Baku 2015 Journey of the Flame began in Nakhchivan

Following its capture ceremony in Ateshgah on April 26 where the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev lit the first torchbearer’s flame, it has now embarked on 48 days of consecutive travel to 60 locations across Azerbaijan, commencing with a spectacular Festival of Fire in the landlocked enclave of Nakhchivan.

Images from festivities, which can be viewed at this link www.flame.baku2015.com  show locals taking to the streets to join in the celebrations and cheer the ten torchbearers along their route as they carried the flame on its inaugural journey lighting the way to the Games.

Polad Aliyev commenced running the 4.1km route before handing the flame to Afgan Gurbanov, the second of the torchbearers. Ibrahim Musayev. Kanan Asadov, Sahil Rusanov, Tural Gozalov, Farida Hanifayeva, Sakina Ibrahimova and Gulkhanim Jalilova all ran part of the relay with Khanim Khudadanova finishing up.

Tomorrow the flame will make its way to Lankaran for a second day of celebrations.