The cities of Azerbaijan have been rapidly changing in recent years. These changes are not limited only to Baku; regional cities are also developing in accordance with modern urban planning principles. Modern urban planning is no longer just about constructing new buildings, but also about increasing the functionality of cities, improving quality of life, expanding social and cultural opportunities, and ensuring environmental sustainability.
The development of regional cities constitutes a major part of Azerbaijan’s economic and social strategic plans. Mingachevir, Ganja, Sheki, Sumgayit, and the Karabakh region are among the most notable examples. These cities demonstrate the regional development model through their unique characteristics.
Over the past decades, the city of Mingachevir has become one of Azerbaijan’s energy and industrial centers. The Mingachevir Hydroelectric Power Station plays a strategic role in the economic development of the region. Both industrial zones and residential areas are being modernized in the city. Old buildings are being renovated, new residential complexes are being constructed, and parks, boulevards, and sports facilities enrich the city’s social life. Roads are being modernized, and the public transportation system is being improved. The ecology of Mingachevir is also receiving special attention. Boulevards are being built along the riverbank, new green zones are being created, and modern waste management systems are being implemented.
As Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, Ganja serves as a regional center. The old part of the city is being restored, new residential and business centers are opening, and parks and public spaces are being renewed. Ganja is also being developed in terms of tourism and cultural activities.
The city of Sheki stands out for preserving its historical and cultural heritage while promoting tourism. Sheki Fortress and historical houses are being restored, and new hotels and restaurant complexes are being established. In this city, both cultural heritage and tourism form the basis of economic development.
Sumgayit is known for the modernization of its industrial and urban infrastructure. Industrial zones are being renewed, social facilities are being modernized, and roads and public transportation systems are being improved. The creation of green spaces protects the city’s ecology and balances the urbanization process.
However, compared to the reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, the experiences of all these regional cities appear more moderate. The Karabakh region, especially the territories liberated after 2020, attracts attention through the implementation of large-scale restoration and urban development projects. The scale and scope of the work carried out there are far greater than the development projects of other regional cities.
Main and rural roads are being rebuilt, while bridges and road crossings are being restored. Strategic highways in the Baku–Shusha and Gubadli directions are being constructed, ensuring the accessibility of the region in terms of logistics and tourism. New residential buildings are being constructed, and old buildings are being renovated. Schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and sports facilities are being modernized. This significantly improves the living conditions of residents returning to or relocating to the region.
Water and electricity lines are being modernized, and energy supply is being ensured through sustainable systems. Alternative energy projects, small hydropower plants, and solar panels support the region’s energy security. Sewerage and waste management systems are being established according to modern standards, ensuring environmental sustainability.
Special attention is paid to the historical and cultural heritage of Karabakh. Monuments are being restored in Shusha, Aghdam, and other cities. Traditions of carpet weaving, music, and theater in Karabakh are being preserved and developed. Hotels, restaurants, and exhibition centers are being established to support tourism. This increases the economic and cultural potential of the region. The creation of parks, boulevards, and green zones modernizes the region both socially and environmentally.
Urban planning in Karabakh is not limited only to physical reconstruction. Technological innovations are also being implemented there. Through “smart city” approaches, energy efficiency, optimization of public transportation, and security systems are ensured. Urban development is carried out in stages: initial reconstruction, establishment of social infrastructure, implementation of industrial and tourism projects, creation of ecological and green zones, preservation of cultural heritage, and modernization of public centers.
The reconstruction projects implemented in Karabakh contribute to increasing economic activity in the region. The creation of new jobs, development of tourism and service sectors, and expansion of agriculture and small business opportunities stimulate socio-economic revitalization. The construction of schools, hospitals, and sports complexes improves public welfare and encourages the return of the population to the region.
The main principles of modern urban planning are clearly visible in the examples of Mingachevir, Ganja, Sheki, Sumgayit, and Karabakh: functionality and aesthetic appearance, quality of life, technology integration, environmental sustainability, and preservation of historical and cultural heritage complement one another.
The regional cities of Azerbaijan are rapidly changing, modernizing, and approaching international standards. Reconstruction efforts in Karabakh represent the most remarkable model both in terms of socio-economic revitalization and preservation of historical and cultural heritage. Other developed regional cities — Mingachevir, Ganja, Sheki, and Sumgayit — present advanced urban planning practices in various fields. Restoration and urban development projects in Karabakh will ensure the sustainable development of the region in the future and will also serve as a model for other cities.
Khadija Aliyeva
Lecturer at the Department of Foreign Languages, Mingachevir State University