The declaration of 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" by presidential decree indicates that this field is also valued as a strategic tool for economic, social, and cultural development. It is not excluded that issues related to urban planning, the functionality of public spaces, the preservation of historical and architectural heritage, and the quality of the new construction environment will be brought back to the legislative agenda within the framework of this year.
Modern.az is also interested in what changes will occur in legislation in 2026 regarding both urbanistic approaches and the preservation of national architectural style.
Azer Badamov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship, noted the great importance of declaring 2026 as the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture."
"Our country has gained extensive experience in recent years in establishing new cities and reconstructing existing ones. The reconstruction of our cities in a modern architectural style while preserving the national-historical urban planning style has allowed them to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. The reconstruction of cities in a modern style also paves the way for economic growth. This is because economic solutions in modern cities are also modern. This, in turn, leads to further development and attractiveness of our cities."
The deputy particularly emphasized that the new cities being built in the liberated territories are being transformed into smart cities based on modern technologies, noting that these newly constructed cities are supplied with renewable energy resources.
"Against the backdrop of next year being declared the 'Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,' the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, one of the most prestigious events of the United Nations, will also be held in Baku from May 17-22, 2026. Many experts with experience in urban planning and architecture, as well as official guests, will come to our country to participate in this Forum. Naturally, we will share our urban planning experience with foreign partners and utilize their effective experience in the reconstruction of our cities. From this perspective, I believe that 2026 will be a period that will give a new impetus to the development of urban planning and architecture in our country," A. Badamov noted.
Azer Badamov also stated that the legislation covering urban planning and architecture will change next year:
"Our existing legislation allows for the development of modern cities. However, as the construction of cities in new architectural styles expands, requirements and standards must also change. In other words, laws must keep pace with the demands of the era and pave the way for a more transparent, safe, and high-quality implementation of development. Laws should not follow reality; they should create conditions for the development of reality. From this perspective, changes in legislation related to urban planning and architecture are expected next year."
Gunay Afandiyeva, Deputy Chair of the Culture Committee, stated that the XIII session of the UN World Urban Forum will be held in Baku next year. This is one of the colossal platforms where the future of cities is discussed globally, and ideas, concepts, and strategic visions are formed.
"With the realization of the Forum in our country, our capital will become an important address for global urban planning dialogue. This is, first and foremost, a high appreciation of Azerbaijan's urban planning culture at a global level, and on the other hand, it is a reaffirmation of our country's international prestige and its growing role as an active participant in processes of current importance."
At the same time, I believe that we must be able to correctly grasp the deep moral content behind the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture":
"Culture as a whole is the common wealth of society, and urban planning and architecture equally belong to everyone. Because urban culture and architecture are, first and foremost, an integral part of the national cultural heritage belonging to our country and our people. This is the spiritual relationship a person builds with the space they inhabit, a part of our daily lives, and the aesthetic expression of our historical memory.
Look, in the 19th century, Khurshidbanu Natavan, the daughter of Mehdigulu Khan Javanshir, the last khan of the Karabakh Khanate, and a prominent poetess, considered the prosperity of her native Shusha, where she grew up, her moral duty; she had springs brought to the city, built bridges, roads, schools, and mosques."
Gunay Afandiyeva stated that in the 21st century, we feel the continuation of these values in the state's activities:
"Under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, our state is carrying out large-scale restoration and reconstruction work in liberated Shusha and throughout the Karabakh territory, in our cities and villages that have been subjected to destruction for years, and our historical architectural monuments are being brought back to life. Our cities are transforming into world-class international cities.
"I believe that cities are, in fact, like living organisms. That is, they are living organisms that preserve national identity and build bridges between eras. In this regard, one of the very important steps each of us can take is, first and foremost, to realize our responsibility. Before our history, before our state, before the era we live in, and before future generations. It is extremely important for us to understand that every decision we make, from construction to daily behavior, affects the overall spirit of the city. I believe that such an approach is one of the ways leading to the highest stage of architectural and urban culture, and of our national culture as a whole," the deputy concluded.
