2000 - 2017

In 2000, the inclusion of Icherisheher in UNESCO’s World Heritage List was a significant historical event. This status confirmed the international importance of Icherisheher. From that point onward, the preservation of the monuments had to be carried out in accordance with international standards. Within the framework of cooperation with UNESCO, specific recommendations were provided, and a long-term strategy was developed.

In 2002, Azerbaijan’s membership in the International Center for the Study and Restoration of Monuments strengthened the country’s international relations in this field. This also had a positive impact on the restoration works carried out in Icherisheher. Opportunities for collaboration with foreign specialists expanded, and new methodologies and technical standards began to be implemented. This process created conditions for a more professional preservation of the complex.

In 2003, the World Heritage Committee included Icherisheher on the list of endangered monuments. This decision indicated that the condition of the complex was critical. The strong earthquake that occurred on 25 November 2000 had caused significant damage to Icherisheher. Cracks appeared in the walls of many historic buildings, and the stability of some structures weakened. This made it necessary to accelerate the restoration works even further.

On 17 February 2003, the decree signed by Heydar Aliyev played a crucial role in the rescue process of Icherisheher. The decree called for the urgent restoration of the complex’s technical condition. Additional funds were allocated for the preservation of infrastructure and architectural elements. Extensive monitoring and inventory works were carried out by specialists. This document marked the beginning of the path that would lead to Icherisheher’s removal from the endangered list.

On 10 February 2005, by the decree of President Ilham Aliyev, the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department was established. This department created a unified structure for managing the complex. The functions of protection, restoration, tourism, and supervision were centralized. This allowed activities to be carried out in a more professional manner. The establishment of the Department marked a significant qualitative change in the management model.

The decree of 18 August 2006 further strengthened the process of preserving historical and architectural monuments. The document envisaged the application of modern approaches in restoration works. At the same time, measures for the renovation of engineering infrastructure were also specified. This decree added additional momentum to the development of Icherisheher, and state-level support was expanded.

On 16 May 2007, the approval of the Department’s Charter officially defined its operational mechanism. The Charter precisely regulated the Department’s rights, duties, and functions. This strengthened the legal foundations for the protection and management of the complex. Strategic planning and implementation processes became more efficient, and the Department began organizing its activities in accordance with international standards.

From 22 to 30 June 2009, at the UNESCO World Heritage Committee conference held in Seville, Spain, a unanimous decision was made that there was no threat to the preservation of Icherisheher or to maintaining its value. This demonstrated the successful results of several years of extensive restoration works. UNESCO considered the condition of Icherisheher satisfactory and removed it from the endangered list. This event was regarded as a significant achievement for Azerbaijan.

Based on the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which holds the legal status of an “executive authority,” the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department has been established as a public legal entity.

The Charter of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department Public Legal Entity, established on the basis of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan and operating within the territories of the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve and the “Gala” State Historical-Ethnographic Reserve, was approved by a Presidential Decree. The Department is engaged in the scientific, historical, and cultural study, promotion, purposeful use, preservation, and development of historical and architectural monuments.