View source for Architecture of Azerbaijan

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{more footnotes needed|date=June 2014}}
{{Azerbaijanis}}
The '''architecture of Azerbaijan''' ([[Azerbaijani language|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 (Baku)|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, Azerbaijan|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 (Azerbaijan)|State Committee for City Building and Architecture of Azerbaijan Republic]].

== Palaces ==
{{Main article|List of palaces in Azerbaijan}}
<gallery widths="220">
File:Azerbaigian-baku3.jpg|[[Palace of the Shirvanshahs]], [[Baku]]
File:Shekikhan.JPG|[[Palace of Shaki Khans]], [[Shaki, Azerbaijan|Shaki]]
File:Nakhchivan khan palace2.JPG|[[Palace of Nakhchivan Khans]]
File:Bakı xan sarayına daxil olan binalardan birinin Bazar meydanına baxan fasadı.jpg|[[Baku Khans' Palace]]
File:National Art Museum of Azerbaijan (de Burs House) edited.jpg|[[Palace of De Boure]]
File:Şuşa şəhəri20211213 161454.jpg|[[Caravanserai of Agha Gahraman Mirsiyab|Masjidli Caravanserai]]
</gallery>

== Mosques ==
{{main|List of mosques in Azerbaijan}}

== Castles and fortresses ==
{{main|List of castles and fortresses in Azerbaijan}}

== Skyscrapers and highrises ==
At the end of the 1990s the highrise buildings abundantly appeared in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan and have, since then, continued to appear.<gallery widths="220">
File:Flame Towers (July 2012).jpg|[[Flame Towers]]
File:Port Baku.jpg|[[Port Baku Towers]]
File:The Ritz-Carlton Baku.jpg|[[The Ritz-Carlton Baku Hotel|Ritz-Carlton Baku Hotel]]
File:Rail yard, Baku (P1090213).jpg|[[SOCAR Tower]]
File:Crescent Development Project in 2024 3.jpg|[[The Crescent Development project|Crescent Development project]]
</gallery>

== 20th-century architecture of Azerbaijan ==
The initial stage of architectural development in Azerbaijan during the [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic|Soviet era]] is related to the establishment of working settlements around Baku such as [[Binəqədi raion|Binagadi]], Rasulzade, [[Bakıxanov|Bakikhanov]], Montin, and Mammadyarov.

The general layout of the Greater Baku, one of the first major plans in the former USSR, also included construction of new regions. In addition to measures to solve the housing problem, transport communication has also been improved in the [[Absheron District|Absheron]].

The first graduate program of the Faculty of Construction in Polytechnical Institute of Azerbaijan was in 1929. The young architects S.Dadashov and M.Useynov designed and constructed the Bayil factory (a present-day maternity hospital), the new building of the Azerbaijan Industrial Institute (the present Azerbaijan State Academy of Oil and Industry) (1932), House of Fine Arts Workers, a number of residential buildings, and the Pedagogical Technical School in [[Qazax|Gazakh]] (all in 1933).

In the 1930s, a new stage in Azerbaijani architecture began. The construction of Governmental House of Baku was started in 1934, but the beginning of the [[World War II|Second World War]] ceased the construction operation. After the War in 1945, the construction of the unfinished building began anew, with completion in 1952.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/1249546/government-house-baku-azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024043231/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/1249546/government-house-baku-azerbaijan|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 24, 2017|title=Government House}}</ref>

The [[Nizami Cinema Center|Nizami Theatre]] and the former building of the Ministry of Food Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan (both during 1937–1939), which were constructed on the bases of Dadashov and Useinov's projects, were different from other buildings due to their volume-space structure and architectural solutions.

At the end of the 1930s, many school buildings were built in the country; in addition, the general layouts of [[Yevlakh]], [[Khankendi]] and [[Shaki, Azerbaijan|Sheki]] cities were started.

The [[National Library of Azerbaijan|National Library]] named after M. F. Axundov, was built in 1961 in a synthesis of modern and classical styles. The project of this library was provided by Mikhail Huseynov, known as the largest library building in the [[Caucasus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://azertag.az/en/xeber/AZERBAIJAN_NATIONAL_LIBRARY_AFTER_AKHUNDOV_TO_BECOME_EEL_MEMBER-573671|title=Azerbaijan National Library after Akhundov to become EEL member}}</ref>

Yusif ibn Kuseyr and Momina Khatun mausoleums created by [[Ajami Nakhchivani]], whose 850th anniversary was celebrated in 1976, were rescued from destruction and reconstructed.

