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Architecture
DEVELOPMENT OF ARCHITECTURE FROM ANCIENT TIMES TILL THE ADOPTION OF ISLAM
Due to its mild climate and favorable conditions for humans, Azerbaijan was one of the first places where ancient human civilizations occurred. The results of archeological excavations demonstrated that ancient people in Azerbaijan created numerous works of arts, specifically architectural monuments.
Architecture reflects the history of the humankind. It started with natural caves that served as homes for ancient people. Azerbaijan has numerous such caves within its territory, particularly in the foothills of the Major Caucasus and Minor Caucasus Mountains, in the Talysh Mountains, in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, in Zangilan, Kalbadjar, Gadabay, Khanlar, Shamaxi as well as the Azikh cave, which was discovered in the territory of the Fuzuli region. It was determined that people lived in those caves nearly 1.5 million years ago and tried to adapt natural caves to their lifestyle as a result of increasing awareness and the development of labor and building tools. They drilled hole (flues) in the ceiling to guide fire smoke out of the cave, and they made special hollows into internal walls to keep their tools. The construction works that were carried out in caves by the ancient people resulted in the appearance of artificial caves in later stages. The artificial caves were made into sheer cliffs and at the foothills of the mountains, just as natural caves are situated. They can be found in the south-eastern foothills of the Major Caucasus, in the Minor Caucasus, on the Bargushad and Akara banks in the Gubadli region, near the villages of Maraza, Sundi and Darakandi in the Shirvan region, as well as in the territories, which long ago belonged to the ancient states of Manna and Midia. Wherever the artificial caves were built, ancient people tried to build them at a certain height above ground level for security purposes. The methods of artificial cave construction started changing after the invention of masonry. People began to build new mud and half-mud huts after masonry was invented. Such buildings were usually constructed into mountainsides and hillsides. Ancient people did not have strong skills in masonry building and were not capable of constructing buildings to their desired height. They created an underground grotto in the lower part, while the upper part (the entrance) served as a porch of natural stones to protect them from heat and cold. Scientists report that such buildings existed even before the state of Midiya and were widespread during the period of Midiya.
At first masonry was used in front sides and laterals, then in back sides of grotto in next development period of buildings of cave type. Replacing of flat walls by masonry and improvement of people’s construction skill leaded gradually to appearance of overground buildings.
The buildings based on artificial caves passed a long way of historical development and became known under the name of Garadan in the history of architecture. Garadans that were built in Azerbaijan were gradually adapted to the local climatic condition and acquired various architectural-planning qualities. Domestic animals were usually kept in such residents as well. According to the historical sources, garadans were used in Azerbaijan until the beginning of the 20th century.
Megalith architectural monuments-cromlechs, menhirs (herdsman’s stone), dolmens and Cyclopes buildings were widespread along with the oldest places of residence found in Gobustan (caves, different primitive shelters and etc.).
These monuments made of high stones are called “galadja” or “horukdash” by people. Defense buildings as Chalkhangala near Nakhichevan (Bronze epoch) and Oglangala on the bank of the Arpachay river (II-I thousand years B.C) belonged to Cyclopes buildings. Rocky buildings (Bastam, Danali, Galaoglu and etc.) were found near the Araz river in Southern Azerbaijan.
New towns, defense buildings, grand towers were constructed in connection with birth of Manna state in the territory of Azerbaijan in IX-VII centuries B.C, then Atrapatena state in the south. Research of toms on cliffs of the Urmiya lakeside and monument complex in Hasanli region show that flat of porch type had been built since VII century. The fire altar (where holly fire kept) only religious monument of that time remained till nowadays. Architectural types, appeared in that period, influenced on consequent architectural development of Azerbaijan, as well as architecture of Iran and other Near East states in the Ahamanies period. Fire temples, appeared in connection with fire-worship spreading, are main religious buildings constructed before Islam.
Important steps were taken in town building in the period of Caucasian Albania (IV century B.C -VII century). Strong fortress walls and earthenware water-piping of Gabala town, defense system (“long walls”) built Damirgapi (Darband) passage, Chiraggala (VI century), Round Christian temple in Lakit village (V-VI centuries), basilica in Gum village (approximately VI century A.D.), temple complexes in Mingachevir (VII century) show high level of town-building culture. Architectural monuments of Sasanis period particularly attract attention. Gilgilchay wall, prolonged from the Caspian shore to the foot of Babadagh mountain, and Beshbarmagh wall, prolonged from Beshbarmag mountain in present Davachi region to the Caspian shore, create wide idea on development of fortification buildings.
Architectural direction changed in connection with spreading of Islam in Azerbaijan after Arabic occupation (VII century). Construction of buildings of new type as mosques, madrasas (religious school, caravanserais etc. became major line in architecture. Barda, Ardabil, Maragha, Urmiya, Shamaxi, Shamkir, Shabran, Beylagan, Gandja and Nakhichevan were important towns of Azerbaijan in that time. Turning of Shamaxi, Gandja and Nakhichevan into big towns happened in this period.
