Tour Details

• Old City

  Icherisheher, also known as the Old City or Inner City, is the ancient, walled core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, Icherisheher is a living testament to thousands of years of history, culture, and architectural evolution. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since at least the 8th–7th centuries BCE, making it one of the oldest continuously populated places in the region. The most significant period in Icherisheher’s history came during the 12th century, when Baku rose to prominence under the Shirvanshah dynasty. Originally based in Shamakhi, the Shirvanshahs were forced to relocate their capital to Baku following a devastating earthquake in Shamakhi in 1191. From that point forward, Baku—and specifically Icherisheher—became the political, cultural, and economic center of the Shirvan state. It was during this period of prosperity that some of the Old City’s most iconic landmarks were constructed: The Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15th century): This magnificent complex includes the royal palace, a mosque with a minaret, a mausoleum, a bathhouse, and the tomb of the philosopher Seyid Yahya Bakuvi. Built during the reign of Khalilullah I (1417–1462), the palace represents the height of medieval Azerbaijani architecture. Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası): A mysterious and iconic structure believed to date back to between the 7th and 12th centuries, though some scholars argue for even earlier origins. Its exact purpose is debated—suggestions include a Zoroastrian fire temple, a defensive tower, or a celestial observatory. Juma Mosque: Originally constructed in the 12th century, it was rebuilt in the 19th century. It stands on a site believed to have hosted a Zoroastrian temple before Islam’s spread. Caravanserais: Such as the Multani and Bukhara Caravanserais (14th–15th centuries), which served as inns for traders traveling along the Silk Road. Hammams (Bathhouses): Including the Haji Gaib bathhouse from the 14th century, reflecting the advanced urban infrastructure of medieval Baku. Encircled by robust 12th-century defensive walls, parts of which were reinforced during the 16th century under Safavid rule, Icherisheher has endured invasions, political upheavals, and modernization. Yet it retains its medieval character, with narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and a vibrant local community still residing within its walls. Today, Icherisheher is not only a precious historical district but also a symbol of Azerbaijan's national heritage—a place where the past meets the present, and where every corner tells a story that spans centuries.