[[Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan|The Presidential Palace]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.president.az/administration/palace|title=Official page of Presidential Palace of Azerbaijan}}</ref> was built on the basis of a project built under design Fuad Orujov (project manager), Tahir Allahverdiyev (architect) and Madat Khalafov (designer) between 1977 and 1986. The palace is a twelve-storey building with façades of marble and granite.

Different decisions and events, related to problems of protection of historically Azerbaijani towns and all town-building systems, have been carried out. [[Shaki, Azerbaijan|Shaki]] (1968), [[Old City (Baku)|Icharishahar]] in [[Baku]], [[Susa, Azerbaijan|Shusha]] and Ordubad (all in 1977), [[Lahıc, Ismailli|Lahidj settlement]] (1980), [[Nardaran|Nardaran village]] (1992), [[Shabran District|Shabran]] town, [[Davachi]] region (2002), Ilisu village, [[Qax (city)|Qakh region]] (2002), Arpachay bank, [[Ordubad]] region (2002), Chiraggala tower, Davachi region (2002), Kish village, Shaki region (2003), Pir Huseyn khanagah (abode), and Hadjigabul region (2004) were announced as historical reserves of the architecture of Azerbaijan.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijan.az/portal/Culture/Architecture/architecture_04_e.html|title=Development of architecture in Azerbaijan in the 20th century |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930092603/http://www.azerbaijan.az/portal/Culture/Architecture/architecture_04_e.html|archive-date=2018-09-30|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijans.com/content_1747_en.html|title=Historical architectural buildings}}</ref>

== 21st-century architecture of Azerbaijan ==

=== Flame Towers ===
{{Main|Flame Towers|l1=The Flame Towers}}
[[Azerbaijan]] has long been called [[The Land of Fire]]. For this reason, many flame figures are being used in this country. [[Flame Towers|The Flame Towers]] architecture is the most prominent representative of flame figures in Azerbaijan. The flame-shaped structure is equipped with LED screens. It is the tallest building in the country with height of 182 m. The total area of the building is 235,000 square meters. The Flame Towers consist of three buildings, including hotel, apartments, and offices. The building's construction began in 2007, with completion in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/business/economy/1714383.html|title=Baku to open Flame Tower}}</ref> In 2013, it was awarded the "best hotel and tourist center" grant by MIPIM.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.diaholding.com/sayfalar.asp?LanguageID=2&cid=136|title=Baku Flame Towers Project was granted with the "Best Hotel and Tourism Complex" award by MIPIM.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707172510/http://www.diaholding.com/sayfalar.asp?LanguageID=2&cid=136|archive-date=2018-07-07|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bakuwhitecity.com/en/newsd/40-the-symbol-of-modern-baku-flame-towers-has-received-an-international-award|title=The symbol of modern Baku - FLAME TOWERS - has received an international award.}}</ref>
[[File:Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.jpg|thumb|288x288px|[[Heydar Aliyev Center]]]]

=== Haydar Aliyev Culture Center ===
{{Main|Heydar Aliyev Center|l1=Haydar Aliyev Center}}
One of the most important and visible example of new architecture in Azerbaijan is [[Heydar Aliyev Center|Haydar Aliyev Center]]. The Haydar Aliyev Cultural Center includes the history of rise of the [[Caspian Sea]] in the Azerbaijani mythology. [[Zaha Hadid|Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid]] was appointed as an ''architectural designer'' of the Haydar Aliyev Center in 2007. The center is considered to be one of the symbols of modern Baku. The area of the complex is 15.93 hectares. The straight line has not been used in the project. The lines of the building symbolize the merging of the past with the future. Center aims breaking from the monumental Soviet architecture which is quite common in Baku and to express the sensibilities of Azeri culture and the optimism of a nation that looks to the future.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.yatzer.com/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects-baku-azerbaijan|title=The Heydar Aliyev Center By Zaha Hadid Architects In Baku, Azerbaijan}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/project/2015/26036/zaha-hadid-architects/heydar-aliyev-center-in-baku.html|title=Zaha Hadid Architects’ Azerbaijani cultural centre}}</ref>
[[File:Baku Crystal Hall.jpg|left|thumb|270x270px|[[Baku Crystal Hall]]]]