Christian temples, defense fortification were built in some provinces of Caucasian Albania along with Islamic buildings. Djavanshir tower, built in the territory of present Ismayilli (approximately VII century), and tower complex near Yukhari Askipara village of Gazakh region (V-VIII centuries) particularly attract attention.
Generally, Albanian buildings made in Azerbaijan territories before and after Islam took important role in architectural development. Some of them such as building remains of IV-V centuries in Pashan and Mukhakh villages of Zagatala region, Govurgala (VI century) in Boyuk Galdak village of Shaki region, Albanian monuments (IV-VIII centuries) in Boyuk Amirli village of Gabala region, Albanian church (middle ages) in Oguz town, Albanian church (I century) in Garakand village of Khodjavand region Nagorny Karabakh, Albanian temples in Sos village (IV century), Iatsi village (temple of V,VII and VIII centuries), in Tagaverd village (675), Guneychartar village (1236), Aterk village of Agdara region (V century), Kolatag (614), Gochogot (672, 698), former Dostahir (713), Gasapet (718), Chaldiran villages (XI century), as well as Susanlig (IV-V century), Vang (IX century), Trakhtik (1094), Tsakuri (1131), Mammadadzor (1147), Tug villages (1197) of Upper Nagorny Karabakh, Shushikand (905), Chanagchi (1065 and 1100), Khachmaz (1100), Khantsk (1122), Khndzristan villages (1202) of Asgaran region has been preserved till nowadays.
Development of architecture in the Middle Ages
During the raise of the Arab Caliphate, Barda became the architectural center of Azerbaijan. Wide-scale construction works such as the construction of mosques and other religious buildings, caravanserais, markets, bath-houses and etc. were carried out in Barda, which was called “The Baghdad of these places” in historical sources. Different architectural schools (Aran, Tabriz, Nakhicdhevan, Shirvan, Absheron) appeared in the 10-12th centuries in connection with the formation of small states after the Caliphate collapsed during the 9-10 centuries A.D. There was a common style among architectural schools of Azerbaijan. The majority of buildings, built by masters of the Aran architectural school (Ganja, Barda, Beylagan) were destroyed at the time of Gandja earthquake (1139) and Mongol invasion (XII centure). Remnants of those buildings were discovered by archeological excavations in Ganja and Beylagan. The remnants of three bridges over the River Gandja (XII century), residential buildings, bath-houses, etc., are evidencing the peculiarities of the Aran architectural school.
Monuments of the Nakhichevan architectural school differ by the bashtagh composition with multy-colored glazed ornaments, while the buildings belonging to Shirvan-Absheron school stand out for their simple architectural elements and decorative engraving ornament. Magnificence of architectural structure and decor difference are typical for the best monuments of the Tabriz school.
Style peculiarity of the Nakhichevan school reflected on tower-shaped mausoleums with rich decor and proportionate structure and other buildings, preserved till nowadays. Peak of this school presents Adjami Abubakr oglu Nakhichenai’s creation, the author of mausoleums Yusif ibn Kuseyr (1186) and Momina Khatun (1186) in Nakhichevan, as well as destroyed religious building complex. Character monumentality, composition proportionate and decor weakness, rational construction for his time, ornament playfulness is typical for his creation. His ornamental composition based on organic unity of art and mathematic thinking. Adjami’s composition and decorative ornament styles influenced on mausoleums of certain countries. Mausolem “Goy gunbaz” in Maragha (Blue cupola -architect Ahmad Mahammad oglu,1196) is particularly close to Adjami’s style. Maragha monuments occupied important place in the development of Azerbaijan architecture. Some of them, preserved till nowadays, are mausoleum “Girmizi gunbaz” (Red cupola – architect Bakir Mahammad,1148). Mausoleum “Uch gunbaz” (Three cupolas – architect Abu Mansur Mahammad,1185), built in Urmiya in this period, is close to Maragha monuments by its architectural structure.
Architectural styles, formed in the brick buildings of the Nakhichevan school, reflected on stone mausoleums such as Gulustan near Juga village, Nakhichevan AR (early XIII century), Seykh Babi Yagubi in Babi village (1273-1274, architect presumably Ali Madjidi) and Mirali in Ashagi Veysalli, Fuzuli region (XIII-XIV centuries). Because of similarity between mausoleums in Barda (architect Ahmad ibn Ayyub al-Hafiz Nakhichevani,1322) and Garabaglar village, Nakhichevan AR (early XIV century) and time of their construction show that they were built by the same architect..
