Overview:

Icherisheher is a historic walled town in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijani, icherisheher translates to “inner city” and serves as the oldest inhabited part of Baku. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a wide variety of historical and cultural monuments, including mosques, caravanserais, bathhouses, and markets. It is known for its cobblestone streets and ancient buildings, some dating back to the 12th century. The site is a popular tourist destination, both for its historical architecture and its nightlife, and is often referred to as the "Old City". It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Azerbaijan
Prominent Features:

1. The Icherisheher (Old City) Archaeological and Architectural Reserve: Located at the heart of Baku, the Icherisheher is a walled fortress dating back to the 12th century, containing a number of mosques, baths, and caravanserais as well as many other monuments of architectural, archaeological and urbanistic value. It was included into the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 2000. 2. Maiden Tower: This ancient 12th century fortress is one of the symbols of Baku and is located in the southern part of the Icherisheher. It is a 30-meter-tall tower from which, once perched atop, visitors can enjoy exceptional views of the bay of the Caspian Sea and the legendary Flame Towers. 3. Caravanserais: The Icherisheher is also home to several beautiful and well-preserved caravanserais such as Khan’s caravanserai, Gabala Gates caravanserai and Shīvə Caravanserai. These were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries to offer shelter and protection from robbers and other dangers during long journeys of merchants. 4. Hammams: Today, these historic monuments are open to the public to enjoy traditional muslimbath experiences. Three of the most interesting are the Taza (New) hammam, the Yahya Bakhshi hammam, and the Chobuba Hammam. 5. Temples: The Icherisheher hosts some of the most ancient religious buildings in Azerbaijan, such as the Shirvanshah's Palace Complex, Muhammadiya Mosque and the Multani (Persian) Mosque. 6. Shop-houses: This is where merchants used to store their merchandise and live in. These interesting and unique structures are still the same length and width of the original buildings. 7. Museums: If you are looking to learn more about the history of the Icherisheher, there are several museums to visit, such as the Museum of Miniature Books and Historical-Ethnographic Museum itsaidov. 8. Streets of History: Wandering around the Icherisheher is an unforgettable experience due to its narrow alleys and vibrant bazaars. Here you can find traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, spices and other local specialties. 9. The Gostinyy Dvor: Also known as "The Grand Bazaar", the Gostinyy Dvor was built in 1718 and it is still an important commercial center of the city. Here you can find clothes, jewelry, carpets and many other items. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Azerbaijan.

History:

Icherisheher is a walled city located in the center of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The city is one of the oldest and most historically significant areas in the region. It covers an area of about 26 hectares and is composed of several ancient monuments and buildings, as well as the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, the Maiden Tower, the ancient Minaret and the recently reconstructed Sabayil Castle. The origins of Icherisheher can be traced back to the 5th century BCE. According to various sources, it was established by the Manibus, a local Iranian group. Its development was boosted when Sassanid King Tirdad conquered the area in the 6th century CE. By the 19th century, it had become the cultural centre of the region and the heart of the Azerbaijani culture. The development of the city came to a halt during the Soviet period. In 1920, the Soviet government annexed Azerbaijan and abolished the administration of the city. In 1947, Icherisheher was declared a national park and part of the protected State Historical–Architectural Reserve of Azerbaijan. Today, Icherisheher stands as a testament to the various cultures that have called Azerbaijan home over the centuries and is an important tourist destination in the region. The area is situated in the heart of Baku and is home to a variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It is also home to numerous monuments and classical buildings representing the history and culture of the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of Azerbaijan with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Icherisheher is one of the oldest urban settlements in the world, first developed in the 5th century BC. 2. Notable landmarks include the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and several mosques and caravanserais. 3. The so-called “old city” is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination. 4. The earliest discovered human settlements in Icherisheher date back to the Palaeolithic period. 5. The castle walls built during the 12th century consist of 24 towers, with the Maiden Tower being the most important one. 6. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is the biggest monument of Azerbaijani architecture. Built in the 15th century, it includes a palace, divankhana, baths, a mosque, a bazaar and a shah's burial vault. 7. The Icherisheher region is home to over 350 historical and architectural monuments and is home to the Alley of Martyrs, dedicated to those killed in the Karabakh War. 8. During the 19th century, the city became a center of industry and trade, with merchants from different countries settling in the city. One of the historical monuments of Azerbaijan, it tells the story of a bygone era