=== Baku Crystal Hall ===
{{Main|Baku Crystal Hall}}

The Baku Crystal Hall is sport-entertainment complex, which was built to host the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012|Eurovision 2012]] in Baku.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/crystal-hall-approved-as-eurovision-2012-venue|title=Crystal Hall approved as Eurovision 2012 venue}}</ref> On August 2, 2011, it was announced that main agreement was signed with the German construction company named ‘’Alpine Bau Deutschland AG’’ and necessary preparation had begun.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=154140|title=German company to construct Modern Sport-Concert Complex in Azerbaijan’s capital|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325184943/http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=154140|archive-date=2012-03-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''' '''Arena construction was completed on 16 April 2012. The capacity of this hall is 25,000 spectators and VIP rooms in the arena. The magnificent lighting system used in the Baku Crystal Hall consists of over 2,500 projectors and more than 3,000 meters of cable which were brought from [[Germany]]. Light-emitting diodes with an area of more than 1,300 m are placed in the form of electronic windows on the scene of the Baku Crystal Hall.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/1929119.html|title=Venue likely to host Eurovision 2012 in Baku to be biggest ever in recent history of contest}}</ref>
[[File:Baku Olympic Stadium in 2024.jpg|thumb|265x265px|[[Baku Olympic Stadium]]]]

=== Baku Olympic Stadium ===
{{Main|Baku Olympic Stadium}}
The construction of the stadium has started on June 6, 2011 with the participation of President [[Ilham Aliyev]], former [[FIFA]] and [[UEFA]] presidents – [[Sepp Blatter]] and [[Michel Platini]] respectively. The opening ceremony of Baku Olympic Stadium was held on March 6, 2015 and stadium is considered to hold major sport events in Azerbaijan. This multifunctional stadium is the [[List of football stadiums in Azerbaijan|largest stadium]] in Azerbaijan with total capacity of 68,700 seats for spectators. The Baku Olympic Stadium is chosen to be the 7th best stadium in the world by StadiumDB.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stadiumdb.com/competitions/stadium_of_the_year_2015|title=Stadium of the Year 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://azeriamericanews.com/2017/05/26/baku-olympic-stadium-named-one-of-the-worlds-bests/|title=Baku Olympic Stadium named one of the world’s bests}}</ref> The construction of the stadium was given to [[Tekfen Construction and Installation|TEKFEN]] which is the [[Turkey|Turkish]] company with Design &Build contracts. Several hotels, parking spaces (total 3,617 car places) and green space (81,574 square meters) has been created in the area around the stadium. Baku Olympic Stadium is consisting of VVIP, VIP – CIP Suites total 127 each with 720 spectator's capacity, 1,800 Seating Capacity Warm Up Area, MEP Building, Info Centre and Two External Buildings.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stadiumguide.com/baku-olympic-stadium/|title=Baku Olimpiya Stadionu}}</ref>
[[File:National Gymnastic Arena of Azerbaijan.jpg|thumb|National Gymnastic Arena|246x246px]]