Names of many Azerbaijan architects, mason and architectural ornament masters of X-XII centuries are preserved in different building inscriptions, stone flags, decorative ornamental wares and other sources till nowadays. Mahammad ibn Jafar (inscription in graveyard “Peygamber” (Prophet) of X century in Beylagan region), Ibrahim ibn Osman (Gandja gates, 1063), Mahammad Abubakr oglu (Siniggala mosque in Baku, 1078), Mohsun (XI century, works are unknown), his son Bandan ibn Mohsun (XII century, works are unknown), his grandchild Bakir Mahammad (“Girmizi gunbaz” mausoleum (Red cupola) in Maragha, 1148), Adjami Abubakr oglu Nakhichevani (Yusif ibn Kuseyr mausoleum in Nakhichevan, 1162, Momina Khatun mausoleum, 1186 and etc.), Ashur Ibrahim oglu (stone sanctuary of Ibrahim mosque in Icharishahar, 1171), Amiraddin Masud (XII century, works are unknown), Abu Mansur Musa oglu (“Uch gunbaz” mausoleum (Three cupolas) near Urmiya, 1185), Ahmad Mahammad oglu (“Goy gunbaz” mausoleum (Blue cupola) in Maragha, 1196), Masud Davud oglu (Maiden tower in Baku, XII century), Jamalladdin (mausoleum in Alichay khanagah (abode) Khanaga village, Nakhichevan AR, late XII century-early XIII century), Ahmad Abulbak oglu Castle in Mardakan (works are unknown, XII century, Marand), Abdulmadjid Masud oglu (Round castle in Mardakan, 1232 ), Zeynaddin Aburashid oglu Shirvani (“Bayil castle” apartment of Shirvanshahs in Baku port, 1235), Badraddin Tabrizi (Jalaladdin Rumi mausoleum in Konya city ,Turkey, 1273), Mahammad ibn Mahmud (mosque minaret in Amasiya city, Turkey, 1246), Mahmud ibn Magsud (minaret of Pirsaatchay khanagah (abode), 1256) Mahmud ibn Masud (Shafiulla mosque in Baku; XIV century), naggash Abdulmomin Shafarshah oglu (engraving ornament of mosque sanctuary in Tabriz, Urmiya, 1277), Mahmud Sad oglu (castle in Nardaran village near Baku, minaret of Bibiheybat mosque, 1305-13), Ahmad ibn Ayyub al-Hafiz Nakhichevani (Barda mausoleum, 1322), gaktarash Nizam Bandgir (engraving ornament of Juma mosque in Marand city, 1329), Hadji Mahammad (caravanserai in Isfahan, Tabriz, 1331), Sahbanzar (mausoleum in Khachindarbatli, Agdam region, 1314), Kashrasif Musa oglu (Khan bath-house in Nardaran, 1388) and etc. created the most valuable patterns of Azerbaijan architecture in X-XIV centuries.
Grand bridges were built in Azerbaijan in XII-XIII centuries. Some of them are Khudaferin bridges with 15 spans (XII century) and 11 spans (XIII century) over the River Araz, Broken bridge with 4 spans in present Gazakh region (Red bridge, XII century), 3 bridges built over the River Gandjachay (remains, XII-XIII centuries), bridge over the River Giziluzan near Minaya town, Southern Azerbaijan (“Maiden bridge”, XII century) and etc. particularly draw attention.
Stone constructions, volume-to-space laconism of the architecture, engraving plant ornament on stone are typical for Shirvan-Absheron architectural monuments, passed long development way. Sinniggala minaret in Baku (Mahammad Abubakr oglu, 1078), Maiden tower (architect Masud Davud oglu, XII century), Mardakan towers (Round tower, architect Abdulmadjid oglu, 1232; Four-cornered tower, XIV century), Nardaran tower (architect Mahmud Sad oglu,1301), Ramana tower (XIV century) and etc. are the best monuments of this school . “Bayil castle” of Shirvanshahs, built in Baku port in XIII century and remained under water, is one of the most interesting buildings of this period. This building complex, surrounding with tower walls with stone engravings, script and pictures on it (1235, master Zeynaddin Aburashimd oglu Shirvani and presumably architect Abdulmadjd Masud oglu), is rare architectural ensemble. Pirsaatchay khanagah (abode) formed in XIII-XIV centuries is one of buildings belonged to the Shirvan-Absheron architectural school. Construction date (1256) and name if its architect (Mahmud ibn Magsud) preserved on the minaret of this religious complex, built around Pir Huseyn mausoleum. Mature period of the Shirvan-Absheron architectural school is reflected in Diribaba mausoleum in Maraza (1402), Sheykh Guneyd mausoleum in Hazra village, Gusar region (1544) and Shirvanshahs palace complex in Baku (1420-60).
Birth of Elkhani state in the middle of XIII century caused certain reanimation in architecture.. Maragha observatory was built in the ruling period of Hulaku khan (1256-65), the founder of Elkhani dynasty. Tabriz city became center of architecture and art in connection with removal of capital to Tabriz city. Towns such as Arguniya, Gazaniya, Rashidiyya were built around Tabriz.
Political and economical life of Azerbaijan concentrated in the south of the country in connection with birth of Safavis state and declaring Tabriz the capital, as well as losing administrative center significance of Shirvan in the late XV century – early XVI century. Art traditions reached new development stage due to town expansion. Position of Tabriz in Azerbaijan architecture particularly strengthened.
