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===Oil boom===
===Oil boom===
{{main|Oil industry in Azerbaijan}}
{{main|Oil industry in Azerbaijan}}
The first oil well was drilled in Bibi-Heybat suburb of Baku in 1846. But the large-scale oil development started in 1872, when the Russian imperial authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. Within a short period of time [[Swiss]], [[United Kingdom|British]], [[List of French companies|French]], [[Belgian]], [[Germany|German]], [[Sweden|Swedish]] and [[United States|American]] investors appeared in Baku, among them were the firms of the [[Nobel Industries (Sweden)|Nobel brothers]] and [[Rothschild]]s, and industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku. By the beginning of the 20th century almost half of the oil reserves in the world had been extracted in Baku.<ref>[http://www.window2baku.com/eng/9001history_3.htm Window2Baku.com]</ref>
The first oil well was drilled in Bibi-Heybat suburb of Baku in 1846. But the large-scale oil development started in 1872, when the Russian imperial authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. Within a short period of time [[Switzerland|Swiss]], [[United Kingdom|British]], [[List of French companies|French]], [[Belgian]], [[Germany|German]], [[Sweden|Swedish]] and [[United States|American]] investors appeared in Baku, among them were the firms of the [[Nobel Industries (Sweden)|Nobel brothers]] and [[Rothschild]]s, and industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku. By the beginning of the 20th century almost half of the oil reserves in the world had been extracted in Baku.<ref>[http://www.window2baku.com/eng/9001history_3.htm Window2Baku.com]</ref>


In [[1917]], after the [[October revolution]], in the turmoil of the ongoing [[World War I]] and breakup of [[Russian Empire]], Baku came under the control of [[Baku Commune]] led by a veteran Bolshevik, [[Stepan Shaumyan]]. Seeking to capitalize on the existing inter-ethnic conflicts, by spring 1918, Bolsheviks inspired and condoned a civil warfare in and around Baku. During the infamous [[March Days]], using the support of the [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation|Dashnak Armenian]] militia in the city, and under the pretext of suppressing [[Musavat]] party, Bolsheviks attacked and massacred thousands of Azeris and other Muslims in Baku <ref>Michael Smith. "Anatomy of Rumor: Murder Scandal, the Musavat Party and Narrative of the Russian Revolution in Baku, 1917-1920", ''Journal of Contemporary History'', Vol 36, No. 2, (Apr. 2001), p. 228</ref>.
In [[1917]], after the [[October revolution]], in the turmoil of the ongoing [[World War I]] and breakup of [[Russian Empire]], Baku came under the control of [[Baku Commune]] led by a veteran Bolshevik, [[Stepan Shaumyan]]. Seeking to capitalize on the existing inter-ethnic conflicts, by spring 1918, Bolsheviks inspired and condoned a civil warfare in and around Baku. During the infamous [[March Days]], using the support of the [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation|Dashnak Armenian]] militia in the city, and under the pretext of suppressing [[Musavat]] party, Bolsheviks attacked and massacred thousands of Azeris and other Muslims in Baku <ref>Michael Smith. "Anatomy of Rumor: Murder Scandal, the Musavat Party and Narrative of the Russian Revolution in Baku, 1917-1920", ''Journal of Contemporary History'', Vol 36, No. 2, (Apr. 2001), p. 228</ref>.
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== Notes ==
== Notes ==
=== References ===
=== References ===
{{reflist}}
<references />


=== Sources ===
=== Sources ===
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*[http://www.azeri.net/azerbaijan/category/cities/baku/ Baku Guide]
*[http://www.azeri.net/azerbaijan/category/cities/baku/ Baku Guide]
*[http://www.baku.tv www.Baku.TV]
*[http://www.baku.tv www.Baku.TV]




