Urban Planning and Architecture as a Strategic State Priority

The declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, clearly demonstrates the special place of urbanization policy within the state’s strategic framework. This decision indicates that urban planning is no longer viewed solely within a technical or planning context, but is assessed as a field closely linked to social welfare, economic sustainability, and quality of life. In the modern era, the appearance of cities is considered one of the main indicators reflecting the level of development of states, and Azerbaijan’s active stance in this field is noteworthy.

When examining the country’s urban planning experience, it becomes evident that there is a rich architectural tradition formed over centuries. Large-scale landscaping and reconstruction projects carried out in Baku and a number of other major cities, along with the development of modern infrastructure, serve as clear examples of this approach. Meanwhile, the construction of cities and villages from scratch in the liberated territories has created opportunities for the application of entirely new urban concepts. Declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” precisely lays a solid foundation for systematizing these experiences and ensuring future development.

Cities are not merely places of residence, but also living structures that reflect the historical memory, cultural identity, and worldview of a nation. In Azerbaijan’s urban planning policy, the harmonization of national architectural elements with modern design principles serves to preserve the unique spirit of cities. The preservation of historical and architectural heritage as a central priority during the liberation of Shusha is, overall, an indicator of the high value placed on cultural heritage in the country.

In this regard, the UN World Urban Forum to be held in Azerbaijan next year carries special significance. Hosting such a prestigious international event in the country creates an opportunity to present Azerbaijan’s experience in urbanization on a global scale. At the same time, the forum will serve as an important platform for studying international trends and comparing urban planning policies with global discussions. The hosting of the World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan confirms the country’s transformation into an active participant in international urban dialogue and opens broad opportunities to present the reconstruction efforts carried out in Karabakh to the global community.

The Daily Baku editorial office