Azerbaijan architects and naggashes worked in other countries, created interesting art patterns in XV-XVI centuries. “Signatures” of Azerbaijan architects remained on architectural monuments in Bursa, Cairo, Baghdad, Damirgapi (Darband), Herat, Samarkant and etc. The graceful gates of Green mausoleum in Bursa city (1420-21) were made by Azerbaijan master Ahmad Tabrizli. Tabriz masters decorated sanctuary of Green mosque in Bursa (1424) with porcelain made by their arms. Ali Tabrizli (was known under the names Captive Ali, Adjam Ali), the Azerbaijan architect taken to Istanbul by Sultan Salim I after Chaldiran battle (1514), built general arch of Topgapi palace and Sultan Salim mosque in Istanbul (1522).
XVI-XVII centuries were continuation of old traditions. Different town-building works were carried out in the territory of Southern Azerbaijan in XVI century. XVII century is significant with development of towns and creation of central complexes in those towns.
Construction of different buildings spread due to trade development in XVII-XVIII centuries. Caravanserais were built in Shamakhi, Gandja, Baku, closed markets in Ardabil (Geysariya market) and Tabriz, as well as religious and residential constructions. Residence constructions, mosques, caravanserais and trade buildings took important place in structure of Azerbaijan towns of that time.
Bath-houses were widely spread in Azerbaijan towns as in other Feudal East towns. Bath-houses served as places of rest, meeting, conversation and table game, as well as ceremonies along with sanitaria-hygiene. The best examples of Azerbaijan bath-houses were remained in Nardaran village, Absheron, (1388, architect Kashtasif Musa oglu), Icharishahar part of Baku (Qasimbey bath-house, XIV century , Hadji Qayib bath-house, XV century), Basgal (XVII century), Gandja (“Hollow bath-house “, XVII century), Shusha (“Merdinli” bath-house), Quba (“Hollow bath-house ), Shaki (“Agvanlar bath-house” XIX century), Agdam (bath-house of Abdal Gulabli village, architect Kerbalayi Safikhan Qarabagi,1900).
Disintegration of Azerbaijan into separate khanates and economical disorderliness of the country caused stagnation in architectural and construction development in XVIII century. In separate cases architectural solution lag is observed in architecture of buildings, elevated on base of old traditions. Turning point appeared in the town-building along with this. Big towns and residential places became administrative and art centers of khanates.
Asgaran tower, built by Nagaorno-Karabakh khan Panahali (then was expanded by Ibrahim khan), is the largest defense building of that time. Asgaran tower, elevated on the right and left banks of the River Gargar, is consisted of two fortifications.
Interesting examples of popular residence constructions of XVIII-XIX centuries remained in Zagatala, Shaki, Ordubad, Shusha, Guba, Gonagkand, Gandja and Absheron.
Azerbaijan architects, masons and masters such as Ustad Hadji’s son (architect; Diribaba mausoleum in Maraz, 1402), Mahammad Madjid Tabrizi (naggash; sanctuary of the Green basin , 1424), Ali ibn Hadji Ahmad (master of engraving on wood; gates of basin in Bursa), architect Ali (Mahammad Ali; mausoleum of 1435 Shirvanshahs complex in Baku), Hadji Ahmad (architect ; “Gates of fourties” in Darband and Big mosque, XV century), Yusif ibn Ustar Zahir (architect ; Sheykh Badraddin mausoleum in Hazra village, Gabala region, 1446), Tadjaddin (architect; Quba region; 1446), Hodja Ali Hasil Tabrizi (architect; school building of Musalla ensemble in Herat, XV century), Shamsaddin (architect; Shah mosque in Mashad, 1451), Neymatulla Bavvab ibn Mahammad (calligrapher and glaze master; inscriptions of Goy mosque in Tabriz,1465), Shamsaddin Tabrizi (architect; Ali mosque in Isfahan, 1522), Shamsaddin Shamakhi (architect; Sheykh Mansur mausoleum in Hazra village, Gabala region, 1570), Captive Ali (Tabriz; many building were constructed in Turkey (Istanbul, Konya, Askishahar, Chorlu, Tekirdag, Qabza, Trabzon, Hadjilar), Bulgaria (Sofia), Yugoslavia (Sarajevo) and other cities in 1515-37 years; main works are 2nd general arch of Topgapi palace in Istanbul, Sultan Salim mosque, 1522; Sayfaddin Qazi mosque Sofia, mansion libraries, mosque complex, in Sarajevo, 1532; Herdsman Mustafa mosque in Gabza and etc..) Amirshah Valyankuhi (architect; stone engraving general arch of Eastern gates Shirvanshahs palace ensemble in Baku, 1584), Sheykh Bahaddin (architect and scientist; Juma mosque in Candja and architectural ensemble around it, 1606), Nadir Ali ibn Master Yarali (architect; mausoleum, XVII century), Parviz (architect; mausoleum in graveyard of Buzovna village, Absheron, 1641), Ismayil Naggash Ardebili (calligrapher and naggash; ornament of general arch of Ali gates of Sheykh Safiaddin complex in Ardabil, 1647), Yusifshah ibn Malik Safimai (architect; general arch of Ali gates in Sheykh Safiaddin complex , 1647), Baba Sheykhidjan (architect; caravanserai in Maraza village, 1613), Murad Ali (architect ; Hadji Bakhshi mosque in Nardaran, 1663), Abdulazim Sahkar (architect; mausoleum complex in Kalakhana village, Shamakhi region, XVII century), Baba Ali (architect; bath-house in Mammadli village, Abshero, 1663), Maharram (architect; mosque in Bina village, Absheron, 1697), Bunyad (architect; mosque in Mashtaga village, Absheron, 1716), Abbasgulu (architect and naggash; celling ornament of big salon in Shaki khan palace; XVIII century) and others created in XV-XVIII centuries.