{{Azerbaijan}}
{{Azerbaijan}}

Revision as of 03:05, 5 January 2008

For other uses, see Baku (disambiguation).
Baku
Bakı
Official seal of Baku
Seal
CountryAzerbaijan
Government
 • MayorHajibala Abutalybov
Area
 • Total260 km2 (100 sq mi)
Elevation
−28 m (−92 ft)
Population
 (2005)[1]
 • Total2,036,000
 • Density1,280/km2 (3,300/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+4 (GMT+4)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+5 (GMT+5)
WebsiteBakuCity.az
Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Maiden Tower in old town Baku
CriteriaCultural: iv
Reference958
Inscription2000 (24th Session)
Endangered2003-

Baku (Azerbaijani: Bakı), sometimes known as Baky or Baki, is the capital, the largest city, and the largest port of Azerbaijan. Located on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, the city consists of two principal parts: the downtown and the old Inner City (21,5 ha). As of January 1, 2003 the population was 1,827,500 of which 153,400 were internally displaced persons and 93,400 refugees.[2] Baku is a member of Organization of World Heritage Cities and Sister Cities International.[3] The city is also bidding for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Baku is divided into eleven administrative districts (Azizbeyov, Binagadi, Qaradagh, Narimanov, Nasimi, Nizami, Sabayil, Sabunchu, Khatai, Surakhany and Yasamal) and 48 townships. Among these are the townships on islands in the Bay of Baku and the town of Oil Rocks built on stilts in the Caspian Sea, 60 km away from Baku.

Etymology

The name Baku is widely believed to be derived from the old Persian names of the city Baad-kube "باد کوبہ", meaning "Wind-pounded city",in which "Baad" meaning for wind and "Kuba" for a whip, thus a place where winds flows and feels like a leather whip. The city is renowed for its fierce winter snow storms and winds that seems to pierce the face and skin.[4] or Baghkuh, meaning "Mount of God". Arabic sources refer the city as Baku, Bakukh, Bakuya, and Bakuye, all of which seem to come from the original Persian name.

Other theories suggest that the name dates back to Zoroastrianism and comes from the word Baga meaning "the god" in Avestan and Sanskrit.[5][6]

History

Main article: History of Baku

The first written evidence for Baku is related to the 6th century AD.[7]

The city became important after an earthquake destroyed Shamakhy and in the 12th century, ruling Shirvanshah Ahsitan I made Baku the new capital. In 1501 shah Ismail I Safavi laid a siege to Baku. At this time the city was however enclosed with the lines of strong walls, which were washed by sea on one side and protected by a wide trench on land. In 1540 Baku was again captured by the Safavid troops. In 1604 the Baku fortress was destroyed by Iranian shah Abbas I.

File:Baku gub coa n655.gif
Coat of arms of the Baku governorate.

On June 26, 1723, after a lasting siege using cannons, Baku surrendered to the Russians. According to Peter the Great's decree the soldiers of two regiments (2,382 people) were left in the Baku garrison under the command of Prince Baryatyanski, the commandant of the city. In 1795, Baku was invaded by Agha Muhammad Khan Qajar to defend against the tsarist Russia beginning a policy of subduing the South Caucasus to itself. In the spring of 1796 by Yekaterina II’s order General Zubov’s troops started a large campaign in Transcaucasia. Baku surrendered after the first demand of Zubov who had sent 6,000 militants to capture the city. On June 13, 1796 the Russian flotilla entered the Baku bay and a garrison of the Russian troops was placed in the city. General Pavel Tsitsianov was appointed the Baku's commandant. Later, however, Czar Pavel I ordered him to cease the campaign and withdraw the Russian forces. In March, 1797 the tsarist troops left Baku but a new tsar, Alexander I began to show a special interest in capturing Baku. In 1803, Tsitsianov reached an agreement with the Baku khan to compromise, but the agreement was soon annulled. On February 8, 1806, upon the surrendering of Baku, Huseyngulu khan of Baku stabbed and killed Tsitsianov at the gates of the city.

In 1813 , Russia signed the Treaty of Gulistan with Persia, which provided for the cession of Baku and most of the Caucasus from Iran and their annexation by Russia.

