What is Nizami Street, and where is it located?

Nizami Street is a major pedestrian and shopping street situated in the downtown area of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is named in honor of Nizami Ganjavi, a classical Azerbaijani poet.

What is the native Azerbaijani name for Nizami Street?

The native Azerbaijani name for Nizami Street is Nizami küçəsi.

What were the former names of Nizami Street?

Nizami Street has had several former names, including Torgovaya, Fizuli (from 1925 to 1962), and Krasnopresnenskaya (from 1939 to 1940).

What is the total length of Nizami Street?

Nizami Street has a total length of 3.537 kilometers, which is equivalent to 2.198 miles.

From where does Nizami Street begin and end?

Nizami Street begins at Abdulla Shaig Street in the mountainous part of the city and concludes at the railroad bed on Sabit Orujov Street, near the monument to Shah Ismail Khatai in the area known as 'Black City'.

What is the commonly known name for the traffic-free segment of Nizami Street, and what does it mean?

The traffic-free segment of Nizami Street, running from Fountains Square to Rashid Behbudov Street, is commonly known as Torgovaya, which translates to 'the merchant street' in Russian. This name reflects its historical significance as a commercial hub.

What types of establishments can be found on Nizami Street?

Nizami Street hosts a diverse range of establishments, including banks, fashion stores, and various retail outlets. It is recognized as one of the most expensive streets globally.

Which diplomatic missions are located on Nizami Street?

Nizami Street is home to the embassies of Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, and Austria, as well as the European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan.

What are the nearest metro stations to Nizami Street?

The closest metro stations to Nizami Street are Sahil station, located on the red line south of the street, and 28 May station, which serves both the red and green lines and is situated north of the street.

When did the history of Nizami Street begin to be shaped by urban planning?

The history of Nizami Street can be traced back to Baku's town-planning project initiated in 1864.

What event in 1859 influenced Baku's urban development and led to the creation of the Baku Governorate?

A significant earthquake in Shamakhi in 1859 resulted in the demolition of the Shamakhi Governorate and the subsequent establishment of the Baku Governorate, necessitating ambitious construction projects in Baku.

Who was responsible for developing the cohesive construction plan for Baku's central trading area, including Nizami Street?

Gasim bey Hajibababeyov, along with a group of engineers and architects from Saint Petersburg, was entrusted with developing the cohesive construction plan for the burgeoning central trading area of Baku.

What was the primary focus of the urban planning design for Baku in the years following 1859?

The urban planning design focused on the construction of new highways radiating from the Icheri Sheher fortress in all directions, aiming to structure the city's growth.

Why was the street initially called Torgovaya Street?

The street was initially called Torgovaya Street because of its established status as a central trading hub within the city.

When was Torgovaya Street officially renamed Gubernskaya Street, and what name did citizens continue to use?

In 1879, the street was officially renamed Gubernskaya Street; however, citizens continued to refer to it by its popular name, Torgovaya.

What factors contributed to Baku's rapid economic development and population growth in the late 19th century?

The late 19th century saw rapid economic development in Baku, driven by the incorporation of new oil wells in the Absheron Peninsula, which led to a second massive influx of people from other parts of the Russian Empire.

Which prominent oil magnates and architects were involved in the construction of buildings on Nizami Street during its development?

Oil magnates such as Musa Naghiyev, Shamsi Asadullayev, and Murtuza Mukhtarov commissioned many buildings on Nizami Street, designed by notable architects including N.A. von der Nonne, M. Gafar Ismayilov, A. Hajibababeyov, K.B. Surkevich, J.V. Goslavski, Jóżef Ploško, Zivar bey Ahmadbeyov, E. Edel, and G. Termikelov.

What historical buildings were constructed near Nizami Street in the late 19th century?

In 1868, the Araz Cinema was built adjacent to Nizami Street, and in 1869, St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church was constructed nearby.

What kind of establishments were present on Torgovaya Street at the end of the 19th century?