=== National Gymnastics Arena ===
{{main|National Gymnastics Arena}}

The National Gymnastics Arena, designed for 9,000 people, is located close to the Koroghlu metro station on the Heydar Aliyev highway.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadwaymalyan.com/press-releases-archive/2014/5/broadway-malyan-raises-the-bar-with-new-national-gymnastics-arena-in-azerbaijan|title=Broadway Malyan raises the bar with new National Gymnastics Arena in Azerbaijan}}</ref> The number of seats can be altered from 5,000 to 9,000 seats depending on the capacity and nature of the competition. The Arena has 2 stages, VIP category for serving sponsors on each floor, resting rooms, and a dining room.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mga.az/en|title=Official page|access-date=2017-10-23|archive-date=2018-05-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504114328/http://www.mga.az/en|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baku2017.com/en/venues/national-gymnastics-arena|title=National Gymnastics Arena|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024043653/https://www.baku2017.com/en/venues/national-gymnastics-arena|archive-date=2017-10-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.osram.com/ls/projects/national-gymnastics-arena/index.jsp|title=Flashy Facade for International Championships}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Qız qalası 2013.JPG|[[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]] in [[Baku]]
File:Palace of Shirvanshahs common.JPG|The [[Palace of the Shirvanshahs]]
File:Mardakanbashnya2.JPG|[[Quadrangular castle (Mardakan)|Quadrangular castle of Mardakan]]
File:Ասկերանի մայրաբերդ17.JPG|[[Askeran Fortress]]
File:Momina Khatun Tomb.jpg|[[Momine Khatun Mausoleum]]
File:Shaki khan palace 1.jpg|[[Palace of Shaki Khans]]
File:Nakhchivan khan palace7.JPG|[[Palace of Nakhchivan Khans]]
File:Gandzasar (Vanq) Church.JPG|[[Gandzasar monastery]] in [[Kalbajar District|Kalbajar]]
File:Дадиванк.jpg|[[Dadivank]] monastery
File:Bakirə Məryəmin Məsum Hamilələyi kilsəsi (Bakı, pravoslav).jpg|Orthodox Church of Saint Michael Archangel in Baku
File:Baku, Russian-Orthodox Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral.jpg|Orthodox [[Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral]]
File:2014 Szuszi, Katedra Chrystusa Zbawiciela (01).jpg|[[Ghazanchetsots Cathedral]] in [[Shusha]]
File:Barda Mosque 004 6836z.jpg|[[Imamzadeh Mausoleum (Barda)]]
File:Church in Baku.jpg|[[Church of the Immaculate Conception, Baku]]
File:Church of Saviour in Baku.jpg|[[Lutheran]] [[Church of the Saviour, Baku]]
File:Qoşa minarəli məscid. Şamaxı şəhəri.JPG|[[Juma Mosque, Shamakhi]]
File:Muhammad Mosque (Baku) 1.JPG|[[Muhammad Mosque]]
File:Azerbaijan Monument.jpg|[[Taza Pir Mosque]]
File:Mosque of the Martyrs.jpg|[[Mosque of the Martyrs]]
File:Потолок-купол.jpg|[[Dome]] of the [[Bibi-Heybat Mosque]]
File:Heydər məscidinin uzaqdan görünüşü.JPG|[[Heydar Mosque]]
File:Hacı sultanəli məscidi.jpg|[[Haji Sultanali Mosque]]
File:National Art Museum of Azerbaijan (de Burs House) edited.jpg|[[National Art Museum of Azerbaijan]] (De Bur's Palace)
File:Ismailiyye palace main façade, Baku, 2015.jpg|[[Ismailiyya Palace]] in Baku
File:Mirtağı Babayevin sarayı axşam vaxtı.JPG|[[Palace of Seyid Mirbabayev]] in Baku
File:Government House in Baku.jpg|[[Government House, Baku|Government House]] in [[Neftchilar Avenue]], Baku.
File:FilarmonaSide.JPG|[[Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall]]
File:Mayoralty of Baku main façade, 2015.jpg|[[Baku City Executive Power|Mayoralty of Baku]]
File:Səadət sarayı ümumi görünüş.jpg|[[Palace of Happiness]]
File:Baku Aquatic Palace, view.jpg|[[Baku Aquatics Centre]]
File:Baku Crystal Hall 2014 1.jpg|[[Baku Crystal Hall]]
File:Absheron Baku Hotel.jpg|[[JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel]]
File:Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center.jpg|[[Heydar Aliyev Center|Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center]]
File:Port Baku.jpg|[[Port Baku Towers]] and [[:az:Port Baku Residence|Port Baku Residence]]
File:Bibi Heybat Mosque Baku 1.jpg|[[Bibi-Heybat Mosque]]
File:Müqəddəs İohann kilsəsi (Göygöl) (13).jpg|[[St. John's Church, Goygol|St. John's Church]]
File:Ganja ImamzadeComplex 004 4664.jpg|[[Imamzadeh Complex (Ganja)]]
File:Aghdam Juma Mosque after restoration 03.jpg|[[Agdam Mosque]]
</gallery>

==See also==
{{portal|Architecture}}
* [[Architecture of Baku]]
* [[Culture of Azerbaijan]]

==References==

Seyran Valiyev and Fuad Akhundov both contributed to this article. The book "Baku" by Leonid Bretanskiy was also referenced (Iskusstvo (Art) Publishing House: Leningrad, Moscow, 1970).

{{Reflist}}

{{Asia in topic|Architecture of}}
{{Architecture of Europe}}
{{Azerbaijan topics}}
{{Islamic art}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Architecture Of Azerbaijan}}
[[Category:Architecture in Azerbaijan| ]]