Maştağa, Azerbaijan

With a population of over 43,700, Maştağa is no sleepy village. This bustling settlement just outside Baku has a rich history stretching back centuries, but its rapid Soviet-era growth has left a legacy of bureaucratic headaches for residents. Though the city boasts architectural gems like 27 historic bathhouses and 20 mosques, newcomers may find navigating Maştağa's byzantine administration a persistent challenge. For those undaunted by red tape, however, this vibrant community with deep roots offers a window into Azerbaijan's storied past.