Architecture of Azerbaijan

The architecture of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan memarlığı; اذربيجان ممرليغى) refers to the architecture development in Azerbaijan.

Architecture in Azerbaijan typically combines elements of East and West. Many medieval structures such as the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs in the walled city of Baku survive in modern Azerbaijan.

Among other medieval architectural treasures reflecting the influence of several schools are the Shirvan shahs' palace in Baku, the Palace of Shaki Khans in the town of Shaki in north-central Azerbaijan, the Surakhany Temple on the Apsheron Peninsula, a number of bridges spanning the Aras River, and several mausoleums. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, little monumental architecture was created, but distinctive residences were built in Baku and elsewhere. Among the most recent architectural monuments, the Baku subways are noted for their lavish decor. The urban planning and architectural activities are regulated by the State Committee for City Building and Architecture of Azerbaijan Republic.

Palaces

Main article: List of palaces in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has many beautiful old palaces. One famous palace is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku. Another is the Palace of Shaki Khans in Shaki. There are also the Palace of Nakhchivan Khans, the Baku Khans' Palace, the Palace of De Boure, and the Masjidli Caravanserai. These palaces show the rich history and culture of the country.

Mosques

Main article: List of mosques in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has many beautiful mosques that show a mix of styles from both the East and the West. These buildings are important parts of the country's history and culture, and many of them still stand today.

Castles and fortresses

Main article: List of castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has many old castles and fortresses. These structures were built to protect people and places long ago. Some of these famous buildings still stand today, showing us how people lived and built things many years ago.

Skyscrapers and highrises

In the late 1990s, many tall buildings began to appear in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, and they have kept growing since then.

Flame Towers

Port Baku Towers

Ritz-Carlton Baku Hotel

SOCAR Tower

Crescent Development project

20th-century architecture of Azerbaijan

During the Soviet era, Azerbaijan began building new settlements around Baku, like Binagadi, Rasulzade, Bakikhanov, Montin, and Mammadyarov. The city planning for Greater Baku included new neighborhoods and better transportation in the Absheron area.

In 1929, the first class of architects graduated from Azerbaijan’s Polytechnical Institute. Architects S. Dadashov and M. Useynov designed many important buildings, such as the Bayil factory, the Azerbaijan Industrial Institute (now the Azerbaijan State Academy of Oil and Industry), and several schools in Gazakh. After World War II, work continued on the Governmental House of Baku, finishing in 1952. The Nizami Theatre and the old Ministry of Food Industry building showed new styles in design. Many schools were built across the country, and city plans for Yevlakh, Khankendi, and Sheki began.

The National Library named after M. F. Axundov opened in 1961, mixing modern and classic styles. The Presidential Palace was completed between 1977 and 1986, standing twelve stories tall with marble and granite walls. Many historic towns and areas were protected as important architectural sites.

21st-century architecture of Azerbaijan

Flame Towers

Main article: The Flame Towers

Azerbaijan is often called The Land of Fire, so many buildings there use flame shapes. The Flame Towers are a great example of this style. They are the tallest buildings in the country, standing 182 meters high. These towers have three parts: a hotel, apartments, and offices. They also have bright LED screens that light up the night. Building started in 2007 and finished in 2012.

Haydar Aliyev Culture Center

Main article: Haydar Aliyev Center

Another important building is the Haydar Aliyev Center. It tells stories from old Azerbaijani myths about the Caspian Sea. The famous architect Zaha Hadid designed it in 2007. The center has no straight lines, showing a mix of old and new styles. It covers a large area and stands out as a symbol of modern Baku.

Baku Crystal Hall

Main article: Baku Crystal Hall

The Baku Crystal Hall was built to host the Eurovision 2012 event in Baku. Work began in 2011 and finished in April 2012. It can hold up to 25,000 people, including special rooms for important guests. The hall has a beautiful lighting system with many projectors and cables brought from Germany.

Baku Olympic Stadium

Main article: Baku Olympic Stadium

Construction of the Baku Olympic Stadium began in 2011. It opened in March 2015 and can hold 68,700 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Azerbaijan. Around the stadium, there are hotels, parking spaces, and lots of green areas. The stadium was chosen as one of the best in the world.

National Gymnastics Arena

Main article: National Gymnastics Arena

The National Gymnastics Arena can hold up to 9,000 people, depending on the event. It has two stages and special areas for sponsors. It is located near the Koroghlu metro station on the Heydar Aliyev highway.