Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan:

 

Urban planning and architecture in Azerbaijan have a rich and centuries-old history. Valuable architectural monuments have played an exceptional role in shaping the unique identity of our major cities, which, located along the Silk Road, maintained close economic, political, and cultural ties with Eastern countries and served as important centers of trade, craftsmanship, and culture.

 

Historical cities of Azerbaijan, which are outstanding examples of urban planning and architectural art and have always been distinguished by their high level of development, grew and expanded in accordance with the architectural trends of past eras while preserving the main features of local culture.

 

Today, state-protected fortresses, caravanserais, mosques, temples, and mausoleums reflect the bright traditions of national architecture. World-significant monuments, evoking pride through the perfection of their artistic and architectural design, such as the Mausoleum of Momine Khatun, Khudafarin Bridge, the “Ateshgah” complex, and other unique examples, have become symbols of Azerbaijani architecture.

 

Our rare treasures included in the UNESCO World Heritage List – the Old City (Icherisheher) and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, embodying the urban culture of antiquity and the Middle Ages; the Maiden Tower, still preserving its majestic spirit; the historic center of Shaki and the Khan Palace – are worthy monuments that hold an honorable place among the world’s masterpieces of urban planning and architectural art.

 

The creative work of the great master Ajami Nakhchivani, whose 900th anniversary was celebrated within the framework of UNESCO, profoundly influenced medieval architecture in Azerbaijan and the countries of the Middle East and represents the highest peak of the architectural school of his time.

 

By the mid-19th century, certain changes were already reflected in the planning structure and architectural style of Azerbaijani cities. Rapidly industrializing Baku began to acquire its unique appearance, combining Eastern and Western architectural influences in a harmonious synthesis of tradition and modernity.

 

In the 20th century, special attention was paid to the creative use of national traditions in urban planning and architecture. During this period, a number of cities were rebuilt, their previous appearance changed, and urban planning in regions was prioritized. This period, dominated by the work of two prominent architects, Mikayil Huseynov and Sadiq Dadashov, was characterized by the creation of a new architectural style based on national traditions.

 

The years of leadership of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev represented a significant stage in the development of urban planning and architecture in Azerbaijan. During these years, on the initiative of the Great Leader, important decisions were made and measures implemented to preserve historically established cities and entire urban planning systems. Planned restoration of architectural monuments in cities was carried out, and institutional frameworks were established to ensure the continuity of architectural and urban planning activities.

 

After the restoration of state independence, new manifestations in urban development were clearly reflected in the architectural solutions of monumental complexes built across the country. Over time, through the implementation of projects reflecting advanced contemporary approaches and national experience, original examples of urban planning art with high spiritual and aesthetic impact were created. The addition of modern architectural monuments, such as the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Flame Towers, as symbols of continuous renewal, as well as the White City complex, further enriched the capital’s landscape, while the architectural appearance of regions was significantly transformed.

 

Today, in the social and economic development strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ensuring balanced development of the capital and regions, promoting sustainable settlement, and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are identified as priority areas of architectural and urban planning activity.

 

Large-scale reconstruction and construction works applying innovative approaches to revive life in territories occupied and devastated by Armenia for thirty years, following the Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, clearly demonstrate the comprehensive vision of the Azerbaijani state regarding architecture and urban planning. In accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return, these territories, designated as a “green energy” zone, have had planning documents prepared for over 100 settlements, including 12 cities, and construction works commenced within the extremely short period of 2020–2025 – a pace rarely seen in global architectural and construction practice. The revival of the city of Shusha – the cultural capital of Azerbaijan and a source of pride for the nation – by restoring its former architectural environment and authentic historical appearance is a testament to national will.

 

Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges related to climate change and urban development, as well as in developing innovative approaches. Joint initiatives with the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and national urban planning forums bringing together architects are successful examples of Azerbaijan’s collaborative work with international partners. The decision to host the Thirteenth Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026 demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing role in sustainable urban development processes.

 

Guided by paragraph 32 of Article 109 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and aiming to preserve the centuries-old traditions of urban planning and architectural culture, as well as to expand the promotion and application of progressive approaches responding to new challenges in this field, I hereby decree:

To declare 2026 in the Republic of Azerbaijan as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.”

 

The Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall, within one month, prepare and submit to the President proposals for an action plan related to the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

 

Ilham AliyevPresident of the Republic of Azerbaijan

 

Baku, December 22, 2025