Oil boom

Main article: Oil industry in Azerbaijan

The first oil well was drilled in Bibi-Heybat suburb of Baku in 1846. But the large-scale oil development started in 1872, when the Russian imperial authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. Within a short period of time Swiss, British, French, Belgian, German, Swedish and American investors appeared in Baku, among them were the firms of the Nobel brothers and Rothschilds, and industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku. By the beginning of the 20th century almost half of the oil reserves in the world had been extracted in Baku.[8]

In 1917, after the October revolution, in the turmoil of the ongoing World War I and breakup of Russian Empire, Baku came under the control of Baku Commune led by a veteran Bolshevik, Stepan Shaumyan. Seeking to capitalize on the existing inter-ethnic conflicts, by spring 1918, Bolsheviks inspired and condoned a civil warfare in and around Baku. During the infamous March Days, using the support of the Dashnak Armenian militia in the city, and under the pretext of suppressing Musavat party, Bolsheviks attacked and massacred thousands of Azeris and other Muslims in Baku [9].

On May 28, 1918 the Azerbaijani fraction of the Transcaucasian Sejm proclaimed the independent Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) in Ganja. Shortly after, Azerbaijani forces, with support of the Ottoman Army of Islam led by Nuru Pasha, started their advance onto Baku, eventually capturing the city from the loose coalition of Bolsheviks, Esers, Dashnaks, Mensheviks and the British forces under the command of General Dunsterville on September 15, 1918. Thousands of Armenians in the city were massacred in revenge for the earlier March Days [10]. Baku became the capital of ADR, and two years later - when on April 28, 1920, the 11th Red Army invaded Baku and reinstalled the Bolshevik power - the capital of Azerbaijan SSR.

Historical city core

The centre of Baku is the old town, which is also a fortress. In December 2000, the Inner City of Baku with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower became the first location in Azerbaijan classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Most of the walls and towers, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survived. This section is picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings: the cobbled streets past the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, two caravansaraies (ancient inns), the Maiden Tower (nice view of the harbor), the baths and the Djuma Mosque (it used to house the Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, but now is a mosque again; the carpets got moved to the former Lenin museum). The old town also has dozens of small mosques, often without any particular sign to distinguish them from the next building.

In 2003 , UNESCO placed the Inner City on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing damage from a November 2000 earthquake, poor conservation as well as "dubious" restoration efforts[1]. The Martyrs' Lane, formerly the Kirov Park, is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the Nagorno-Karabakh War and also to the 137 people who were killed on Black January, 1990. A sizable and influential Armenian population of Baku going back to 15th century was virtually annihilated or deported after the independence from USSR[11]. The Armenian church of Baku was burned down in 1990. [12]

Climate

File:Baku Satellite.jpg
Satellite view of Baku

During Soviet times, Baku was a vacation destination where citizens could enjoy beaches or relax in now-dilapidated spa complexes overlooking the Caspian Sea. The climate is hot and humid in the summer, and cool and wet in the winter. During the winter gale-force winds sweep through on occasion, driven by masses of polar air (strong northern winds Khazri and southern Gilavar are typical here); however, snow is rare at 28 m below sea level, and temperatures on the coast rarely drop to freezing. The average annual temperature of Baku and that of the Earth differ by less than 0.1 °C (14.2 °C).[13] The southwestern part of Great Baku is a more arid part of Azerbaijan (precipitation here is less than 150 mm a year). In the vicinities of the city there are a number of mud volcanoes (Keyraki, Bogkh-bogkha, Lokbatan and others) and salt lakes (Boyukshor, Khodasan etc.).

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Avg (°F) 37 37 42 51 62 71 77 77 69 60 51 42 55
Avg (°C) 3 3 6 11 17 22 25 25 21 16 11 6 13
Avg precipitation (in) 1.4 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.8 1.3 1.2 1.3 9.4
Avg precipitation (cm) 3.6 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.3 0.8 0.3 0.8 2.0 3.3 3.0 3.3 23.9
Source: Weatherbase

Demographics

Until 1988 Baku had very large Armenian, Russian, and Jewish population that contributed to cultural diversity and added in various ways (music, literature, architecture) to Baku's history treasure chest. Under Communism, the Soviets took over the majority of Jewish property in Baku and Kuba. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliev has returned several synagogues and a Jewish college nationalized by the Soviets, to the Jewish community. He has encouraged the restoration of these buildings and is well-liked by the Jews of Azerbaijan. Renovation has begun on seven of the original eleven synagogues, including the Gilah synagogue, built in 1896, and the large Kruei Synagogue.[14]. The new Azerbaijan constitution grants religious freedom and asserts that there is no state religion.