By 1888, Torgovaya Street hosted numerous small shops, grocery stores, confectioneries, florists, and prestigious hotels such as 'Bolshaya Moskovskaya,' 'Imperial,' 'London,' and 'Severnie nomera'.

Describe the construction of the apartment house at Nizami 79.

The three-storeyed apartment house at Nizami 79 was initially built in 1896 by architect I.V. Edel for oil magnate Murtuza Mukhtarov. In 1910, an additional storey was added by architect Jozef Ploško, giving the facade a half-circled concept and the cupola a circled design.

What significant buildings were constructed around the turn of the 20th century on Nizami Street, and who commissioned them?

Notable constructions include a building for the Rothschild brothers (designed by K.B. Surkevich), a mill for Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the synagogue building (now the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre, designed by J.V. Goslavskiy), and the operetta building (now the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, designed by G. Termikelov and N. Bayev). Musa Naghiyev also commissioned apartment houses, including Nizami 48, designed by Jozef Ploshko.

When was Nizami Street renamed Fizuli Street, and what was the reason for this change?

In 1925, the street was renamed Fizuli Street to honor Mahammad Fuzuli, a significant 16th-century Azerbaijani poet. It retained this name until 1962, with a brief interruption when it was called Krasnopresnenskaya Street from 1939 to 1940.

When were the 'oilmen's houses' constructed on Nizami Street, and who were their architects?

The distinctive 'oilmen's houses' at Nizami 66 and 83 were built between 1949 and 1956, designed by the renowned architects Mikayil Huseynov and Sadig Dadashov. German captives from the Great Patriotic War were utilized as labor for their construction.

What architectural styles influenced the buildings constructed during the second phase of development on Nizami Street?

The second phase of architectural development, occurring in the mid-20th century, saw the construction of buildings in the 'empire' or 'Stalin's empire' style, commonly known as Stalinist architecture. Later, in the late 1950s, residential houses were built incorporating elements of constructivism.

What is 'constructivism of Baku'?

'Constructivism of Baku' refers to a local variety of the constructivist architectural style that emerged in Baku, characterized by the incorporation of Eastern and national elements, particularly in arches and monograms, which altered the overall stylistic appearance of the buildings.

What style characterizes modern constructions on Nizami Street, and what materials are used?

Modern constructions, particularly skyscrapers, on Nizami Street are built in a 'neo-modern' style. These buildings are typically clad in materials such as alucobond, fiber-reinforced concrete, marble, and granite.

Which two buildings on Nizami Street are noted by specialists for potentially disrupting the street's architectural harmony?

Specialists identify two buildings as potentially disharmonious: the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators (Nizami 72), considered too massive for its classical surroundings, and the State Committee on Capital Issues building (Nizami 87/89), whose constructivist style clashes with the street's classical monumentalism.

What is the significance of the building at Nizami Street number 20?

The building at Nizami Street number 20, constructed between 1898 and 1899, served as the headquarters for the Caspian-Black Sea Oil and Trade Society. It later housed the consulate of the Netherlands in the 1910s and 1920s.

What historical building is located at Nizami Street number 38/0, and when was it built?

The building at Nizami Street number 38/0 is the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, which was constructed in 1869.

What is notable about the building at Nizami Street number 48?

The building at Nizami Street number 48, constructed in 1911, is referred to as 'Naghiyev's house,' indicating it was built by oil magnate Musa Naghiyev. It is considered one of Jozef Ploshko's finest architectural creations.

What historical significance does the building at Nizami Street number 64 hold?

The building at Nizami Street number 64, built in 1911, is historically significant as the birthplace and residence of Nobel Prize laureate Lev Landau.

What is located at Nizami Street number 74?

The National Library of Azerbaijan, which opened in 1923, is located at Nizami Street number 74, with its northern facade facing the street.

What is the historical context of the building at Nizami Street number 75?

