systematically destroyed every single Azerbaijani village, town and City in the occupied zone.
Can you speak a bit faster please, my hearing aid couldn't keep up.
Glory to the USSR
Sorry but it irritates me when someone says Azerbaizhan instead of Azerbaijan.
So sad that these railways are long lost due to ruthless Russians... -___-
ftgj these 120 years old railways are not usable anyway. In 21st century - single track, sharp curves along the river, short loops, terrible winter weather condition (snow) and so on. They have to build completely new line Turkey-Baku, north of Nakhichevan, with direct base tunneling, heavy load, double stack load gauge and so on, but it is completely impossible while Russia continues to wage wars everywhere.
Too politically… and too pro Armenian, dislike
Cope
11:14 This railway, you romanticise as have been encouraging closer ties between ethnic groups was used to deport Azerbaijani and Kurdish populations of Armenian SSR. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deportation_of_Azerbaijanis_from_Armenia