Currently vast majority of the population of Baku are ethnic Azerbaijanis (more than 90%). The intensive growth of the population started in the middle of the 19th century when Baku was a small town with the population of about 7 thousand people all in all. The population increased again from about 13,000 in the 1860s to 112,000 in 1897 and 215,000 in 1913, making Baku the largest city in the Caucasus region.[15]

Baku has been a cosmopolitan city at certain times during its history, meaning ethnic Azerbaijanis did not constitute the majority of population. [16]

Year Armenians Azerbaijanis Georgians Iranian Citizens Jews Russians Total
1897 19,060 40,148 971 9,426 2,341 37,399 111,904
1903 26,151 44,257 N/A 11,132 N/A 56,955 155,876
1913 41,680 45,962 4,073 25,096 9,690 76,288 214,672

Ethnic Groups

Population-2,075,000. 2007(est)

Religion

More than 94% of the residents of Baku practice various forms of Islam (vast majority Shia). A large minority of the population (about 4%) are Christians (majority Russian Orthodox Church, Georgian Orthodox Church and Molokans).

Administrative Districts

! style="background: #efefef; border-bottom: 2px solid gray;" | No. ! style="background: #efefef; border-bottom: 2px solid gray;" | District ! style="background: #efefef; border-bottom: 2px solid gray;" | Area (km²) ! style="background: #efefef; border-bottom: 2px solid gray;" | Population density

|- |1. ||Azizbeyov|| 40 || 120.995 |- |2. ||Binagadi|| 17 || 218.863 |- |3. ||Centre|| n/a || 953.782 |- |4. ||Qaradagh|| 10 || 99.807

Economy

Oil field on the outskirts of Baku

The basis of Baku's economy is petroleum. The existence of petroleum has been known since the 8th century. In the 10th century, the Arabian traveler, Marudee, reported that both white and black oil were being extracted naturally from Baku[2]. By the 15th century oil for lamps was obtained from hand dug surface wells. Commercial exploitation began in 1872 , and by the beginning of the 20th century the Baku oil fields were the largest in the world. Towards the end of the 20th century much of the onshore petroleum had been exhausted, and drilling had extended into the sea offshore. By the end of the 19th century skilled workers and specialists flocked to Baku. By 1900 the city had more than 3,000 oil wells of which 2,000 of them were producing oil at industrial levels. Baku ranked as one of the largest centres for the production of oil industry equipment before WWII. The World War II Battle of Stalingrad was fought to determine who would have control of the Baku oil fields. Fifty years before the battle, Baku produced half of the world's oil supply: Azerbaijan and the United States are the only two countries ever to have been the world's majority oil producer. Currently the oil economy of Baku is undergoing a resurgence, with the development of the massive Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli field (Shallow water Gunashli by SOCAR, deeper areas by a consortium lead by BP) and the Shah Deniz gas field. The old Inturist Hotel was one of Baku's largest, now being renovated, but overshadowed by the newer Hyatt Park, Hyatt Regency, Park Inn and Excelsior.

Baku Stock Exchange has been operating since February of 2001.

Transport and communication

As the largest town in the country, the city is served by the Heydar Aliyev International Airport and Baku Metro. There were once also trams There are two official taxi companies in the city: the yellow Star cabs and the white taxis with blue sign from "Azerq Taxis". The van buses stop at any point along that route when flagged down or told to stop. Shipping services operate regularly from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi (formerly Krasnovodsk) in Turkmenistan and to Bandar Anzali and Bandar Nowshar in Iran. The city's main Internet providers are ADaNet and AzInternet Services.