Development of Architecture in the 19th century
The most typical distinguishing features of Azerbaijan’s architecture in the 19th century were the expansion of towns, application of Russian town-planning principles and the development of the general layouts of Ganja, Shemakha and Baku.
The construction of advanced buildings, after Northern Azerbaijan was ceded to Russia, had a significant importance. New buildings such as theaters, schools, hospitals, and houses were constructed in the middle of the 19th century. The establishment and continuous development of capitalist relations produced a strong impact on the architectural development of Azerbaijan. The peculiarities of Azerbaijani architecture can easily be found in Baku buildings that were built during the period of oil industry development in the 19th-20th centuries. Baku was becoming one of the largest cities in Russia.
The architecture of Azerbaijan was developing in two main directions – the house composition principles that played a significant role in the planning of housing structure, and European architectural traditions. Local architects and popular masters created their housing compositions at the base of traditional architectural forms. The representatives of the European Architectural Schools (St. Petersburg Civil Engineering Institute and the Emperor’s Academy of Arts) also contributed to the construction of housing in Baku. The national architecture did not have opportunities for revelation, and the market was dominated by European architectural styles and eclecticism. The strengthening of European architectural tendencies in buildings and the unavailability of professional local architects prevented the national architectural styles from developing. This is why any kind of usage of the national style in architecture was very important for the development and propaganda of national architecture. Nevertheless, at that stage, it was only reflecting itself in the construction of religious and cultural-residential houses.
In addition to residential housing, the most typical constructions built in Azerbaijan in the 19th century were trade houses. Such buildings were usually used as trade enterprises and handicraft workshops. Shops in Baku, Gandja, Shusha and Guba are the most vivid examples of such buildings.
Hospitals and small medical enterprises were also built in Azerbaijan during this period. The hospital, built under architect G.Hadjibabayev’s project in Salyan in the 1860s, operated until the beginning of the 20th century.
The construction of theater buildings started in Azerbaijan in the second half of the 19th century. That was a completely new type of architecture in Azerbaijan The first theater building was constructed in Shamakhi (in 1858, by architect G.Hadjibabayev), followed by the Tagiyev theater in Baku (currently known as the Azerbaijan State Theater of Musical Comedy, 1883, I.Kongovitski, destroyed at the end of the 1980s ) and Mayilov Theater (currently known as the Azerbaijan State Theater of Opera and Ballet, in 1911, by architect N.G.Bayev, the building burnt down in 1985 and underwent reconstruction from 1986-87).
Large and monumental religious buildings were constructed in the first half of the 19th century.
Local style architecture schools continued with the old traditions in some ways, which appeared in Azerbaijan in this period. The typical external peculiarities of mosque buildings were taught in local architecture schools of Azerbaijan such as Baku-Absheron, Guba-Gusar, Gandja-Nagorny Karabakh, Shaki-Zagatala, Lankaran and Nakhichevan.
The Bey mosque in Baku (Icharishahar, architects Mahammad Haashim al-Bakuvi and Mirali an-Nagi bin Seyyid Huseyn,1895), the Gasim bey mosque (architect Mashadi Mirza Gafar Ismayilov, 1896), the Tazapir mosque (1905-14), the Goy mosque (Blue mosque – 1912-13), the V.Mukhtarov’s mosque in Amirdjan (1909, architect of all three mosques is Z.Ahmadbayov) are the most typical buildings standing for capitalism.
European architecture failed to lay down its roots in the Karabakh area, which was known for its long time held architectural traditions and a variety of national architectural monuments. In Karabakh, it was simply missed among the local styles. Nagorny Karabakh had a special architectural school, of which Karbalayi Safikhan Garabagi was the most well-known representative. Karbalayi Safikhan, who was loyal to local traditions and principles, restored the Imamzade complex in Barda (1868), the Agdam mosque (1868-70), the Ashagi mosque (1874-75), the Yukhari mosque or the Juma mosque in Shusha (1883), the Hadji Alakbar mosque (1890), rural mosques in Horadiz (1891-1908) and Godjahmadli (1906) – currently known as the town of Fuzuli, the Tatar mosque in Odessa (1870s), the Garabaglilar mosque in Ashgabad (1880s), and so on.
