Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 18
Trend:
Creation of new infrastructure and modern facilities should be in harmony with historical look of Baku, said Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with a group of participants of the 5th News Agencies World Congress in Baku.
Baku is a historical, ancient city, noted the president.
“Historical Baku was actually framed by the ancient city wall, which you can see today. By the way, the Inner City is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage,” he said. “Of course, our main concern is to protect our historical heritage.”
Many historical buildings in Baku were built in the 19th century during the first oil boom in Azerbaijan, noted President Aliyev, adding that these buildings are also under state protection.
“But the city is developing and we need to create comfortable conditions for citizens,” he added. “Therefore creation of new infrastructure and modern facilities, new buildings should be in harmony with historical look of Baku. I think that we managed to do it.”
The president went on to say that there is no contradiction between modern and historical buildings.
“On the contrary, you can walk out from the Old City, cross the road and find yourself in modern environment on one of the longest boulevards of 16 kilometers. We are very carefully watching and monitoring the constructional development so that new modern buildings are in line with the modern architecture,” he added. “One of them is the Heydar Aliyev Center, where you were yesterday. It received many international awards. I, personally, consider it as the best piece of art by famous architect Zaha Hadid. It is in the world catalogues.”
Another new symbol of Baku is Flame Towers, which is also a masterpiece, noted President Aliyev.
“And the building which you are referring to, which looks like Sydney Opera House may also seem like a new development. It is situated actually in the Caspian Sea as well as the newly constructed hotel, which is by the way designed by Korean architects,” said the president. “It is just next to Marriott hotel. This is demonstrating the development.”
“I am very glad that absolute majority of the newly constructed buildings which you see in Baku are financed by private sector – local and foreign. This shows that there is a big interest in working here. There is potential, dynamics. Of course, I know that people in Baku are very proud that it became now one of the most beautiful cities in the world,” President Aliyev said.