Architecture

The earliest architectural monuments of Baku were temples and fire sanctuaries. The Maiden Tower, built in the 6th century, became the city’s defining symbol, while Baku itself was encircled by formidable defensive walls.

Construction expanded significantly in the 10th and 11th centuries, with the Sinig Gala Minaret, erected in 1078, standing as one of the key monuments of that period. In the 13th century, the construction of the Bayil Castle - a residence of the Shirvanshahs - played an important role in the city’s development.

The 14th century saw the building of the Juma Mosque and additional defensive towers. In the 16th century, the architectural jewel of Icherisheher, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace complex, was created. The city expanded further during this period, with the construction of caravanserais and new sections of fortification walls.

In the centuries that followed, Baku continued to grow as a centre of trade and administration. In the 18th century, it became the capital of the khanate, and in the 19th century the city expanded rapidly beyond its historic fortress walls.

By the late 19th century, the rapid development of the oil industry had transformed Baku into one of the fastest-growing cities in the Caucasus. Grand mansions and public buildings financed by newly wealthy oil magnates reshaped the urban landscape and established a distinctive architectural character.

Buildings in Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles lent the city a distinctly European appearance, earning Baku the nickname “the Paris of the Caucasus”. Notable examples from this period include the Baku City Executive Authority building, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, the Institute of Manuscripts and the Palace of Happiness.

Shaki is widely regarded as one of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque cities, long associated with craftsmanship, trade and distinctive architecture. It is characterised by winding cobbled streets, a preserved historic layout and a recognisable architectural style of its own.

The historic quarter of Shaki retains the features of traditional medieval Azerbaijani urban culture, where the natural landscape and historic buildings combine to create a unique city panorama shaped over centuries. In recognition of these qualities, the upper historic district was designated the “Yukhari Bash” National Historical and Architectural Reserve in 1967.

The architectural traditions of Shaki’s historic quarter took shape in the 18th and 19th centuries, evolving in response to the local climate, the mountainous terrain and the social and cultural fabric of the city. As a major centre of trade and silk production during this period, these activities were clearly reflected in the character and layout of its buildings.

The area features caravanserais, arched bridges, substantial mosques and madrasas, historic springs, mills, traditional bathhouses and the residences of wealthy merchants. The use of local river stone, brick and timber in construction lends the city a distinctive and unmistakable character.

Among Shaki’s principal architectural landmarks, the Khan’s Palace stands out for its outstanding universal value. Built in the 18th century during the period of the khanates, this exceptional monument is located within the fortress complex in the upper part of the city, set amid ancient plane trees.

One of the palace’s most striking features is its shabaka windows - a rare example of decorative applied art. Composed of thousands of intricately cut wooden and coloured Murano glass elements, these structures are assembled without nails or adhesive, creating a distinctive interplay of light and shadow within the interior. The palace’s interior walls are richly adorned with murals, mirrors and finely crafted wooden decorative elements.

Shaki served as a key stop along the ancient trade routes linking East and West and was particularly renowned in the 19th century as one of the region’s centres of silk production. The steady flow of caravans and merchants through the city led to the establishment of several caravanserais, of which two - the Upper Caravanserai and the Lower Caravanserai - have survived to this day. Built in the 18th century, these structures reflect both the architectural character and the commercial history of Shaki. The city continues to preserve its silk-making traditions, alongside a number of other crafts.

In recognition of these qualities, Shaki’s historic centre was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2019.