The construction of factories, stores, ports, bridges, stations and other structures led to the formation of industrial and transport architecture in Azerbaijan. Two different industrial areas existed in the period of capitalism development. The first was Baku – the industrial center of Azerbaijan, with large oil plants and suburban industrial areas. The second consisted of manufacturing buildings for silkworm-breeding plants, quarries, cotton cleaning plants, wineries, copper plants in Gadabay and Galakand, as well as copper and cobalt plants in Dashkasan. The connections between these industrial areas improved after the Baku railroad station was built in 1883. The development of various fields of industry led to the evolution of industrial architecture in Azerbaijan.
Development of architecture in Azerbaijan in the 20th century
A few of architects, masons, masters, mosaic decorators who created in the 19th and early 20th centuries are Ustad Taghi (Shamakhi, architect; mausoleum complex Yeddi gunbaz – “Seven cupolas”, Shamakhi graveyard, 1816-17), Hadji Maharram (architect; fences of the Juma mosque in Baku, 1822), Mirza Qadim Iravani (mosaic decorator; wall mosaics of the Sardar palace, 1850s), Suleyman (calligrapher; mosque inscription of Amirdjan village, Absheron, XIX century), Mirza Mehdi (Gandja, calligragh; mausoleum stone inscription in Rahimli village graveyard, present Goranboy region, XIX century, Zeynal and Radjab (architect; mosque in Bilgah village, Absheron, 1839), Zeynalabdin (Baku, architect, mosque in Bina village, Absheron, 1844), Mirza Cafar (Shamakhi, mosaic decorator), Ustad Qanbar Qarabaghi (Shusha, mosaic decorator), Safar (master Qanbar Qarabagi’s brother; mosaic decorator), Master Qurbanali (Shamakhi; mosaic decorator), Shukur Qanbar oglu (mosaic decorator – all participated in decorative design and reconstruction of Shaki khan palace, XIX centur), Jahangirbay Aliyev (architect; general layout of Agdash, 1910), Zirvarbay Ahmadbayov (engineer-architect; Tabriz mosque in Baku and etc.).
The first stage of the architectural development in Azerbaijan during the Soviet period was related the construction of the working settlements of Binagadi, Rasulzade, Bakikhanov, Montino, Mammadyarov around Baku). Working settlements in Absheron were the first examples of young Soviet architecture.
The general layout the Greater Baku – one of the first general layouts in the former USSR, envisioned the construction of new districts. The transportation infrastructure was improved and measures were taken to resolve housing problems in Absheron. The railway station linking Baku with the petroleum districts was built in 1926. The buildings constructed along the former Soviet Union’s first railroad had quite interesting architectural solutions in them. The Sabunchu station building, constructed at that time (architect N.G.Bayev), is one of the most interesting examples. The construction of the Mammadyarov settlement – one of the first housing estates of that time, was of the Soviet importance.
The first graduation of the Faculty of Construction of the Polytechnical Institute of Azerbaijan was in 1929. Young architects S.Dadashov and M.Useynov started to create actively and developed numerous projects within a short time. Among the most attractive of their projects are the Bayil factory (present maternity hospital), new building of the Azerbaijan Industry Institute (currently known as the Oil Academy of Azerbaijan) – both 1932, the House of Fine Arts Workers, several housing buildings, the Pedagogical Technical School in Gazakh – all in 1933.
The works regarding planting of trees and gardens in Baku began in the 1920s.
M.A.Sabir’s statue was replaced by the present monument (sculptor J.Garyagdi, architects G.Alizade, A.Ismayilov). Construction of the new seaside boulevard (extension of the old boulevard) in 1930s had influence on improvement of the central part of the general plan of the city.
Big public houses’ completion and greenery expansion, provided in general layout of 1924-1927s, are typical for Baku architecture development of this period. One of the important measures in implementation of general layout was construction of the territory uniting the 28th May street and the Bulbul avenue. The Nizami Theatre and the former building of the Ministry of Food Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan (both in 1937-1939), built upon projects by S.Dadashov and M.Useynov, draw attention for volume-space structure and architectural solutions. They used forms and styles that were typical for antique Greek and Renaissance architecture.
A number of schools were built in Baku and other cities of Azerbaijan during 1933-36. Four-storied buildings, constructed upon projects by S.Dadashov and M.Useynov in Baku and other towns of the country, distinguish for expressiveness of architectural solutions. Classic forms along with national architecture traditions are typical for these projects.
Tendency towards adaptation of new architecture to national architecture characterize Azerbaijan architect’s creative search of that time. Joint activity of S.Dadashov and M.Useynov took leading place in the development of this direction.
