A Walk Through Baku Old City (Self Guided), Baku

Baku's "Ichari Shahar", which literally means "Inner City," is also often referred to by foreigners as the Old City. Its unique architecture differs considerably from other ancient places in Azerbaijan and is replete with fascinating historical monuments. The most prominent of them are the 12th-century, 97-foot Maiden Tower-the most distinctive symbol of the country, featured on national emblems and currency-and the Shirvanshah Palace, a 15th-century marvel described by UNESCO as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture."

It is largely for this reason that, in 2000, the Old City of Baku became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historical core of the capital is also its most ancient part. Over the centuries, it has developed its own distinct culture and set of traditions.

Back in the old days, entering the city was possible through two main gates: the Salyan Gate and the Shemakha Gate, the latter forming part of the paired entrance in the northern wall of the Baku Fortress. The Fortress Wall itself, built in the 12th century, is an attraction in its own right.

Historically, the Old City was divided into several quarters, which also reflected social divisions. Sometimes, these quarters were named after their mosques, such as the Juma Mosque quarter or the Mahammad Mosque quarter. Behind the Juma Mosque, for a long time, stood a mulberry tree that became a familiar symbol of the city.

Other sections within the Inner City, including their mosques, were named after the clans and ethnic groups that resided there. One such example is the Lezgi Mosque on Lezgiler Street, where Dagestani armorers and gunsmiths once lived. Among the more modern attractions within the Old City is the Museum of Miniature Books, known for its remarkable collection of tiny publications.

A walk through the Old City reveals Baku at its most historic quarter, where fortified walls, mosques, palaces, and quiet courtyards preserve centuries of the city’s past within a remarkably compact area.