1977 - 1999

The Azerbaijani people have an ancient history and a rich culture, and one of the brightest examples of this culture is located in the city of Baku. The oldest center of the capital, Icherisheher, holds special significance with its architectural heritage, street layout, residential complexes, and historical monuments. World-renowned landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs situated here bring Azerbaijan’s past into the present day. Icherisheher has also been the center of social, cultural, and economic life for centuries. This area plays an indispensable role in the city’s development history.

• On August 10, 1977, by Decision No. 280 of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR, Icherisheher was granted the status of a State Historical-Architectural Reserve. This decision enabled the establishment of a special protection regime for the complex and ensured its preservation under state supervision. From that period onward, more systematic restoration and reconstruction efforts in Icherisheher began. This step laid the fundamental groundwork for the future protection of the complex.

On 15 September 1981, the decree signed by Heydar Aliyev marked a new stage in the preservation of Icherisheher. This decree approved large-scale measures for the protection of urban planning and architectural monuments. Specific instructions were issued to accelerate restoration and reconstruction works in Icherisheher. It also required the expansion of archaeological excavations and close monitoring of the technical condition of the monuments. This document served as further proof that Icherisheher had been declared a state-level priority.

On 23 March 1984, a new decree was adopted titled “On Improving the Measures for the Protection, Restoration, and Use of the ‘Icherisheher’ Complex Located in the City of Baku.” This decree aimed to ensure more efficient implementation of ongoing works within the complex. The restoration of monuments, renovation of residential quarters, and improvement of utility networks were brought to the agenda. At the same time, new approaches were proposed to enhance the area’s tourism potential. This decree created the conditions for the continuous continuation of preservation efforts in the complex.

From 1988 onward, the political and social events taking place in the country weakened the preservation process of Icherisheher. During this period, restoration works were almost completely halted, and many protection mechanisms lost their functionality. Some of the monuments suffered damage due to lack of maintenance. This was a stage that posed a serious threat to the future of Icherisheher.

In 1993, Heydar Aliyev’s return to power gave new momentum to the restoration works in Icherisheher. This period was characterized by the renewed state attention to the monuments. Previous projects for the protection of the Icherisheher complex were revisited and adjusted to the current situation. Restoration and inventory works began to be carried out in a more systematic manner. This became one of the key steps for the revival of Icherisheher.