AZERBAIJANI ARCHITECTURE STYLEBack to Main

The Soviet Period | Soviet Style

In the early Soviet period, architects favored Constructivism, a style based on Communist artistic theory. By the 1940s, this style had fallen out of favor, and Soviet Azerbaijani architects emphasized Classical, Baroque, and Rococo styles, and designed with a more nationalistic spirit. Examples of this style include the Nizami Museum, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov National Library of Azerbaijan, House of Soviets (Dom Soviet), and the Azerbaijan Musical Academy.
The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
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The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature

The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, which is dedicated to the great 12th century Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, was built in 1850 and used as a caravansery for Silk Road travelers. During the Russian imperial period, in 1915, the second level was constructed with ornate classical and Baroque influences.


AZERBAIJANI Architecture

Old City BakuModern Azerbaijan is both a dynamic, progressive nation and an ancient civilization with vibrant traditions and culture. Nowhere is this combination of old and new more evident than in Azerbaijan’s built environment. For example, the architecture of Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku, beautifully showcases this legacy. While Baku’s office buildings, apartment complexes, and glass skyscrapers mirror modern European design, ”Old City” Baku, known as  Icheri sheher,  features medieval Islamic domes, minarets, and ancient stone walls.

Azerbaijani Radio Hour


The Voice of the Karabakh Foundation, October 2, 2011. Access any of the shows of the Azerbaijani Radio Hour: The Voice of the Karabakh Foundation at www.KarabakhFoundation.org.