Project on reconstruction and consequent development of Gandja (S.Godjamanli and A.P.Slobodyanik), approved in 1939, was one of the largest general layout of the republic towns after Baku one in the soviet period. New industrial buildings, schools, institutes (the Pedagogical Institute building named after Hadji Zardabi, S.Dadashov, M.Useynov, 1940), cinemas, club and hotels, bridges over the River Gandjacay were built after establishment of soviet rule. Projects of Nizami Gandjavi’s statue was worked out in connection with his 800th anniversary (sculptor F.Abdurrahmanov, architects S.Dadashov, M.Useynov) and erected after the Second World War (1946; the USSR State Award, 1947). Thorough reconstruction works were carried out in Nizami mausoleum, projected in the type of traditional Azerbaijan mausoleums, structure of poet’s mausoleum was much more changed (architect F.Imamguliyev) in connection with his 850th anniversary in 1980-1990s.
The general layouts of Yevlakh, Khankandi and Shaki were also developed in the 1930s. The construction of schools was in the focus of attention at that time.
The activities in the architectural sector encouraged the establishment of the Department for Architectural Works under the Azerbaijan SSR SPC in 1944. The necessity for the construction of new industrial centers was motivated by rapid development of economy in Azerbaijan. The establishment of Sumgait and Dashkesan buildings in Azerbaijan began in mid-40s, followed by the construction of Mingechevir.
The projecting and construction of the Neft Dashlari (Oil Stones) – steel pillar settlements in the open sea – heralded the beginning of a new era in post-war architecture. The Neft Dashlari was built in connection with the discovery of rich oil fields in the Caspian Sea in 1949. This extraordinary settlement includes dwelling houses, cultural objects, overpasses, etc.
The rebuilding of the Baku city center continued together with the creative activity of Azerbaijani architects in the 1950s. Reconstruction works were carried out in the city center, where a number of advanced buildings were erected. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan was built during 1950-1960s. The buildings of the Baku branch of V.I.Lenin’s Central Museum (1954, 1955, H.Madjidov), M.F. Akhundov’s Republican Library (1960, M.Useynov), the Azerbaijan State Theater of Drama (1960, G.Alizade, M.Mammadov), Central Department Store (1961,N.Kangarli) and others have also enriched the architectural image of Baku.
The first high-rise dwelling houses were constructed in the mountainous area of the former Sovetsky street (presently – N.Narimanov avenue). The construction of the plateau at H.Javid avenue was one of the largest measures in the architecture practice of 1950s. The complex of Azerbaijan Republic Academy of Sciences (1951-1966s, M.Useynov), dwelling houses in H.Javid avenue caused reconstruction of the Azerbaijan Polytechnic Institute building (dated to 1931-1933, S.Dadashov, M.Useynov) and appearance of districts with good amenities.
Public and cultural-housing destination buildings were constructed in other towns as well. Construction of culture buildings in Dashkasan, Mingachevir, cinemas, shopping centers, kindergartens and schools in Baku and region centers became mass. The construction of the Musical Dramatic Theatre in Nakhichevan (1961, A.Ismayilov, H.Madjidov) laid down the basis of the city center, as envisioned in the general layout. Administrative building with longish structure constructed in the center of Gandja (1960, F.R.Leontyeva), occupied superior place.
The measures on the liquidation of wastefulness in projecting and construction of buildings, as well as the expansion of industrial bases heralded the beginning of a new stage in the architecture of Azerbaijan. These measures included building of numerous apartment houses in free areas and necessitated radical changes in the project procedures.
The wide-scale construction of identical buildings took the place of individual projects. This was how large housing estates were built within a short time.
The new period in town-building and architectural development of Azerbaijan began in Azerbaijan in the 1960s. Baku, the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan, grew into a large capital city during these years.
This was also the time of erection of wonderful architectural ensembles and advanced buildings, which defined the city image. Most of them were projected at personal initiative and under the strict control of Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev.
It should be noted that Heydar Aliyev made an outstanding contribution into the development of the general layout of the Baku city. He determined the future fate of the Baku city by meeting the modern town-building requirements. The industrial buildings built in and around Baku, the infrastructure and transportation system, were the basis of the current independence and economic growth of Azerbaijan.
