A transformation strategy based on the "Smart Reserve" concept has been developed for Icherisheher in Baku.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the "Icherisheher" State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department, announced this during the "Smart and Sustainable City Projects in Azerbaijan" event held as part of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.
"When we talk about smart, sustainable city projects, it is undoubtedly important to move from abstract concepts to practical results, because cities are usually judged not by their strategies, but by their execution. At the same time, execution itself requires a clear vision and a clear strategy. That is why in Icherisheher, after starting a new stage of reforms, we developed a detailed three-year transformation strategy around one central idea - the 'smart reserve'. This strategy combines heritage preservation, digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, tourism development, public services, sustainability, and community-oriented management into a single integrated management system," Mahmud stated.
The chairman noted that the approach creates an integrated urban ecosystem in Icherisheher, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. He emphasized that the area is a living city with residents, businesses, and daily urban management challenges. "We believe that in historical cities, technology, in particular, should work silently in the background, while culture, architecture, and the community should be at the forefront," he added.
Icherisheher, often referred to as the Old City, is the historical core of Baku and represents a unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. The implementation of "smart" technologies in such historical zones is part of Azerbaijan's broader initiative to modernize urban infrastructure while maintaining cultural integrity. This initiative aligns with the goals of the World Urban Forum, which focuses on sustainable urbanization and the integration of innovation into traditional city environments to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
