Baku: The history of urban planning in Azerbaijan is rooted in the rich traditions that have evolved over centuries. Ancient cities like Gabala, Shamakhi, Barda, Ganja, and Baku were not only economic and political centers but also exemplified advanced urban planning with features like street layouts, market squares, and water supply systems.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, historical records highlight the significant urban planning achievements of ancient Azerbaijani cities. Gabala, for instance, had extensive craft workshops and administrative centers, while Barda was a major city in the Middle East during the IX-X centuries. Shamakhi, despite devastating earthquakes, showcased durable construction techniques, with the Juma Mosque being a prime example of medieval urban planning.
The mid-XVIII century saw the rise of independent khanates in Azerbaijan, marking a new era in urban planning. Cities like Shusha, Sheki, and Guba developed as key economic and cultural centers. Shusha's strategic location and planned structure were notable, with its fortress walls and neighborhood systems facilitating trade. Sheki emerged as a craftsmanship hub, exporting silk and other products, while Guba's streets and market areas demonstrated functional urban planning.
The discovery of oil in Absheron marked a turning point in Baku's urban transformation. The historical use of oil for various purposes paved the way for Baku's development as a settlement. The industrial revolution further enhanced the strategic importance of oil, leading to Baku's emergence as a key point on the global industrial map. The commissioning of the world's first mechanically drilled oil well in Bibiheybat in 1846 signaled the start of the modern oil industry, transforming Baku from a medieval fortress city to an industrial metropolis.
The transfer of oil fields to private entrepreneurs by Tsarist Russia in 1872 ushered in a new stage in Baku's economy and urban planning. Investments by industrialists like the Nobel brothers and the Rothschild family led to the parallel development of industrial infrastructure and urban space. The construction of the Baku-Tbilisi railway and the Baku-Batumi oil pipeline further cemented Baku's role as a logistical hub.
By 1901, Baku was producing 11 million tons of oil annually, transforming it into a leading industrial center. The influx of capital from oil reshaped the city's architecture and urban planning, with new administrative buildings, shopping centers, and residential areas emerging. Baku's population grew rapidly, necessitating new urban planning approaches and blending classical Eastern neighborhood systems with European-style urban development.
The oil boom not only fueled Baku's economic rise but also influenced its urban planning culture. The city became a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, influenced by architects from Europe. Polish architects, in particular, played a significant role in shaping Baku's architectural landscape, contributing to the formation of the 'Baku style' that combined Eastern ornaments with European neoclassicism.
Modern Baku continues to evolve, with the transformation of the 'Black City' into the 'White City' reflecting ongoing urban development. Hosting the World Urban Forum - WUF13 highlights Baku's significance as a global urbanism center. The city's historical and modern urban planning achievements position it as a hub for sustainable development and modern architectural principles, showcasing its continuous urban transformation on an international stage.