Education

As Azerbaijan's centre of education, Baku boasts many universities and vocational schools. After Azerbaijan gained independence, the fall of Communism led to development of a number of private institutions. Baku also houses the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan founded here in 1945 .

Public universities

Private universities

Entertainment

Baku has a vibrant life regarding theatre, opera and ballet, drawing both from the rich local dramatic portfolio and from the international repertoire. The main movie theatre is "Azerbaijan Cinema". The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, designed by architect N. G. Bayev, is one of the most ornate music halls in the city. The State Philharmonic Hall with excellent acoustic conditions often holds performances outside, in a pleasant park. The Carpet and Applied Arts Museum exhibits the carpets from all periods, styles and from both Azerbaijan proper and the Azeri provinces in Iran.

Heydar Aliyev Palace is one of the main venues featuring sizeable performances (e.g. that of Coolio], though it is currently closed for a major refurbishment. Some of the most popular discotheques and night clubs include, "X-site", "Capitol Night Club", "Hyatt Disco", Zagulba Disco Club and "Le Mirage". Most of them are open till the early hours of the morning. The "Capitol Night Club" is a lively night spot with gay elements, playing a blend of local, Russian and Western music, R&B, trance, europop and techno.

Most of the pubs and bars are located near Fountain Square and are usually open until the early hours of the morning. There are several British and Irish style pubs, among them "Corner bar, "Shakespeares" (reputed to serve the best pub food in Baku), "Finnigans" the "Rig bar", O'Malley's and the "Phoenix Bar". There is also a Jazz Club. The Baku International Jazz Festival is organized annually.

Notable beaches include Shikhovo and "One Thousand and One Nights".

Baku has applied to the International Olympic Committee to host the Olympics Games slated for 2016.

Sister cities

Baku currently has sixteen sister cities (aka "twin towns"):

Famous people from Baku

Further information: Category:People from Baku

Because of intermittent periods of great prosperity and as the largest city in the Caucasus and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the Soviet Union, Baku prides itself on having produced a disproportionate amount of notable figures in the sciences, arts and other fields.

Science

Music

Literature and Arts

Chess

Entertainment

Business

Politics

Military

Gallery

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Population estimates for Baku, Azerbaijan, 1950-2015". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
  2. ^ Template:Ru icon"Баку". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
  3. ^ "The main directions of foreign relations of the executive authorities of Baku". Retrieved 2007-07-15.
  4. ^ http://www.iranchamber.com/podium/culture/020920_politicizing_linguistics.php
  5. ^ On the Etymology of the Name “Baku” Retrieved on July 8, 2006
  6. ^ Baku (Baki) Retrieved on July 8, 2006
  7. ^ "Azerbaijan - Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace..." Retrieved 2007-10-14.
  8. ^ Window2Baku.com
  9. ^ Michael Smith. "Anatomy of Rumor: Murder Scandal, the Musavat Party and Narrative of the Russian Revolution in Baku, 1917-1920", Journal of Contemporary History, Vol 36, No. 2, (Apr. 2001), p. 228
  10. ^ Furuz Kazemzadeh, Struggle For Transcaucasia (1917 - 1921), New York Philosophical Library, 1951, p. 143-144
  11. ^ [http://hrw.org/reports/1995/communal/#P996_423664 HRW:Playing "the communal card": Communal Violence and Human Rights
  12. ^ U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services Country Reports Azerbaijan. The Status of Armenians, Russians, Jews and Other Minorities http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home/opendoc.htm?tbl=RSDCOI&page=research&id=3ae6a6073
  13. ^ Window to Baku
  14. ^ JewishVirtualLibrary.org
  15. ^ Country-data.com
  16. ^ Audrey Altstadt, Conflict, Cleavage, and Change in Central Asia and the Caucasus, Cambridge University Press, 1997, p. 112, table 4.1, Ethnic composition of Baku, 1897, 1903,1913

Sources

  • Abbasov, Mazakhir. Baku During the Great Patriotic War.
  • Madatov, G. Azerbaijan During the Great Patriotic War. Baku, 1975.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Baku.

Template:Azerbaijan

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