Several large public buildings and monuments were erected during the late 1960s – early 1980s. The State Circus (A.Ismayilov, F.Lcontycva), The Republic Palace (V.S.Shulgin, B.I.Ginzburg, E.R.Melkhisedekov, engineer K.Karimov), hotels “Baku” (H.Madjidov), “Garabag” (E.RMikhisedekov), “Azerbaijan”, “Moscow”, “Absheron”, new building of Chief post office (the projects of the last 4 buildings by M.Huseynov, with aid of N.Akundova and A.N.Oltetcianan), the Republic Statistics Unit (T.Khanlarov and etc.), the Baku Railway Station (Sh.Zeynalova, Y.N.Kozlov, Kh.Rahimova), building of the Baku city Nariman district Executive Power (T.Khanlarov), building of the State political parties and public movements archive (Sh.Zeynalova, Y.Qadimov), “Nigah sarayi” ( Marriage palace) (I.Aliyev) Ceremonial palace complex “Gulustan” (H.Amirkhanov, N.Hadjibayov, T.Sharinski, F.Rustambayova, N.Ismayilov, K.Karimov; the Azerbaijan SSR State award, 1982), the first line of Sharq Bazari shopping center (Eastern market) (U.V.Revazov, P.I.Yarinovski), Track and field athletics manege (Z.Quliyeva), building of the Baku city Nizami district Executive Power (T.Khanlarov, H.Mukhtarov), building of the President Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan (T. Abdullayev), etc., improved the architectural view of the city. Such large public buildings as Sport palace (T.Abdullayev, O.Isayev, Y.Qadimov, T.Khanlarov), the second line of the Sharq Bazari complex (Eastern market) (U. Revazov, P. Yarinovski), 18-storeyed Calculating Center (T. Khanlarov, H. Mukhtarov) and etc. draw attention in respect to size-space and town-building solutions.
Architect Rasim Aliyev, the designer of the apartment building for the heads of foreign states in one of the wonderful corners of Baku city in this period, can recall that Heydar Aliyev personally was coming there at least twice a week to take interest in problems and difficulties of the construction works. He gave instructions to architects upon room placing according to requirements of international diplomatic activity as early as in the project period. Delivery of necessary construction materials from foreign countries was possible out thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s attention and managerial abilities. Heydar Aliyev even chose sorts of trees for park zone around the building. To be in short Heydar Aliyev’s architectural talent and international experience are seen in form of organic synthesis in the construction of this apartment.
The necessity of subway construction appeared due to the difficulties in transport communication between separate districts of Baku in result of speedy expansion of the city. It is interesting that underground construction had been already provided in the general layout variant of 1932 of Baku. The first sector of the first line (5 stations) of the Baku subway was opened on November 6 1967. Baku was the fifth republic, owning underground transport, in the former USSR at this time.
The construction of the first line of 12 stations of the Baku subway was over with opening of station “Nizami” on December 31 1976. The second line of 4 stations, was launched in 1985, and the third line of 2 stations in 1989.
The Baku subway is very interesting due to the high level of its architectural arts, quality of construction and the synthesis of architecture and fine arts.
Yusif ibn Kuseyr and Momina Khatun mausoleums – the examples of rare arts created by Adjami Nakhichevani, whose 850th anniversary was celebrated in 1976, were salvaged and reconstructed. Reconstruction works were carried out in other monuments of the country, Barda mausoleum, Diribaba mausoleum in Maraz, Hazra and Kalakhana mausoleums were restored. Besides, intensive and planned works on monument reconstruction are carried out in Shaki, Shusha, Shamakhi, Ordubad, Baku and etc. The Shirvanshahs palace ensemble, an example of Azerbaijan stone architecture of Middle Ages in Baku, is particularly important. Restoration and effective usage of old public and religious buildings in Gandja are result of architecture explorers’ hard works and efforts. Bala Bahmanli, Gizilbadjili, Ozan, Zarrabi mosques, caravanserais and other monuments are thoroughly restored.
Nevertheless, Azerbaijan architectural heritage was subjected to losses in the last century.
Besides, Nagorny Karabakh and surrounding regions ( Lachin, Kalbadjar, Zangilan, Gubadli, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Agdam) were occupied in result of the war begun by Armenia against Azerbaijan since 1990s. Numbers of Azerbaijan monuments remained in these territories were destroyed.
Different decisions and measures, related to protection problems of Azerbaijan towns and all town-building systems, have been carried out. Shaki (196 8), Icharishahar in Baku, Shusha and Ordubad ( all in 1977), Lahidj settlement (1980), Nardaran village (1992), Shabran town, Davachi region (2002), Ilisu village, Qakh region (2002), Arpachay bank, Ordubad region (2002), Chiraggala tower, Davachi region (2002), Kish village, Shaki region (2003), Pir Huseyn khanagah (abode), Hadjigabul region (2004) were declared as historical reserves of the architecture of Azerbaijan.
Large works on preserved zones carried out in historically formed towns as Nakhichevan, Gandja, Shamakhi. Working out of cultural heritage protection is directed to spreading of experience, acquired in planning and construction of Guba, Gazakh, Lankaran, Lahidj, Barda, Zagatala towns, as well as settlements like Tala in Nardaran village (Absheron), Gala, Mardakan, Zagatala regions.
Usage of depleted oil-fields and, areas emptied in result of industrial enterprise removing, are provided in general layout of Baku in respect to architecture-planning and size-space, lack of territory, the junction of the Eastern and Western construction styles, detached with industrial areas until 2000. Expansion of Baku borders, construction of housing estates in large area will change geographical and architecture-artistic image, scale of the city.
