Azerbaijan has a rich centuries-old history of urban planning and architectural traditions. Valuable architectural monuments have played an exceptional role in shaping the unique image of our large cities, located on the Silk Road and establishing close economic, political and cultural ties with Eastern countries as important trade, craft and cultural centers.

Our historical cities, which are vivid examples of Azerbaijani urban planning and architecture and have always been distinguished for their high level of development, have grown and expanded in accordance with the architectural trends of past periods, while preserving the main features of local culture.

Today, defensive fortresses, caravanserais, mosques, temples and tombs protected by the state throughout the country reflect the bright traditions of national architecture. The Momina Khatun Mausoleum, Khudaferin Bridge, Ateshgah Complex and other such unique examples, which are world-famous historical and cultural monuments that inspire pride in terms of the perfection of their artistic and architectural solutions, have become symbols of Azerbaijani architecture.

Our rare treasures included in the UNESCO World Heritage List - the Old City and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which embody the urban culture of ancient and medieval centuries, the Maiden Tower, which has preserved its majestic spirit to this day, the historical center of Sheki and the Khan's Palace - are relics that occupy a worthy place among the world pearls of Azerbaijani urban planning and architectural art.

The creativity of the powerful artist Ajami Nakhchivani, whose 900th anniversary is celebrated within the framework of UNESCO, which had a strong influence on the medieval architecture of Azerbaijan and the countries of the Middle East, is the highest peak of the architectural school of the period.

Certain changes were reflected in the planning structure and architectural style of Azerbaijani cities by the middle of the 19th century. The rapidly industrializing city of Baku began to acquire its unique appearance in the unity of antiquity and modernity in the synthesis of Eastern and Western architecture from that time.

In the 20th century, special attention was paid to the creative use of national traditions in urban planning and architectural activities in the Republic of Azerbaijan. During this period, a number of cities were rebuilt and their previous appearance changed, and urban planning in the regions was brought to the fore. That period, in which the activities of two prominent architects - Mikayil Huseynov and Sadig Dadashov - took a leading place, is characterized by the creation of a new architectural style on the basis of national traditions.

The years when the National Leader Heydar Aliyev led the republic constitute a special stage in the development of Azerbaijani urban planning and architecture. In these years, important decisions were made and measures were implemented on the initiative of the Great Leader regarding the preservation of historically formed Azerbaijani cities and entire urban planning systems, planned work was carried out on the restoration of architectural monuments in cities, and institutional institutions were established to ensure the continuity of architectural and urban planning activities.

After Azerbaijan regained its independence, new manifestations in the field of urban planning have been clearly manifested in the architectural solutions of monumental complexes built in the country. Over the past period, thanks to the implementation of projects reflecting the advanced approaches of the time and national experiences, original examples of urban planning art with high moral and aesthetic impact have been created. With the addition of modern-style unique architectural monuments such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Flame Towers, which are a symbol of constant renewal, and the White City complex, the landscape of the capital has been further enriched, and the architectural image of the regions has changed significantly and taken on a new shape.

Today, the socio-economic development strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan has identified ensuring balanced development of the capital and regions and promoting sustainable settlement, as well as compliance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as priority directions of architectural and urban planning activities.

In the territories occupied by Armenia and devastated for thirty years, the large-scale reconstruction and construction works that revived life with the application of innovative approaches following the Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War clearly demonstrate the comprehensive vision of the Azerbaijani state towards architecture and urban planning. In these territories, which were declared a “green energy” zone in accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return, in 2020–2025, planning documents were prepared and construction work began on more than 100 settlements, including 12 cities, in a short period of time rarely seen in world architectural and construction practice. The revival of the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, the source of pride of our people, the city of Shusha, by restoring its former architectural environment and true historical image, is a manifestation of national will.

Our country is known as a reliable partner in solving global challenges related to climate change and urban planning, and in the formation of innovative approaches. Joint initiatives with the UN-Habitat and national urban planning forums, where architects come together within this framework, are a successful example of Azerbaijan’s joint activities with international partners. The decision to hold the Thirteenth Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku in 2026 demonstrates Azerbaijan’s growing role in sustainable urban planning processes.

Guided by Article 109, Paragraph 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in order to preserve the centuries-old traditions of urban planning and architectural culture of Azerbaijan, as well as to promote and expand the application of progressive approaches that respond to new challenges in this field in the country, I decide:

1. To declare 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
2. The Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall prepare proposals on the action plan for declaring 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in the Republic of Azerbaijan within one month and submit them to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, December 22, 2025