The house at Nizami Street number 75 was built in 1896 by Haji Rajabli. During the Soviet era, the ground floor housed the Vatan cinema.

What is the function of the building at Nizami Street number 76?

The building at Nizami Street number 76 currently houses the Azerbaijan State Song Theatre named after Rashid Behbudov. It was originally constructed as a synagogue in 1910.

What is the historical significance of the building at Nizami Street number 79?

The building at Nizami Street number 79 was ordered by Murtuza Mukhtarov and built in 1896, with an added storey in 1910. During 1927-1931, Jamshid Nakhichevanski resided there.

What is located at Nizami Street number 95?

The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is located at Nizami Street number 95. This building was constructed in 1911.

What building, erected in 1899, is situated at Nizami Street number 115?

The building at Nizami Street number 115 was built in 1899 for the Russian Imperial Technical Society. Today, one of the buildings of the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy is located there.

What media related to Nizami Street is available on Wikimedia Commons?

Wikimedia Commons hosts various media files related to Nizami Street in Baku, including photographs and other visual content.

How is Nizami Street represented in the 'Baku landmarks' navigation box?

Nizami Street is listed under the 'Squares and streets' category within the 'Baku landmarks' navigation box, indicating its significance among the city's notable thoroughfares.

Nizami Street Wiki: Nizami Street: Baku's Historic Artery

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Overview

Location and Scope

Nizami Street, known in Azerbaijani as Nizami küçəsi, is a prominent pedestrian and shopping street situated in the heart of downtown Baku, Azerbaijan. It extends approximately 2.198 miles (3.537 km) from Abdulla Shaig Street in the western, mountainous part of the city to the railroad bed on Sabit Orujov Street in the eastern "Black City" area.

Commercial Hub

The street is renowned as a major commercial center, hosting a wide array of businesses, including banks, high-end fashion boutiques, and embassies. Its status as a prime retail location places it among the most expensive streets globally.

Historical Significance

The street's origins trace back to Baku's 1864 town-planning project. Its history is deeply intertwined with the city's development, reflecting periods of significant economic growth and architectural evolution.

Historical Trajectory

Early Development

The street's development began following the 1864 town-planning initiative, which aimed to modernize Baku after it became the capital of the Baku Governorate. Initially named "Torgovaya Street" (meaning "merchant street" in Russian) due to its commercial importance, it was later officially renamed "Gubernskaya Street" in 1879, though the public continued to use the original name.

19th and Early 20th Century Growth

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw rapid economic expansion in Baku, fueled by the oil industry. This period attracted affluent industrialists who commissioned numerous buildings along the street, designed by prominent architects. Notable figures like Musa Naghiyev, Shamsi Asadullayev, and Murtuza Mukhtarov contributed significantly to the street's architectural landscape.

Key developments included:

The construction of the Araz Cinema by M. Gafar Ismayilov (1868).
The building of St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church (1869).
The construction of influential residential and commercial buildings by architects like N.A. von der Nonne, J.V. Goslavski, and Jozef Ploško, reflecting styles such as Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Neo-Moorish.
The presence of prestigious hotels like "Bolshaya Moskovskaya" and "Imperial," alongside photography studios and various shops.

Name Changes and Modern Era

The street underwent several name changes throughout the Soviet era. It was renamed Fizuli Street in 1925, briefly Krasnopresnenskaya Street from 1939-1940, before finally being named Nizami Street in 1962, honoring the classical Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi.

Mid-20th century saw further construction, incorporating elements of Stalinist architecture and later, constructivism. Modern developments include skyscrapers and commercial centers, adding new layers to the street's evolving urban fabric.

Architectural Tapestry

Synthesis of Styles

Nizami Street showcases a rich architectural synthesis, reflecting its development across three primary periods: the late 19th to early 20th century, the mid-20th century (1950s-1970s), and the modern era.

