The Old City, also known as Inner City, is the historical heart of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It is the most ancient part of Baku, enclosed by walls. As of 2007, the Old City had approximately 3000 people. In December 2000, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, located in the Old City of Baku, were declared the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Azerbaijan.
Baku's Old City, including its iconic Maiden Tower, remains a subject of historical debate regarding its origins, variously dated between the 7th and 12th centuries. Throughout the medieval era, Baku saw the construction of landmarks like the Synyg Gala Minaret, 11th to 12th-century fortified walls, and later additions such as the Multani Caravanserai and Hajji Gayib bathhouse in the 15th century. The 16th century brought notable structures like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Bukhara Caravanserai, and Gasimbey bathhouse, contributing to Baku's rich architectural heritage.
In the early 19th century, Baku's Old City, inhabited by around 7,000 predominantly ethnic Tati residents, underwent defensive enhancements between 1807 and 1811 amid the Russo-Persian War. Trade thrived with the reopening of the port and establishment of a customs office by 1809, marking a period of strategic growth.
Urban expansion beyond the historic city walls in the 19th and early 20th centuries led to the emergence of neighborhoods like Ichari Shahar (Inner City) and Bayir Shahar (Outer City), each with distinct cultural and economic dynamics. Russian influence during this period introduced architectural changes, blending traditional stles with European motifs such as Baroque and Gothic.
The demolition of sea-facing city walls in 1865 funded the creation of Baku Boulevard, adorned with the city's first fountains by 1867. This era also witnessed the opening of new gates like the Taghiyev Gate in 1877, reflecting ongoing urban development and cultural exchange in Baku.
