UNESCO World Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage
Icherisheher is the ancient core of Baku, the historical heart of the capital of Azerbaijan. This unique urban complex has played an important role in the cultural, architectural and social life of the Caucasus for millennia, preserving the traces of different eras.
UNESCO World Heritage List
In 2000, Icherisheher was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This decision confirms that Icherisheher has an outstanding universal value not only for Azerbaijan, but for all of humanity. In 2003, Icherisheher was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger due to the earthquake in Baku and the lack of a unified conservation and management policy. In accordance with the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, dated February 10, 2005, the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher” was established. In 2009, the Master Plan for the Conservation of Icherisheher was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, and in the same year, Icherisheher was removed from the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger.
Living history
The narrow streets, ancient stone houses, mosques, caravanserais and baths of Icherisheher speak of the city's millennial history. Here, Eastern and Western architectural styles blend together to create a unique urban panorama. The mysterious silhouette of the Maiden Tower, the elegant ornaments of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the magnificence of the fortress walls reflect the artistic and historical value of Icherisheher, which has been formed over the centuries.
Today, Icherisheher is not just a historical monument - it is a living space. Here, antiquity and modernity coexist: cafes, galleries and art workshops operate between the ancient stone walls, and local residents go about their daily lives in this unique environment.
Open-air museum
As a result of restoration and conservation work carried out by the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher” in accordance with UNESCO standards, Icherisheher, while preserving its originality, has become an open-air museum for visitors from all over the world.