Fuzuli history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the city of Fuzuli dates back to the first half of the 19th century. The settlement was founded in 1827 as a military outpost and initially bore the name Karyagino. It emerged as a stronghold around which residential developments gradually formed, transforming the military fortification into a fully fledged populated locality.

Key Development Factors

The development of the city was driven by a combination of several important circumstances:

• Geography: The city is located in the foothills, on the banks of the Quruçay River. Its favorable location at the junction of the mountainous terrain and the plains made it a strategically important point.
• Trade and Transport Routes: Caravan routes connecting various parts of the region passed through this area. This contributed to the settlement's transformation into a local center for trade and exchange.
• Administrative Significance: Over time, the settlement received the status of a district center, which attracted administrative resources and fostered population growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Historically, the region's economy was based on agriculture, particularly grape cultivation and livestock farming, facilitated by the mild climate of Azerbaijan. A significant milestone in the city's cultural history was the year 1959, when the city received its modern name in honor of the 400th anniversary of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli, cementing its status as a culturally significant place in the region.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1827 — Establishment of a military post on the territory where the city of Fuzuli is located today.
• 1905 — The settlement officially receives the name Karyagino and continues to develop as a trading point.
• 1930 — Formation of the administrative district, with the city becoming its center.
• 1959 — The city receives its modern name in honor of the 400th anniversary of the great poet Muhammad Fuzuli.
• 1960s — Active development of grape cultivation and agriculture, which became the foundation of the region's economy.
• 1970s — Large-scale construction of cultural, educational, and urban infrastructure facilities.
• 1980s — A period of flourishing for the city, with the operation of a drama theater and a local history museum.
• 2020 — The beginning of a new historical stage associated with the complete restoration and reconstruction of the city.
• January 2021 — Laying the foundation for the new international airport, named the air gateway to Karabakh.
• October 2021 — Grand opening of the Fuzuli International Airport, holding strategic importance for Azerbaijan.
• 2022 — Approval of the Master Plan, envisioning the creation of a "Smart City" with modern architecture.
• 2023 — Active phase of construction of residential quarters and the Creative Development Center for future residents.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of the formation of Fuzuli is a journey from a trading outpost to a modern innovation hub. Each era brought its own changes to the appearance and way of life, forming a unique blend of historical heritage and future technologies.

• 19th Century Trade Hub. Thanks to its advantageous geographical position at the junction of the plains and foothills, the settlement initially developed as an important transit point. Active trade and crafts laid the economic foundation of the city.
• Agrarian Specialization. In the mid-20th century, the region established itself as one of the centers of grape cultivation. The development of agriculture and the processing industry ensured economic stability and population influx.
• Cultural Identification. Naming the city after the outstanding poet in 1959 was a turning point. This event consolidated the city's status as a cultural center, stimulating the development of libraries, theaters, and museums.
• New Transport Logistics. The opening of the International Airport in 2021 became a key milestone in recent history. The air harbor linked Azerbaijan with international routes and opened up wide opportunities for business tourism.
• "Smart City" Concept. The modern master plan of the city is based on the implementation of smart technologies. Intelligent management of the urban environment and energy-saving solutions define the vector of urban planning.
• Architectural Renaissance. Large-scale construction of residential quarters is being carried out in a unified architectural style, combining national traditions with modern comfort, which completely changes the visual appearance of the city.
• Human Capital Development. The creation of the Creative Development Center and new educational institutions highlights the priority of cultural and professional growth of residents in the city's development strategy.

From Traditions to the "Smart City" Concept

The architectural appearance that Fuzuli is acquiring today is a unique example of large-scale urban planning "from scratch." While in the past the city developed evolutionarily, the modern stage is the realization of a single, carefully thought-out master plan. The restoration project is based on the principles of sustainable development, turning the city into an innovative space harmoniously integrated into the foothill landscape.

Architectural Eras and Styles

In the history of the city's development, two key periods can be distinguished, each with its own stylistic features:

• Historical Development (19th–20th centuries). Previously, vernacular (folk) architecture prevailed here. Residential houses were built from local river stone and limestone, creating a recognizable regional flavor. Administrative buildings of the Soviet period tended towards restrained classicism and functionalism, distinguished by simplicity of form and utility.
• Modern Renaissance (from the 2020s). The current style of the city is a synthesis of eco-modernism and high-tech. The new "Smart City" concept dictates a rejection of high-rise towers in favor of comfortable medium-rise buildings (4–5 floors). Architects rely on energy efficiency, panoramic glazing, and the use of natural finishing materials.

Iconic Landmarks of the New Era

The modern urban framework is formed by buildings and spaces that have become symbols of the region's revival within Azerbaijan:

• Fuzuli International Airport. The main architectural dominant and the "air gateway" of the region. The terminal is executed in an ultra-modern style: light steel structures, a membrane roof, and an abundance of glass create a feeling of weightlessness. The design of the interiors and façade includes elements stylized as national ornaments.
• New Type Residential Quarters. Modern development is designed using the block method. The façades of buildings are clad with light "aglay" stone, which preserves continuity with the country's architectural traditions but in a modern interpretation.
• Central Park and Avenues. The urban planning axis of the city is built around wide green boulevards and park zones. Landscape design here is not an addition, but a full-fledged element of the architectural ensemble, uniting scattered objects into a single ecosystem.

Outstanding Figures and Natives of the Region

The land of Fuzuli has given culture and history many bright names. Among them are writers, musicians, and heroes of labor, whose achievements have glorified this region far beyond its borders.

• Ilyas Efendiyev (1914–1996) — People's Writer, Playwright.
  A native of the city of Fuzuli (at that time Karyagino). A classic of literature whose plays and prose played a fundamental role in the development of the national theater. His works are distinguished by subtle psychologism and a deep connection with his native land.
• Seyid Shushinski (1889–1965) — Outstanding Khanende, Musical Figure.
  Born in the village of Horadiz in the Fuzuli district. Possessor of a unique voice, he became one of the luminaries of the art of Mugham, enriching it with new touches and raising a constellation of talented performers.
• Shamama Hasanova (1923–2008) — Twice Hero of Socialist Labor, Cotton Grower.
  A legendary personality in the history of agriculture. She became the first woman in the republic of Azerbaijan to be twice awarded the highest title of Hero of Labor. Her organizational talent and diligence made her an example for many generations.
• Avaz Verdiyev (1916–1945) — Hero of the Soviet Union, Military Officer.
  A native of the village of Keshishli. He showed exceptional bravery and tactical skill during the Second World War. He died during the liberation of Europe, remaining forever in the memory of his countrymen as a symbol of courage.
• Islam Rzayev (1934–2008) — People's Artist, Singer and Pedagogue.
  Born in the village of Sardarly. A famous performer of folk songs and Mughams, he led a state ensemble for many years and actively promoted national musical culture on the international stage.
• Gulkhar Hasanova (1923–2005) — Opera Singer, People's Artist.
  Possessor of a memorable soprano, creating vivid female images in national operas. Her performance of the role of Leyli in the opera "Leyli and Majnun" is considered one of the benchmarks in the history of Azerbaijani opera art.