News

On December 23, 2025, a press conference was held at the Administration of the “Icherisheher” State Historical and Architectural Reserve, dedicated to the presentation of the work carried out in 2025 in the field of protection, restoration, and promotion of cultural heritage within the territories of the Icherisheher and Gala reserves, as well as future plans.

The event was attended by administration officials, residents of Icherisheher, media representatives, and influencers.

Within the framework of the press conference, a video showcasing the projects and activities implemented throughout the year was first presented.

Subsequently, Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the “Icherisheher” State Historical and Architectural Reserve, delivered a detailed overview of the work accomplished in 2025. He noted that the main objective of the activities carried out was not only the modernization of infrastructure but also the renewal of management culture and the formation of a sustainable development model.

According to him, all works throughout the year were consistently implemented based on a pre-defined strategic framework and a systematic action plan. This approach enabled efficient use of resources and the achievement of long-term results.

He emphasized that institutional reforms were carried out in governance, the organizational structure was optimized, and more flexible and transparent management mechanisms were introduced. Financial discipline was strengthened, and training and development programs were launched to enhance employees’ professional skills. At the same time, internal process standardization was expanded, and mechanisms to improve working conditions were optimized.

Addressing physical restoration and landscaping works carried out within the reserve, the Chairman stated that facades and balconies in Icherisheher, as well as along Neftchilar Avenue, were renovated in stages, and elements inconsistent with the historical appearance were removed.

He also noted that kiosks were dismantled at the main entrance to Icherisheher from Neftchilar Avenue and around the Double Gates area. This step contributed to the creation of a more open, aesthetic, and functional public space.

Significant steps were also taken to organize pedestrian movement and ensure physical accessibility. The implemented measures created more comfortable and safer conditions, particularly for persons with limited mobility. Additional measures were taken to improve the organization of traffic and pedestrian flows along Neftchilar Avenue.

As part of works carried out in internal areas, 213 unsafe balconies along A. Aliyev Street, Neftchilar Avenue, and V. Mammadov Street were repaired; 15 unsuitable wooden and plastic balconies were restored in line with historical and architectural standards. In addition, current repairs were conducted in 28 residential buildings, and street stone pavement repair and restoration works were carried out over an area of 1,364 square meters.

During the event, Yuliya Pasternak, Chief of Staff of the Administration, spoke about the development concept, the activities of Community and Service Centers, as well as efforts to improve tourism and service quality and priorities for the upcoming period. She also provided detailed information on strengthening revenue potential in the tourism sector, introducing a unified tariff system, public-private partnerships, increasing cashless transactions, and transforming Icherisheher into a self-financing cultural heritage center by 2028, increasing non-budgetary revenues.

Board Member Aytac Alisultanli emphasized in her speech that the core essence of the “Smart Reserve Development Strategy” is not intervention in the historical environment but the application of modern approaches in the protection and management of cultural heritage. She noted that Icherisheher has witnessed various management models over the past two centuries and became the first site in Azerbaijan to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 together with the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex.

She added that from 2025 onward, Icherisheher faces the challenges of a new era, and the concept of a “smart city” in a historical environment implies not change, but the application of modern technologies and management approaches for heritage preservation.

Later, Rasul Chopurov, Head of the Digitalization Sector of the Reserve Administration, delivered a presentation on the new website and mobile application, as well as digital projects implemented in the fields of transportation and cadastre.

The press conference concluded with answers to questions from participants.