The Caspian delicacy is known worldwide and supplied to Europe’s royal courts and Michelin-starred restaurants. But overfishing, and lack of regulation, brought it to the brink of disappearing.

Their initial videos raised some eyebrows by focusing on alcohol, other drugs, and sex. Occasionally, they veered into the political realm, yet with a Soviet-style understanding of where the "red lines" were. Light and comedic.

Faced with spiking traffic fatalities and accidents,  the government is determined to rein in wild driving and the resulting carnage.

In this region, neighbouring Georgia is automatically associated with wine. Azerbaijan, by contrast, is rarely associated with viniculture, though its roots run deep.

Realising that fossil fuels would not last forever, Kazakhstan took steps to diversify its economy. This included a new focus on its tourism industry. Though under-developed, officials knew it was an area that had much to offer.

Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze, a 19th century aristocrat, was one of Georgia’s earliest women's rights advocates. Her cookbook was revolutionary in catering to both rich and poor.

Thomas Goltz is one of the best-known writers on the Caucasus region. He is a trained Shakespearean actor, and predictably, legendary for eccentricity and drama.

Folk dance is as important for Georgians as their history, language, delicious cuisine and famous hospitality traditions.

Since the new government came to power, it has embarked on an ambitious economic reform plan. And that includes the long-ignored tourism sector.