Early Period Styles

Buildings from the first construction phase predominantly feature European styles such as Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassicism. The Neo-Moorish style is also prominent, often incorporating elements of national Azerbaijani architecture, with buildings frequently clad in limestone (aglay).

The street's architectural evolution can be categorized:

Late 19th - Early 20th Century: Characterized by Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Neo-Moorish styles, often utilizing local limestone.
Mid-20th Century: Saw the introduction of "Stalinist Empire" style, followed by constructivism, which developed a unique local variant in Baku, often incorporating national motifs.
Modern Era: Features contemporary skyscrapers utilizing materials like alucobond, fiber-reinforced concrete, marble, and granite.

While most buildings harmonize, some modern structures, like the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators and the State Committee on Capital Issues building, are noted for potentially disrupting the street's classical aesthetic.

Notable Landmarks

Historic Buildings

Nizami Street is lined with numerous historically and architecturally significant buildings, many commissioned by prominent industrialists and designed by renowned architects.

House Number	Details
20	Building of the Caspian—Black Sea Oil and Trade Society (built 1898–1899).
30	Building of the Central Universal Magazine in Baku.
34/0	Building of "Nargiz" shopping center.
38	Building of the Central Library under the President Administration of Azerbaijan.
38/0	St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church (built 1869).
48	Northern facade of Musa Naghiyev's house (built 1911).
50	Neoclassical apartments of the Tagiyev brothers, built in 1912.
56	Residential house constructed by architect I.V. Edel (1902).
58	Residential house constructed by architect I.V. Edel (1890).
61	A residential building (built in 2006).
64	House where Lev Landau was born and lived (built 1911).
66	Oilmen's house built in 1956 by Mikayil Huseynov.
67, 69	"ISR Plaza" office center and the building of the International Bank of Azerbaijan.
72	Azerbaijan State Theatre of Young Spectators (built 1965).
73	A residential building that housed a zoo-shop during the Soviet era.
74	National Library of Azerbaijan (opened 1923), with its northern facade overlooking Nizami Street.
75	House built in 1896 by Haji Rajabli; formerly housed the Vatan cinema.
76	The Azerbaijan State Song Theater named after Rashid Behbudov.
77	A residential house (built in 1957).
79	House ordered by Murtuza Mukhtarov and built in 1896; Jamshid Nakhichevanski resided there (1927–1931).
81	A residential house.
83	Building with jugs, one of two oilmen's houses constructed by M. Huseynov and S. Dadashov (1958).
85	Nasimi Park.
87, 89	The building of the State Committee on Capital Issues.
90	Skobelev Brothers' Mill.
93	Apartment house of Musa Naghiyev, built in 1911.
95	Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, built in 1911.
96	Office center "Landmark".
99	A residential house (built in 1964).
103	A residential house (built in 1952).
109	A residential house (built in 1955).
115	Building of the Russian Imperial Technical Society (erected in 1899).
117	Institut Français Azerbaïjan.

Green Spaces

The street is also adjacent to or features significant green spaces, contributing to its appeal:

Nasimi Park
Fountains Square
Proximity to Baku Boulevard

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References

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A full list of references for this article are available at the Nizami Street Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional architectural or historical advice. Information provided herein should not substitute consultation with qualified experts or primary source verification for critical applications.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Nizami Street: Baku's Historic Artery

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📍 Location and Scope

🛍️ Commercial Hub

🏛️ Historical Significance

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Early Development

🏗️ 19th and Early 20th Century Growth

🔄 Name Changes and Modern Era

Architectural Tapestry 🎨

🏛️ Synthesis of Styles

🌍 Early Period Styles

Notable Landmarks ⭐

🏢 Historic Buildings

🌳 Green Spaces

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Location and Scope

Commercial Hub

Historical Significance

Historical Trajectory

Early Development

19th and Early 20th Century Growth

Name Changes and Modern Era

Architectural Tapestry

Synthesis of Styles

Early Period Styles

Notable Landmarks

Historic Buildings

Green Spaces

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice