View source for Baku

{{Other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name=Baku
|native_name=Bakı
|nickname = [[City of Winds]]
|image_skyline = <imagemap>
File:Baku montage3.jpg|275px|alt=Baku montage. Clicking on an image in the picture causes the browser to load the appropriate article.
rect 0 0 1200 441 [[Ismailiyya building|Details of the façade of Dede Qorqut on the Ismailiyya building]]
rect 0 447 618 1398 [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower of Baku]]
rect 618 447 1200 1056 [[Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall|Philharmony Fountain in front of the Magomayev Philharmonic Hall]]
rect 618 1056 1200 1398 [[Bay of Baku|A vessel on the Bay of Baku]]
rect 0 1395 1200 1803 [[Baku Boulevard]]
</imagemap>
|image_caption = Clockwise: Details of the façade of the [[Ismailiyya building]], Philharmony Fountain in front of the [[Muslim Magomayev (composer)|Magomayev]] [[Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall|Philharmonic Hall]], a vessel on the [[Bay of Baku]] with the skyline of the city, and the [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]] – clickable image
|image_shield =WP baku siegel.png
|seal_size =80px
|image_map =
|mapsize =220px
|map_caption =Baku city lights at night
|pushpin_map =Azerbaijan
|pushpin_label_position=bottom
|pushpin_map_caption=Location in Azerbaijan
|subdivision_type =Country
|subdivision_name ={{AZE}}
|established_title =
|established_date =
|leader_title =Mayor
|leader_name =[[Hajibala Abutalybov]]
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 =2130
|area_footnotes =<ref name="DENSITY">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/010.shtml#s11
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124164655/http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/010.shtml#s11
 |archivedate=24 November 2007
 |title=Administrative, density and territorial units and land size by economic regions of Azerbaijan Republic for January 1. 2007
 |accessdate=17 July 2009
 |deadurl=yes
 |df=dmy
}}</ref>
|area_land_km2 =
|area_water_km2 =
|population_as_of =2012
|population_footnotes =<ref>[http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/AP_/AP_1.shtml The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 2.5 Population by sex, economic and administrative regions, urban settlements at the beginning of 2012, retrieved on October 2, 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023024344/http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/AP_/AP_1.shtml |date=23 October 2012 }}</ref>
|population_total =2,122,300
|population_urban =2,725,000<ref name="demographia">[http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf Demographia: World Urban Areas] – Demographia, 2016</ref>
|population_metro =4,000,000
|population_density_km2=996.38
|population_demonym =Bakuvian<ref>{{cite book |author =[[Thomas de Waal]]|title =The Caucasus: An Introduction|publisher =Oxford University Press|year = 2010 |page = 16|isbn =0-19-975043-2}}</ref>
{{lang-az|Bakılı}}
|timezone =[[Azerbaijan Time|AZT]]
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|coordinates = {{coord|40|23|43|N|49|52|56|E|type:city(2039700)_region:AZ_source:dewiki|display=inline,title}}
|elevation_m =−28
|area_code=(+994) 12
|postal_code_type=[[Postal code]]
|postal_code=AZ1000
|registration_plate = 10–90 AZ
|website = {{URL|1=http://www.baku-ih.gov.az}}
|footnotes = {{designation list |embed = yes
   |designation1 = WHS
   |designation1_offname = Walled City of Baku with the [[Palace of the Shirvanshahs|Shirvanshah's Palace]] and [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]]
   |designation1_date = 2000 <small>(24th [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small>
   |designation1_number = [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/958 958]
   |designation1_criteria = iv
   |designation1_type = Cultural
   |designation1_free1name = [[List of World Heritage in Danger|Endangered]]
   |designation1_free1value = 2003–2009
   |designation1_free2name = State Party
   |designation1_free2value = Azerbaijan
   |designation1_free3name = Region
   |designation1_free3value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Europe|Europe and Asia]]
  }}
}}

'''Baku''' ({{lang-az|Bakı}}, {{IPA-tr|bɑˈcɯ|IPA}}) is the capital and largest city of [[Azerbaijan]], as well as the largest city on the [[Caspian Sea]] and of the [[Caucasus]] region. Baku is located {{convert|28|m|ft}} below [[sea level]], which makes it the [[List of capital cities by altitude|lowest lying national capital in the world]] and also the largest city in the world located below sea level. It is located on the southern shore of the [[Absheron Peninsula]], alongside the [[Bay of Baku]]. At the beginning of 2009, Baku's [[urban population]] was estimated at just over two million people.<ref name="pop">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/2_2.shtml
 |title=Population by economic and administrative regions, urban settlements at the beginning of the 2009
 |accessdate=21 November 2009
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114093435/http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/2_2.shtml
 |archivedate=14 November 2009
 |deadurl=yes
 |df=dmy
}}</ref> Officially, about 25 percent of all inhabitants of the country live in Baku's [[metropolitan area]].

Baku is divided into [[Baku#Administrative divisions|twelve administrative districts]] (raions) and 48 townships. Among these are the townships on the islands of the [[Baku Archipelago]], and the town of [[Oil Rocks]] built on stilts in the Caspian Sea, {{convert|60|km|mi|0|abbr=off}} away from Baku. The [[Old City (Baku)|Inner City]] of Baku, along with the [[Palace of the Shirvanshahs|Shirvanshah's Palace]] and [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]], were inscribed as a UNESCO [[World Heritage Site]] in 2000. According to the [[Lonely Planet]]'s ranking, Baku is also among the world's top ten destinations for urban nightlife.<ref name="nl">{{cite news
 |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5AC0NE20091113?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=11617
 |title=Travel Picks: Top 10 cities to party the night away
 |publisher=Reuters
 |accessdate=21 November 2009
 |date=13 November 2009
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123104005/http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5AC0NE20091113?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=11617
 |archivedate=23 November 2009
 |deadurl=no
 |df=dmy
}}</ref>

The city is the scientific, cultural and industrial center of Azerbaijan. Many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters there. The [[Baku International Sea Trade Port]] is capable of handling two million tons of general and dry bulk cargoes per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/AZE_Port_of_Baku_2192.php|title=Port of Baku|publisher=World Port Source|accessdate=23 December 2010}}</ref> In recent years, Baku has become an important venue for international events. It hosted the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012|57th Eurovision Song Contest]] in 2012, the [[2015 European Games]], the 2016 [[European Grand Prix]] and will host the 4th [[Islamic Solidarity Games]] and [[Azerbaijan Grand Prix]] in 2017 and [[UEFA Euro 2020]].

The city is renowned for its harsh winds, which is reflected in its nickname, the "[[City of Winds]]".

== Etymology ==
Baku is derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] name of the city باد-کوبه ''Bād-kube'', meaning "Wind-pounded city", in which ''bād'' means "wind" and ''kube'' is rooted in the verb کوبیدن ''kubidan'', "to pound", thus referring to a place where wind is strong and pounding.<ref name="Web.archive.org">{{cite web|url=http://iranchamber.com/podium/culture/020920_politicizing_linguistics.php |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013212555/http://iranchamber.com/podium/culture/020920_politicizing_linguistics.php |archivedate=13 October 2007 |title=Culture & Religion on Podium: Politicizing Linguistics |publisher=Web.archive.org |accessdate=25 July 2009 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref> Indeed, the city is renowned for its fierce winter snow storms and harsh winds. This is also reflected in the city's nickname as the "[[City of Winds]]". A less probable [[folk etymology]] explains the name as deriving from ''Baghkuy'', meaning "God's town". ''Baga'' (now ''بغ'' ''bagh'') and ''kuy'' are the [[Old Persian language|Old Persian]] words for "god" and "town" respectively; the name ''Baghkuy'' may be compared with ''[[Baghdad|Baghdād]]'' ("God-given") in which ''dād'' is the Old Persian word for "give". [[Arabic language|Arabic]] sources refer to the city as ''Baku'', ''Bakukh'', ''Bakuya'', and ''Bakuye'', all of which seem to come from a Persian name.

== History ==
{{Main article|History of Baku|Timeline of Baku}}

=== Antiquity ===
[[File:Qobustan inscription.jpg|thumb|Roman stone inscription in [[Gobustan National Park|Gobustan]] dating back to 84–96 A.D.]]
Around 100,000 years ago, the territory of modern Baku and [[Absheron Rayon|Absheron]] was [[savanna]] with rich flora and fauna. Traces of human settlement go back to the [[Stone age]]. From the [[Bronze age]] there have been rock carvings discovered near Bayil, and a bronze figure of a small fish discovered in the territory of the Old City. These have led some to suggest the existence of a Bronze Age settlement within the city's territory.<ref>[http://azerisite.narod.ru/2.html Город Баку...] Retrieved on 24 June 2006</ref> Near [[Nardaran]], in a place called Umid Gaya, a prehistoric observatory was discovered, where on the rock the images of sun and various constellations are carved together with a primitive astronomic table.<ref>Ancient Observatory of Absheron. ''Gobustan'', No 3 (1973)</ref> Further archeological excavations revealed various prehistoric settlements, native temples, statues and other artifacts within the territory of the modern city and around it.

In the 1st century, the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] organized two Caucasian campaigns and reached Baku. Near the city, in [[Gobustan National Park|Gobustan]], Roman inscriptions dating from 84–96&nbsp;AD were discovered. This is one of the earliest written evidences for Baku.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldheritage.heindorffhus.dk/frame-AzerbaijanBaku.htm |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20080102011734/http://worldheritage.heindorffhus.dk/frame-AzerbaijanBaku.htm |archivedate=2 January 2008 |title=Azerbaijan – Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace... |accessdate=14 October 2007 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref>

=== Rise of the Shirvanshahs and the Safavid era ===
{{See also|Shirvanshah}}
[[File:1541-Battle in the war between Shah Isma'il and the King of Shirvan-Shahnama-i-Isma'il.jpg|upright|thumb|A [[Miniature (illuminated manuscript)|miniature painting]] marking the downfall of the Shirvanshahs at the hands of the Safavids.]]
During the 8th century Baku was the realm of the [[Shirvanshahs]]. The city frequently came under assault of the [[Khazars]] and (starting from the 10th century) the [[Kievan Rus'|Rus]]. [[Akhsitan I ibn Minuchihr III|Shirvanshah Akhsitan I]] built a navy in Baku and successfully repelled another Rus assault in 1170. After a devastating earthquake struck [[Shamakhy]], the capital of [[Shirvan]], Shirvanshah’s court moved to Baku in 1191.<ref>[http://www.kaspiy.az/rubrics.php?code=316 "Ичери Шехер": быть или не быть] Retrieved on 25 June 2006 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620120625/http://www.kaspiy.az/rubrics.php?code=316 |date=20 June 2008 }}</ref>

[[File:Sabayil relics.jpg|thumb|Relics from the sunken [[Sabayil Castle]].]]
The Shirvan era greatly influenced Baku and the remainder of Azerbaijan. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, massive fortifications were undertaken in Baku and the surrounding towns. The [[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]], the [[Ramana Tower]], the [[Nardaran Fortress]], the Shagan Castle, the [[Quadrangular castle (Mardakan)|Mardakan Castle]], the [[Round Castle (Mardakan)|Round Castle]] and also the famous [[Sabayil Castle]] on the island of the [[Bay of Baku]] was built during this period. The [[Old City (Baku)|city walls of Baku]] were also rebuilt and strengthened.

By the early 16th century Baku's wealth and strategic position attracted the focus of its larger neighbors, and had already been ruled in the previous two centuries by then in Iran centred [[Kara Koyunlu]] and [[Ak Koyunlu]]. The fall of the Ak Koyunlu brought the city immediately into the sphere of the newly formed Iranian [[Safavid dynasty]], who, led by [[Ismail I|Shah Ismail I]] laid siege to Baku in 1501 and captured it making it an integral part of his empire and the successive Iranian dynasties to come for the next centuries, until the irrevocable cession in the [[Treaty of Gulistan|first half of the 19th century]]. The House of Shirvan, who ruled Baku since the 9th century, was extinguished in the course of the Safavid rule.

At this time the city was enclosed within the lines of strong walls, which were washed by the sea on one side and protected by a wide trench on land. In 1540 Baku was again captured by the Safavid troops following a brief occupation by the Ottomans as a result of the [[Battle of Chaldiran]]. In 1578 the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]] captured Baku and held it till 1603, when it was again put under Iranian control,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/?id=3SapTk5iGDkC&pg=PA65&lpg=PA65&dq=ottoman+empire+captured+baku#v=onepage&q=ottoman%20empire%20captured%20baku&f=false|title=Cities of the Middle East and North Africa|publisher=|accessdate=30 June 2015|isbn=978-1-57607-919-5|author1=Dumper|first1=Michael|last2=Stanley|first2=Bruce E|year=2007}}</ref> under which it stayed, intermittently, up to [[Treaty of Gulistan|the course of the 19th century]]. In 1604 the Baku fortress was destroyed by Shah [[Abbas I of Persia|Abbas I]].

=== Downfall of the Safavids and the Khanate of Baku ===
The fall of the Iranian Safavids gave rise to the various [[Khanates of the Caucasus|Caucasian khanates]], most of whom were already established in the late Safavid era while the rest were established during the rule of Iranian ruler [[Nader Shah]]. After the death of Nader Shah in 1747, the semi-independent Persian-ruled<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-129462/Azerbaijan|title=Azerbaijan – history – geography|author=|date=|work=britannica.com}}</ref><ref>''Russian Azerbaijan, 1905–1920'' By [[Tadeusz Swietochowski]]  page 272</ref><ref>Russia and Iran, 1780-1828By Muriel Atkin, Page 16-20</ref>  principality of the [[Baku Khanate]] was formed. It was ruled by Mirza Muhammed Khan but soon became a dependency of the much stronger [[Quba Khanate]]. During the time, the population of Baku was small (approximately 5,000), and the economy was ruined as a result of constant warfare.

=== Russo-Persian Wars and Iran's forced ceding ===
[[File:Баку. Набережная. 1861.jpg|left|thumb|Painting of Baku's shoreline in 1861 by [[Alexey Bogolyubov]].]]
On 26 June 1723, [[Russo-Persian War (1722–23)|after a long siege]], Baku surrendered to the Russians and the Safavids were forced to cede the city alongside many other of their Caucasian territories as confirmed in the [[Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1723)|1723 Saint Petersburg Treaty]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/the-caucasus-in-the-system-of-international-relations-the-turkmanchay-treaty-was-signed-180-years-ago|title=THE CAUCASUS IN THE SYSTEM OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE TURKMANCHAY TREATY WAS SIGNED 180 YEARS AGO|author=SHUKIUROV KERIM|work=Cyberleninka|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref> By 1730, the situation had deteriorated for the Russians as [[Nader Shah|Nadir Shah's]] successes in Shirvan forced the Russians to make an [[Treaty of Ganja|agreement]] near [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]] on 10 March 1735, ceding the city and all other conquered territories in the Caucasus back to [[Iran]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Mikaberidze|first=Alexander|title=Conflict and Conquest in the Islamic World: A Historical Encyclopedia|year=2011|location=ABC-CLIO|isbn=1-59884-336-2|page=329|editor=Mikaberidze, Alexander|chapter=Treaty of Ganja (1735)}}</ref>

By the end of the 18th century, [[Tsar]]ist Russia now began a more firm policy with the intent to conquer all of the Caucasus especially at the expense of Iran and to a lesser extent Turkey. In the spring of 1796, by [[Yekaterina II]]’s order, General [[Valerian Zubov]]’s troops started a large campaign in the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia against [[Qajar dynasty|Qajar]] Persia following the [[Battle of Krtsanisi|sack of Tblisi]] and Iran's subsequent restoring of ts suzerainty over Georgia and [[Dagestan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.academia.edu/9137125/Relations_between_Tehran_and_Moscow_1979-2014|title=Relations between Tehran and Moscow, 1797–2014|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ijbssnet.com/journals/Vol_3_No_12_Special_Issue_June_2012/18.pdf|title=The Qajar Dynasty in Iran: The Most Important {{Not a typo|Occur|ence}} Evented in the Qajars Monarchy}}</ref> Zubov had sent 13,000 men to capture Baku, and it was overrun subsequently without any resistance. On 13 June 1796, a Russian flotilla entered Baku Bay, and a garrison of Russian troops was placed inside the city. Later, however, [[Paul I of Russia|Pavel I]] ordered the cessation of the campaign and the withdrawal of Russian forces following his predecessor, [[Catherine the Great]] her death. In March 1797, the tsarist troops left Baku and the city became part of [[Qajar Iran|Iran]] again.

In 1813, following the [[Russo-Persian War (1804–13)]], [[Qajar Iran]] was forced to sign the [[Treaty of Gulistan]] with Russia, which provided for the irrevocable cession of Baku and most of Iran's territories in the [[North Caucasus]] and [[South Caucasus]] to Russia. However it was not until the aftermath of the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–28)]] and the [[Treaty of Turkmenchay]] that Baku came under nominal Russian rule and the city was irrevocably lost, as it was retaken by Iran during the war.<ref>{{cite book|author=Mojtahed-Zadeh, Pirouz|year=2007|title=Boundary Politics and International Boundaries of Iran: A Study of the Origin, Evolution, and Implications of the Boundaries of Modern Iran with Its 15 Neighbors in the Middle East by a Number of Renowned Experts in the Field|publisher=Universal|isbn=1-58112-933-5|page=372}}</ref>
When Baku was occupied by the Russian troops during the [[Russo-Persian War (1804–13)|war of 1804–13]], nearly the entire population of some 8,000 people was ethnic [[Tat people (Caucasus)|Tat]].<ref name="books.google.nl">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.nl/books?id=oZCOAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA262&dq=azeris+flee+to+iran+russo+persian+wars&hl=nl&sa=X&ei=GYOZVLaEG4vvUuyqgaAL&ved=0CCIQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=azeris%20flee%20to%20iran%20russo%20persian%20wars&f=false|title=Ethnic Groups of North, East, and Central Asia: An Encyclopedia|accessdate=9 March 2015}}</ref>

=== Discovery of oil ===
{{Main article|Petroleum industry in Azerbaijan}}
[[File:BibiEybat.jpg|thumb|Oil workers digging an oil well by hand at Bibi-Heybat.]]
The first [[oil well]] was mechanically drilled in the [[Bibi-Heybat Mosque|Bibi-Heybat]] suburb of Baku in 1846, though a number of hand-dug wells predate it. Large-scale oil exploration started in 1872, when Russian imperial authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. The pioneer of oil extracting from the bottom of the sea was Polish geologist Witold Zglenicki.<ref>[[Witold Zglenicki]]</ref> Soon after that Swiss, British, French, Belgian, German, Swedish and American investors appeared in Baku. Among them were the firms of the [[Robert Nobel|Nobel brothers]] together with the family [[Schuch|von Börtzell-Szuch]] (Carl Knut Börtzell, who also owned the [[Livadia Palace]]) and the [[Rothschild family]]. An industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku.

Professor [[A. V. Williams Jackson]] of Columbia University wrote in his work ''From Constantinople to the Home of Omar Khayyam'' (1911):
{{quotation|Baku is a city founded upon oil, for to its inexhaustible founts of naphtha it owes its very existence, its maintenance, its prosperity.... At present Baku produces one-fifth of the oil that is used in the world, and the immense output in crude petroleum from this single city far surpasses that in any other district where oil is found. Verily, the words of the Scriptures find illustration here: 'the rock poured me out rivers of oil.

Oil is in the air one breathes, in one's nostrils, in one's eyes, in the water of the morning bath (though not in the drinking water, for that is brought in bottles from distant mineral springs), in one's starched linen – everywhere. This is the impression one carries away from Baku, and it is certainly true in the environs.''<ref>Abraham Valentine Williams Jackson. {{cite web|url=https://archive.org/stream/fromconstantino00jackgoog#page/n10/mode/2up|title=From Constantinople to the Home of Omar Khayyam|publisher=The Macmillan Company, 1911, p. 25|accessdate=1 December 2011}}</ref>}}

By the beginning of the 20th century almost half of world production was being extracted in Baku.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.window2baku.com/eng/9001history_3.htm |title=Window2Baku.com |publisher=Window2Baku.com |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref> The [[oil boom]] contributed to the massive growth of Baku. Between 1856 and 1910 Baku's population grew at a faster rate than that of [[London]], [[Paris]] or [[New York City|New York]].

=== World War I ===
[[File:Army of Azerbaijan in 1918.jpg|thumb|Soldiers and officers of the army of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic shortly after the [[Battle of Baku]].]]
[[File:Neftchiler Avenue 1918-1920.jpg|thumb|[[Neftchiler Avenue]] in Baku, circa 1920.]]
In 1917, after the [[October Revolution|October revolution]] and amidst the turmoil of [[World War I]] and the [[Russian revolution|breakup of the Russian Empire]], Baku came under the control of the [[26 Baku Commissars|Baku Commune]], which was led by veteran Bolshevik [[Stepan Shahumyan]]. Seeking to capitalize on the existing inter-ethnic conflicts, by spring 1918, Bolsheviks inspired and condoned civil warfare in and around Baku. During the infamous [[March Days]], Bolsheviks and [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation|Dashnaks]] seeking to establish control over the Baku streets, were faced with armed Azerbaijani groups. The Azerbaijanis suffered a crushing defeat by the united forces of the Baku Soviet and were massacred by Dashnak teams in what was called [[March Days]]. An estimated 3–12,000 Azerbaijanis were killed in their own capital.<ref name="smithmusavat">{{cite journal |last1=Smith |first1=Michael |last2= |first2= |date=April 2001 |title=Anatomy of Rumor: Murder Scandal, the Musavat Party and Narrative of the Russian Revolution in Baku, 1917–1920 |journal=Journal of Contemporary History |publisher= |volume=36 |issue=2 |page=228 |url= |doi= 10.1177/002200940103600202|quote=''The results of the March events were immediate and total for the Musavat. Several hundreds of its members were killed in the fighting; up to 12,000 Muslim civilians perished; thousands of others fled Baku in a mass exodus''}}</ref><ref name="minahan">{{cite book |title=Miniature Empires: A Historical Dictionary of the Newly Independent States |last=Minahan |first=James B. |authorlink= |publisher= |location= |isbn=0-313-30610-9 |page=22 |pages= |url= |accessdate= |quote=''The tensions and fighting between the Azeris and the Armenians in the federation culminated in the massacre of some 12,000 Azeris in Baku by radical Armenians and Bolshevik troops in March 1918''}}</ref> After the massacre, on 28 May 1918, the Azerbaijani faction of the [[Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic|Transcaucasian Sejm]] proclaimed the independence of the [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]] (ADR) in [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]], thereby becoming the first Muslim-majority [[democratic republic|democratic]] and [[secular]] [[republic]].<ref>Tadeusz Swietochowski. ''Russia and Azerbaijan: A Borderland in Transition''. Columbia University Press, 1995. ISBN 0-231-07068-3, ISBN 978-0-231-07068-3 and Reinhard Schulze. A Modern History of the Islamic World. I.B.Tauris, 2000. ISBN 1-86064-822-3, ISBN 978-1-86064-822-9.</ref> The newly independent Azerbaijani republic, being unable to defend the independence of the country on their own, asked the Ottoman Empire for military support in accordance with clause 4 of the treaty between the two countries. Shortly after, Azerbaijani forces, with support of the [[Ottoman Army of Islam]] led by [[Nuri Killigil|Nuru Pasha]], started their advance into Baku, eventually capturing the city from the loose coalition of [[Bolshevik]]s, [[Socialist-Revolutionary Party|Esers]], [[Armenian Revolutionary Federation|Dashnaks]], [[Menshevik]]s and British forces under the command of General [[Lionel Dunsterville]] on 15 September 1918.

After the [[Battle of Baku]], the Azerbaijani irregular troops, with the tacit support of the Turkish command, conducted four days of pillaging and killing of 10–30,000<ref name="Gen">Andreopoulos, George (1997). ''Genocide: Conceptual and Historical Dimensions''. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, ISBN 0-8122-1616-4, p. 236.</ref> of the [[Armenians in Baku|Armenian residents of Baku]]. This pogrom was known as the [[September Days]]. Shortly after this Baku was proclaimed the new capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

=== Sovietization ===
The independence of the Azerbaijani republic was a significant but a short lived chapter. On 28 April 1920, the [[11th Army (Soviet Union)|11th Red Army]] invaded Baku and reinstalled the Bolsheviks, making Baku the capital of the [[Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic]].

The city underwent many major changes. As a result, Baku played a great role in many branches of the Soviet life. Since about 1921, the city was headed by the Baku City Executive Committee, commonly known in Russian as ''Bakgorispolkom''. Together with the Baku Party Committee (known as the ''Baksovet''), it developed the economic significance of the Caspian metropolis. From 1922 to 1930, Baku was the venue for one of the major [[Trade fair]]s of the Soviet Union, serving as a commercial bridgehead to Iran and the Middle East.<ref>Etienne Forestier-Peyrat, ″[http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/ab_imperio/summary/v2013/2013.4.forestier-peyrat.html Red Passage to Iran: The Baku Trade Fair and the Unmaking of the Azerbaijani Borderland, 1922–1930]″, ''Ab Imperio'', Vol 2013, Issue 4, pp. 79–112.</ref>

=== World War II ===
Baku's growing importance as a major energy hub remained in sight of the major powers. During [[World War II]] and the [[Case Blue|Nazi German invasion of the southwestern Soviet Union]], Baku had become of vital strategic importance. In fact, capturing the [[Petroleum industry in Azerbaijan#World War II|oil fields of Baku]] was one of the ultimate goals of [[Operation Edelweiss]], carried out between May and November 1942. However the German Army's closest approach to Baku was no closer than some {{convert|530|km|0|abbr=off}} northwest of Baku in November 1942, falling far short of the city's capture before being driven back during the Soviet [[Operation Little Saturn]] in mid-December 1942.

=== Fall of the Soviet Union and later ===
After the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]], Baku embarked on a process of restructuring on a scale unseen in its history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Money from oil changes the face of Azerbaijan|url=http://news.az/articles/society/41029|publisher=news.az|accessdate=22 July 2011}}</ref> Thousands of buildings from the Soviet period were demolished to make way for a green belt on its shores; parks and gardens were built on the land reclaimed by filling up the beaches of the [[Baku Bay]]. Improvements were made in the general cleaning, maintenance, and garbage collection, and these services are now at Western European standards. The city is growing dynamically and developing at full speed on an east-west axis along the shores of the [[Caspian Sea]]. Sustainability has become a key factor in future urban development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bakuwhitecity.com/en/page/4-sustainability|title=Baku White City - Sustainability|website=www.bakuwhitecity.com|access-date=2017-04-25}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:Baku, Azerbaijan, satellite image, LandSat-5, 2010-09-06.jpg|thumb|Absheron Peninsular satellite image, [[Landsat 5]], 6 September 2010]]
Baku is situated on the western coast of [[Caspian Sea]]. In the vicinity of the city there are a number of [[mud volcano]]es (Keyraki, Bogkh-bogkha, [[Lokbatan]] and others) and [[salt lake]]s ([[Lake Boyukshor|Boyukshor]], Khodasan and so on).

=== Climate ===
Baku has a [[temperate]] [[semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSk'') with warm and dry summers, cool and occasionally wet winters, and strong winds all year long. However, unlike many other cities with this climate, Baku does not see extremely hot summers. This is largely because of its northerly [[latitude]] and the fact that it is located on a peninsula on the shore of the Caspian Sea.
Baku and the [[Absheron Peninsula]] on which it is situated, is the most arid part of Azerbaijan ([[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] here is around or less than {{convert|200|mm|in|0|abbr=on}} a year). The majority of the light annual precipitation occurs in seasons other than summer, but none of these seasons are particularly wet.
During Soviet times, Baku with its long hours of sunshine and dry healthy climate, was a vacation destination where citizens could enjoy beaches or relax in now-dilapidated [[destination spa|spa]] complexes overlooking the Caspian Sea. The city's past as a Soviet industrial center has left it as one of the most polluted cities in the world.<ref name="ForbesPollution">{{cite news|url=http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/26/pollution-baku-oil-biz-logistics-cx_tl_0226dirtycities.html |title=The World's Dirtiest Cities |work=Forbes |author=Tiffany M. Luck |date=26 February 2008 |accessdate=17 November 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202072636/http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/26/pollution-baku-oil-biz-logistics-cx_tl_0226dirtycities.html |archivedate=2 December 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>

At the same time Baku is noted as a very windy city throughout the year, hence the city's nickname the "[[City of Winds]]", and gale-force winds, the cold northern wind ''[[khazri]]'' and the warm southern wind ''[[gilavar]]'' are typical here in all seasons. Indeed, the city is renowned for its fierce winter snow storms and harsh winds.<ref name="Web.archive.org"/>
The speed of the ''khazri'' sometimes reaches 144 kph (89&nbsp;mph), which can cause damage to crops, trees and roof tiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.global-ict.mincom.gov.az/aboutazerb.php |title=Global ICT Conference: 25–28, November, 2004 : Baku, Azerbaijan |publisher=Global-ict.mincom.gov.az |accessdate=17 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719093010/http://www.global-ict.mincom.gov.az/aboutazerb.php |archivedate=19 July 2011 |df=dmy}}</ref>

The daily mean temperature in July and August averages {{convert|26.4|°C|°F}}, and there is very little rainfall during that season. During summer the ''khazri'' sweeps through, bringing desired coolness. Winter is cool and occasionally wet, with the daily mean temperature in January and February averaging {{convert|4.3|°C|°F}}. During winter the ''khazri'' sweeps through, driven by polar [[air mass]]es; temperatures on the coast frequently drop below freezing and make it feel bitterly cold. Winter [[Winter storm|snow storms]] are occasional; [[snow]] usually melts within a few days after each snowfall.

{{Weather box
|location=Baku
|metric first=yes
|single line=yes
|Jan high C=6.6
|Feb high C=6.3
|Mar high C=9.8
|Apr high C=16.4
|May high C=22.1
|Jun high C=27.3
|Jul high C=30.6
|Aug high C=29.7
|Sep high C=25.6
|Oct high C=19.6
|Nov high C=13.5
|Dec high C=9.7
|year high C=18.1
|Jan mean C=4.4
|Feb mean C=4.2
|Mar mean C=7.0
|Apr mean C=12.9
|May mean C=18.5
|Jun mean C=23.5
|Jul mean C=26.4
|Aug mean C=26.3
|Sep mean C=22.5
|Oct mean C=16.6
|Nov mean C=11.2
|Dec mean C=7.3
|year mean C=15.1
|Jan low C=2.1
|Feb low C=2.0
|Mar low C=4.2
|Apr low C=9.4
|May low C=14.9
|Jun low C=19.7
|Jul low C=22.2
|Aug low C=22.9
|Sep low C=19.4
|Oct low C=13.6
|Nov low C=8.8
|Dec low C=4.8
|year low C=12.0
|Jan precipitation mm=21
|Feb precipitation mm=20
|Mar precipitation mm=21
|Apr precipitation mm=18
|May precipitation mm=18
|Jun precipitation mm=8
|Jul precipitation mm=2
|Aug precipitation mm=6
|Sep precipitation mm=15
|Oct precipitation mm=25
|Nov precipitation mm=30
|Dec precipitation mm=26
|year precipitation mm=210
|Jan precipitation days=6
|Feb precipitation days=6
|Mar precipitation days=5
|Apr precipitation days=4
|May precipitation days=3
|Jun precipitation days=2
|Jul precipitation days=1
|Aug precipitation days=2
|Sep precipitation days=2
|Oct precipitation days=6
|Nov precipitation days=6
|Dec precipitation days=6
|unit precipitation days=0.1 mm
|unit snow days = 1 cm
|Jan snow days =  4
|Feb snow days =  3
|Mar snow days =  0
|Apr snow days =  0
|May snow days =  0
|Jun snow days =  0
|Jul snow days =  0
|Aug snow days =  0
|Sep snow days =  0
|Oct snow days =  0
|Nov snow days =  0
|Dec snow days =  3
|year snow days =10
|Jan sun=89.9
|Feb sun=89.0
|Mar sun=124.0
|Apr sun=195.0
|May sun=257.3
|Jun sun=294.0
|Jul sun=313.1
|Aug sun=282.1
|Sep sun=222.0
|Oct sun=145.7
|Nov sun=93.0
|Dec sun=102.3
|year sun=2207.4
|source 1=[[World Meteorological Organisation]] (UN),<ref name=" WMO ">{{cite web
|url=http://worldweather.wmo.int/007/c00018.htm
|title=World Weather Information Service}}</ref> [[Hong Kong Observatory]]<ref>[http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/world/eng/europe/gr_tu/baku_e.htm "Climatological Information for Baku, Azerbaijan"] – Hong Kong Observatory</ref> <small>for data of sunshine hours</small>
|date=November 2012

|source 2 = Meoweather (Snowy days)<ref name="Snow">{{cite web|url=http://www.meoweather.com/history/Azerbaijan/na/40.3952778/49.8822222/Baku.html |title=Baku, Azerbaijan |publisher= Meoweather |accessdate= 25 February 2013}}</ref>}}

== Administrative divisions ==
Today, Baku is divided into 12 ''rayons'' (administrative districts) and 5 settlements of city type.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bakupages.com/pages/baku/baku_en.php |title=Baku's History |publisher=Bakupages.com |date=19 March 2010 |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402040421/http://www.bakupages.com/pages/baku/baku_en.php |archivedate=2 April 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kishmish.az/content/Baku_e.html |title=Baku's History |publisher=Kishmish.az |accessdate=17 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706130825/https://www.kishmish.az/content/Baku_e.html |archivedate=6 July 2011 |df=dmy}}</ref> The mayor, presently [[Hajibala Abutalybov]], embodies the executive power of the city.<ref>[http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/010.shtml#s9 Territories, number, density of population and territorial units by economic and administrative regions of Azerbaijan Republic by 1 January 2009] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114180124/http://www.azstat.org/statinfo/demoqraphic/en/010.shtml#s9 |date=14 November 2010 }}</ref>

{|
|-
|valign="top" |
* [[Binəqədi raion|Binagadi raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Binəqədi rayonu}}}})
* [[Qaradağ raion|Garadagh raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Qaradağ rayonu}}}})
* [[Xətai raion|Khatai raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Xətai rayonu}}}})
* [[Khazar raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Xəzər rayonu}}}})
* [[Nərimanov raion|Narimanov raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Nərimanov rayonu}}}})
* [[Nəsimi raion|Nasimi raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Nəsimi rayonu}}}})
|valign="top" |
* [[Nizami raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Nizami rayonu}}}})
* [[Pirallahy raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Pirallahı rayonu}}}})
* [[Sabail raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Səbail rayonu}}}})
* [[Sabunçu raion|Sabunchu raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Sabunçu rayonu}}}})
* [[Suraxanı raion|Surakhany raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Suraxanı rayonu}}}})
* [[Yasamal raion]] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Yasamal rayonu}}}})
|}

== Demographics ==
Until 1988 Baku had very large Russian, Armenian, and Jewish populations which contributed to [[cultural diversity]] and added in various ways (music, literature, architecture and progressive outlook) to Baku's history. With the onset of the [[Karabakh War]] and the [[Pogrom of Armenians in Baku|pogrom against Armenians]] starting in January 1990, the city's large Armenian population was expelled.<ref>Azerbaijan: The status of Armenians, Russians, Jews and other minorities, report, 1993, INS Resource Informacion Center, p.10</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-44300/Azerbaijan#481451.hook |title=Azerbaijan – The Soviet and post-Soviet periods |publisher=Britannica |accessdate=17 December 2011}}</ref>
Under Communism, the Soviets took over the majority of Jewish property in Baku and Kuba. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, [[President of Azerbaijan|Azerbaijani President]] [[Heydar Aliyev]] returned several synagogues and a Jewish college, nationalized by the Soviets, to the Jewish community. He encouraged the restoration of these buildings and is well liked by the Jews of Azerbaijan. Renovation has begun on seven of the original 11 synagogues, including the Gilah synagogue, built in 1896, and the large Kruei Synagogue.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Azerbaijan.html |title=JewishVirtualLibrary.org |publisher=JewishVirtualLibrary.org |date=10 July 2006 |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref>
{{clear}}
{|class="wikitable" style="float:center;"
|-
! Year
! Azerbaijanis
! %
! Russians
! %
! Armenians
! %
! Jews
! %
! Others
! %
! Total
|-
|1851<ref>{{ru icon}} ''Kavkazskii Kalendar na 1852&nbsp;g., pp. 305–307</ref>
|more than 5000
|
|
|
|405
|5.5%
|
|
|
|
|7,431
|-
|1886<ref>{{ru icon}} Свод статистических данных о населении Закавказского края, извлечённых из посемейных списков 1886 года, г. Тифлис, 1893</ref>
|37,530
|43.3
|21,390
|24.7
|24,490
|28.3
|391
|0.5
|2,810
|3.2
|86,611
|-
|1897<ref>{{ru icon}} [http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=323 Первая всеобщая перепись населения Российской Империи 1897 г. – г. Баку] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119173918/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=323 |date=19 January 2012 }}</ref>
|40,341
|36
|37,399
|33.4
|19,099
|17.1
|3,369
|3
|11,696
|10.5
|111,904
|-
|1903<ref name="The Azerbaijani Turks page 32">The Azerbaijani Turks: Power and Identity Under Russian Rule, Audrey L. Altstadt, page 32, Hoover Press, 1992, ISBN 978-0-8179-9183-8</ref>
|44,257
|28,4
|59,955
|38,5
|26,151
|16,8
|n.a.
|n.a.
|28,513
|18,3
|155,876
|-
|1913<ref name="The Azerbaijani Turks page 32"/>
|45,962
|21,4
|76,288
|35,5
|41,680
|19,4
|9,690
|4,5
|41,052
|19,1
|214,672
|-
|1926<ref>{{ru icon}} Всесоюзная перепись населения 1926 года, т. 14, Закавказская СФСР, г. Москва, 1929</ref>
|118,737
|26.2
|167,373
|36.9
|76,656
|16.9
|19,589
|4.3
|70,978
|15.7
|453,333
|-
|1939<ref>Soviet 1939 census</ref>
|215,482
|27.4
|343,064
|43.6
|118,650
|15.1
|31,050
|3.9
|79,377
|10.1
|787,623
|-
|1959<ref>Soviet 1959 census</ref>
|211,372
|32.9
|223,242
|34.7
|137,111
|21.3
|24,057
|3.7
|56,725
|8.7
|652,507
|-
|1970<ref>Soviet 1970 census</ref>
|586,052
|46.3
|351,090
|27.7
|207,464
|16.4
|29,716
|2.3
|88,193
|6.9
|1,262,515
|-
|1979<ref>Soviet 1979 census</ref>
|530,556
|52.4
|229,873
|22.7
|167,226
|16.5
|22,916
|2.3
|62,865
|6.2
|1,013,436
|-
|1999<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic1999.htm|title=Ethnic composition of Azerbaijan 1999|publisher=|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>
|1,574,252
|88
|119,371
|6.7
|378
|0.02
|5,164
|0.3
|89,689
|5
|1,788,854
|-
|2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic2009.htm|title=Ethnic composition of Azerbaijan 2009|publisher=|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>
|1,848,107
|90.3
|108,525
|5.3
|104
|0
|6,056
|0.6
|83,023
|4.1
|2,045,815
|}

=== Ethnic groups ===
[[File:Christmas in Baku on January 6, 1904 and Armenian church.jpg|thumbnail|The Armenian [[Saint Gregory the Illuminator's Church, Baku]]]]
Today the vast majority of the population of Baku are ethnic [[Azerbaijani people|Azerbaijanis]] (more than 90%). When Baku was occupied by the Russian troops during the [[Russo-Persian War (1804–13)|war of 1804–13]], nearly the entire population of some 8,000 people was ethnic [[Tat people (Caucasus)|Tat]].<ref name="books.google.nl"/> The intensive growth of the population started in the middle of the 19th century when Baku was a small town with a population of about 7,000 people. The population increased again from about 13,000 in the 1860s to 112,000 in 1897 and 215,000 in 1913, making Baku the largest city in the Caucasus region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-946.html |title=Country-data.com |publisher=Country-data.com |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref>

Baku has been a cosmopolitan city at certain times during its history, meaning ethnic Azerbaijanis did not constitute the majority of population.<ref>Audrey Altstadt, Conflict, Cleavage and Change in Central Asia and the Caucasus, [[Cambridge University Press]], 1997, p. 112, table 4.1, Ethnic composition of Baku, 1897, 1903,1913</ref> In 2003 Baku additionally had 153,400 [[internally displaced person]]s and 93,400 refugees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baku-online.com/ru/baku.htm |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701132551/http://www.baku-online.com/ru/baku.htm |archivedate=1 July 2007 |script-title=ru:Баку |accessdate=15 July 2007 |language=ru |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
[[File:Bibi-Eybat mosque, Baku, 2009.jpg|thumb|The 13th century [[Bibi-Heybat Mosque]]. The mosque was built over the tomb of a descendant of [[Muhammad]].<ref name="Bibi">{{cite web|last=Sharifov|first=Azad|title=Legend of the Bibi-Heybat Mosque|url=http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/63_folder/63_articles/63_bibiheybat.html|publisher=Azerbaijan International Magazine|accessdate=11 July 2010}}</ref>]]
The urban landscape of Baku is shaped by many communities. The religion with the largest community of followers is Islam. The majority of the Muslims are [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]], and the Republic of Azerbaijan has the second highest Shia population percentage in the world after [[Iran]].<ref>Juan Eduardo Campo,''Encyclopedia of Islam'', p.625</ref> The city's notable mosques include [[Juma Mosque (Baku)|Juma Mosque]], [[Bibi-Heybat Mosque]], [[Muhammad Mosque (Baku)|Muhammad Mosque]] and [[Taza Pir Mosque]].

There are some other faiths practiced among the different ethnic groups within the country. By article 48 of its [[Constitution of Azerbaijan|Constitution]], Azerbaijan is a [[secular state]] and ensures religious freedom. Religious minorities include [[Orthodox Church|Russian Orthodox Christians]], [[Levantines (Latin Christians)|Catholic Levantines]], [[Georgian Orthodox Church|Georgian Orthodox Christians]], [[Lutherans]], [[Azerbaijani Jews|Ashkenazi]] Jews and [[Sufi]] Muslims.

[[Zoroastrianism]], although extinct in the city as well as in the rest of the country by the present time, had a long [[Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan|history in Azerbaijan]] and the [[Nowruz|Zoroastrian New Year]] (Nowruz) continues to be the main holiday in the city as well as in the rest of Azerbaijan.

== Economy ==

Baku's largest industry is petroleum, and its petroleum exports make it a large contributor to Azerbaijan's [[balance of payments]]. The existence of petroleum has been known since the 8th century. In the 10th century, the Arabian traveler, Marudee, reported that both white and black oil were being extracted naturally from Baku.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/22_folder/22_articles/22_historyofoil.html |title=The History of Oil in Azerbaijan by Natig Aliyev |publisher=Azer.com |accessdate=22 May 2009 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424163308/http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/22_folder/22_articles/22_historyofoil.html |archivedate=24 April 2009 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref> By the 15th century, oil for lamps was obtained from hand-dug surface wells.
Commercial exploitation began in 1872, and by the beginning of the 20th century the [[Petroleum industry in Azerbaijan|Baku oil fields]] were the largest in the world. Towards the end of the 20th century much of the onshore petroleum had been exhausted, and drilling had extended into the sea offshore. By the end of the 19th century [[skilled worker]]s and specialists flocked to Baku. By 1900 the city had more than 3,000 oil wells, of which 2,000 were producing oil at industrial levels. Baku ranked as one of the largest centres for the production of [[Petroleum industry|oil industry]] equipment before World War II. The World War II [[Battle of Stalingrad]] was fought to determine who would have control of the Baku oil fields. Fifty years before the battle, Baku produced half of the world's oil supply.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aghazade|first=Emil|title=Азербайджан: сто лет надежд|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/russian/business/newsid_4649000/4649873.stm|publisher=BBC News |accessdate=12 May 2011|date=4 July 2005}}</ref>

Currently the oil economy of Baku is undergoing a resurgence, with the development of the massive [[Azeri–Chirag–Guneshli|Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli]] field (Shallow water Gunashli by [[State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic|SOCAR]], deeper areas by a consortium led by [[BP]]), development of the [[Shah Deniz gas field]], the expansion of the [[Sangachal Terminal]] and the construction of the [[Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline|BTC Pipeline]].

The [[Baku Stock Exchange]] is Azerbaijan's largest [[stock exchange]], and largest in the [[Caucasus|Caucasian]] region by [[market capitalization]]. A relatively large number of transnational companies are headquartered in Baku. One of the more prominent institutions headquartered in Baku is the [[International Bank of Azerbaijan]], which employs over 1,000 people. International banks with branches in Baku include [[HSBC]], [[Société Générale]] and [[Credit Suisse]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Abdullayev |first=Rovshan |title=Which foreign banks has Azerbaijan capital been trusted in? |url=http://www.nhmt-az.org/ts_general/eng/news/n-6.htm |accessdate=6 December 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518140408/http://www.nhmt-az.org/ts_general/eng/news/n-6.htm |archivedate=18 May 2011}}</ref>
{{multiple image
 |align = right
 |direction = horizontal
 |header = [[List of tallest buildings in Azerbaijan|Skyscrapers in Baku]]
 |image1 = Flame Towers in 2015.jpg
 |alt1 = Flame Towers
 |caption1 =<center>[[Flame Towers]]</center>
 |width1 = 150
 |image2 = Azersu Tower in 2016.jpg
 |alt2 = Azersu Tower
 |caption2 = <center>[[Azersu Tower]]</center>
 |width2 = 148
 |image3 = SOFAZ Tower in 2016.jpg
 |alt3 = SOFAZ Tower
 |caption3 = <center>[[SOFAZ Tower]]</center>
 |width3 = 129
}}

=== Tourism and shopping ===
Baku is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Caucasus, with hotels in the city earning 7 million euros in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijan24.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/224-hotels-in-baku.html |title=Hotels in Baku earned 6,8 million euros last year |publisher=Azerbaijan24.com |accessdate=17 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917135847/http://azerbaijan24.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/224-hotels-in-baku.html |archivedate=17 September 2010}}</ref> Many sizable world [[hotel chain]]s have a presence in the city. Baku has many popular tourist and entertainment spots, such as the downtown [[Fountains Square, Baku|Fountains Square]], the One and Thousand Nights Beach, [[Shikhov Beach]] and [[Oil Rocks]]. Baku's vicinities feature [[Yanar Dag]], an ever-blazing spot of natural gas. On 2 September 2010, with the inauguration of [[National Flag Square]], Baku became home to the world's tallest [[flagpole]], according to the [[Guinness Book of Records]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani flag flies on world's tallest flagpole |url=http://news.az/articles/22041 |publisher=news.az |accessdate=2 September 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904092905/http://www.news.az/articles/22041 |archivedate=4 September 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=İşte dünyanın en yüksek bayrak direği |url=http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25128411/ |language=Turkish |publisher=ntvmsnbc.com |accessdate=2 September 2010 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20100904080023/http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25128411/ |archivedate=4 September 2010 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref> However, on 24 May 2011 Baku lost this record by just {{convert|3|m|abbr=off}} to the city of Dushanbe in Tajikistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records-1/tallest-unsupported-flagpole|title=Guinness World Records|author=|date=|work=guinnessworldrecords.com}}</ref>

Baku has several shopping malls; the most famous city center malls are [[Park Bulvar]], Genclik Mall, [[Metro Park]], [[28 MALL]], [[Aygun city]] and [[AF MALL]]. The retail areas contain shops from chain stores up to high-end boutiques.

The city is listed 48th in the 2011 [[List of most expensive cities for expatriate employees|list]] of the most expensive cities in the world conducted by the [[Mercer Human Resource Consulting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/24264196.html |title=Bakı dünyanın ən bahalı 48-ci şəhəridir, 13 July 2011, Azadlıq Radiosu. Retrieved 13 July 2011 |publisher=Azadliq.org |date=13 July 2011 |accessdate=17 December 2011}}</ref> Its [[Nizami Street]] is one of the most expensive streets in the world.

== Culture ==
The city has many amenities that offer a wide range of cultural activities, drawing both from a rich local dramatic portfolio and an international repertoire. It also boasts many museums such as [[Baku Museum of Modern Art]] and [[Azerbaijan State Museum of History]], most notably featuring historical artifacts and [[art museum|art]]. Many of the city's cultural sites were celebrated in 2009 when Baku was designated an Islamic Culture Capital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc.az/eng/news/41154.html |title=Closing ceremony of Cultural Year "Baku- Islamic Culture Capital-2009" conducted in Azerbaijan |author=Azerbaijan Business Center |accessdate=5 February 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811020803/https://abc.az/eng/news/41154.html |archivedate=11 August 2011 |df=dmy}}</ref> Baku was also chosen to host the [[Eurovision Dance Contest]] 2010.

Among Baku's prestigious cultural venues are [[Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall]], [[Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre]]. The main [[movie theater|movie theatre]] is Azerbaijan Cinema.
Festivals include the Baku International Film Festival, [[Baku International Jazz Festival]], Novruz Festival, ''Gül Bayramı'' (Flower Festival) and the National Theater Festival.<ref>[http://www.news.bakililar.az/news_v_azerbayjane_otmechayut_35946.html В Азербайджане отмечают праздник цветов.] {{ru icon}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524071617/http://www.news.bakililar.az/news_v_azerbayjane_otmechayut_35946.html |date=24 May 2013 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.zaman.com.tr/haber.do?haberno=982418&title=azerbaycanda-gul-bayrami-ve-aliyevin-dogum-gunu-kutlaniyor Azerbaycan'da Gül Bayramı ve Aliyev'in doğum günü kutlanıyor] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124185225/http://www.zaman.com.tr/haber.do?haberno=982418&title=azerbaycanda-gul-bayrami-ve-aliyevin-dogum-gunu-kutlaniyor |date=24 January 2012 }} {{tr icon}}</ref> International and local exhibitions are presented at the [[Baku Expo Center]].

{{As of|2012}}, the city along with [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]] and [[Lankaran]] participates in [[Earth Hour]] movement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan to join Earth Hour |url=http://www.news.az/articles/57316 |website=www.news.az |accessdate=17 November 2014 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129231717/http://www.news.az/articles/57316 |archivedate=29 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IDEA campaign to hold Earth Hour action|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2008366.html|website=en.trend.az|accessdate=17 November 2014}}</ref>

<center>
<gallery caption="Museums in Baku" perrow="5" widths="180px" heights="120px">
File:National Museum of History of Azerbaijan 10.JPG|[[National Museum of History of Azerbaijan|National Museum of History]]
File:Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, Baku, 2015.jpg|[[Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature|Nizami Museum of Literature]]
File:National Art Museum of Azerbaijan (de Burs House) edited.jpg|[[National Art Museum of Azerbaijan|National Art Museum]]
File:Villa Petrolea front.jpg|[[Villa Petrolea]]
File:Baku Museum of Modern Art.jpg|[[Baku Museum of Modern Art]]
</gallery>
</center>

=== Architecture ===
{{Main article|Architecture in Baku}}
[[File:Baku Maiden Tower 2010.jpg|thumb|[[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]] in [[Old Baku]], a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] built in the 11th–12th century, recognised as the symbol of the city.]]
[[File:Baku, Azerbaiyán, 2016-09-26, DD 207-209 PAN.jpg|thumb|[[Caravanserai]] in Baku.]]
Baku has wildly varying architecture, ranging from the [[Old City (Baku)|Old City]] core to modern buildings and the spacious layout of the Baku port. Many of the city's most impressive buildings were built during the early 20th century, when architectural elements of the European styles were combined in [[eclecticism|eclectic]] style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/24_folder/24_articles/24_architecture.html |title=Baku's Architecture:A Fusion of East and West |publisher=Azer.com |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref> Baku thus has an original and unique appearance, earning it a reputation as the 'Paris of the East'.<ref>[http://www.window2baku.com/006development.htm Архитектурное развитие города] {{ru icon}}</ref>

Late modern and postmodern architecture began to appear in the early 2000s. With economic development, old buildings such as Atlant House were razed to make way for new ones. Buildings with all-glass shells have appeared around the city, the most prominent examples being the [[Azerbaijan Tower]], [[Heydar Aliyev Center|Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center]], [[Flame Towers]], [[Baku Crystal Hall]], [[Baku White City]] and [[SOCAR Tower]]. These projects also caught the attention of international media as notable programmes such as [[Discovery Channel]]'s [[Extreme Engineering]] did pieces focusing in on changes to the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center And Flame Towers|url=http://science.discovery.com/tv/build-bigger/projects/azerbaijan/heydar-aliyev-cultural-center.html|publisher=Discovery Communications|accessdate=25 April 2011}}</ref>

The Old City of Baku, also known as the Walled City of Baku, refers to the ancient Baku settlement. Most of the walls and towers, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survived. This section is picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings: the cobbled streets past the [[Palace of the Shirvanshahs]], two [[Caravanserai|caravansaries]], the baths and the [[Juma Mosque (Baku)|Juma Mosque]] (which used to house the [[Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum|Azerbaijan National Carpet and Arts Museum]] but is now a mosque again). The old town core also has dozens of small mosques, often without any particular sign to distinguish them as such.

In 2003, UNESCO placed the Inner City on the [[List of World Heritage in Danger]], citing damage from a [[2000 Baku earthquake|November 2000 earthquake]], poor conservation as well as "dubious" restoration efforts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/958 |title=Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah's Palace and Maiden Tower – UNESCO World Heritage Centre |publisher=Whc.unesco.org |accessdate=22 May 2009}}</ref>

=== Music and media ===
[[File:Pht-Vugar Ibadov eurovision (31).jpg|thumbnail|[[Baku Crystal Hall]] during the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012]]]]

The music scene in Baku can be traced back to ancient times and villages of Baku, generally revered as the fountainhead of [[meykhana]] and [[mugham]] in the Azerbaijan.<ref>[http://www.baki-xeber.com/new/2009/06/22/get=29330 "Meyxana", ya "bədihə" sözü aləmi bir-birinə qatıb] {{az icon}}</ref><ref>[http://e-library.musigi-dunya.az/sonoteka/son_garabah_text_az3.html QARABAĞ MUĞAM MƏKTƏBİ] {{az icon}}</ref>

In recent years, the success of Azerbaijani performers such as [[Aysel Teymurzadeh|AySel]], [[Farid Mammadov]], [[Sabina Babayeva]], [[Safura Alizadeh|Safura]] and [[Elnur Hüseynov]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] has significantly boosted the profile of Baku's music scene, prompting international attention. Following the victory of Azerbaijan's representative [[Eldar & Nigar]] at the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2011]], Baku hosted the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2012]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Azerbaijan win Eurovision as Blue and Jedward finish mid-table |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/may/15/azerbaijan-win-eurovision-blue-jedward |accessdate=15 May 2011 |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Carole |last=Cadwalladr |date=15 May 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623130139/http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/may/15/azerbaijan-win-eurovision-blue-jedward |archivedate=23 June 2011 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13402732 |title=Azerbaijan win Eurovision contest with Running Scared |publisher=BBC News |deadurl=no |accessdate=8 July 2013}}</ref>

2005 was a landmark in the development of [[Azerbaijani jazz]] in the city. It has been home to legendary jazz musicians like [[Vagif Mustafazadeh]], [[Aziza Mustafa Zadeh]], Rafig Babayev and Rain Sultanov.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/54_folder/54_articles/54_vmustafazade.html |title=The Emergence of Jazz in Azerbaijan |publisher=Azer.com |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100413214226/http://www.azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/54_folder/54_articles/54_vmustafazade.html |archivedate=13 April 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=MediaDesignTech |url=http://jazz.az/ |title=History of Jazz in Azerbaijan |publisher=Jazz.az |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref> Among Baku's prominent annual fairs and festivals is [[Baku International Jazz Festival]], which features some of the world's most identifiable jazz names.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijan24.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/241-baku-jazz-festival-azerbaijan-news-2009.html |title=Baku International Jazz Festival has been opened in Azerbaijan |publisher=Azerbaijan24.com |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511051246/http://azerbaijan24.com/component/content/article/1-latest-news/241-baku-jazz-festival-azerbaijan-news-2009.html |archivedate=11 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://festival.jazz.az/ |title=Baku International Jazz Festival Official Site |publisher=Festival.jazz.az |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328060626/http://festival.jazz.az/ |archivedate=28 March 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>

Baku also has a thriving [[Mugham|International Center of Mugham]], which is located in [[Baku Boulevard]], [[Gulustan Palace]] and [[Buta Palace]], one of the principal [[performing arts center]]s and [[music venue]]s in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=44910&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |title=The Director-General hails the importance of living traditions at the Mugham Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan |publisher=Portal.unesco.org |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref>

The majority of Azerbaijan's media companies (including television, newspaper and radio, such as [[ANS TV|ANS]], [[Azad Azerbaijan TV]], [[Ictimai TV]], [[Lider TV]] and [[Region TV]]) are headquartered in Baku. The films ''[[The World Is Not Enough]]'' and ''[[The Diamond Arm]]'' are set in the city, while ''[[Amphibian Man (film)|Amphibian Man]]'' includes several scenes filmed in [[Old City (Baku)|Old City]].

Out of the city's radio stations [[ANS ChM]], ''Ictimai Radio'', ''Radio Antenn'', ''Burc FM'', and ''Lider FM Jazz'' are some of the more influential competitors with large national audiences. ANS ChM was one of the first private and independent [[FM broadcasting|FM radio]] broadcasting service in the [[Caucasus]] and Central Asia regions when it was established in May 1994.<ref name="undp">{{cite web|url=http://www.un-az.org/undp/bulnews44/m5new.php|archive-url=http://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20111008001816/http://www.un-az.org/undp/bulnews44/m5new.php|dead-url=yes|archive-date=8 October 2011|publisher=[[United Nations Development Programme|UNDP]] ''(via [[BBC Online|BBC Monitoring Service]])''|title=Most Popular Azeri Commercial Broadcaster Taken Off Air |date=25 November 2006|accessdate=22 November 2008}}</ref>

Some of the most influential Baku newspapers include the daily ''[[Azadliq (newspaper)|Azadliq]]'', ''Zaman'' (The Time), ''Bakinskiy Rabochiy'' (The Baku Worker), ''[[Echo (Azerbaijani newspaper)|Echo]]'' and the English-language ''Baku Today''.

Baku is also featured in the video game ''[[Battlefield 4]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Battlefield 4 a sneaky screen from Baku |url=http://www.xboxplayers.com/video/battlefield-4-a-sneaky-screen-from-baku/ |work=xboxplayers.com |accessdate=19 May 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513002241/http://www.xboxplayers.com:80/video/battlefield-4-a-sneaky-screen-from-baku/ |archivedate=13 May 2013 |df=dmy}}</ref>

=== Nightlife ===
Baku boasts a vibrant nightlife. Many clubs that are open until dawn can be found throughout the city. Clubs with an eastern flavor provide special treats from the [[cuisine of Azerbaijan]] along with local music. Western-style clubs target younger, more energetic crowds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thelandmarkhotel.az/site/?sec=mdata&mid=49&lang=2 |title=About Baku and Azerbaijan |publisher=Thelandmarkhotel.az |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref> Most of the [[public house]]s and bars are located near [[Fountains Square, Baku|Fountains Square]] and are usually open until the early hours of the morning.

Baku is home to restaurants catering to every cuisine and occasion. Restaurants range from luxurious and expensive to ordinary and affordable.<ref>{{cite web|author=M |url=http://t-i.ifrance.com/az-food.html |title=Food and Restaurants in Azerbaijan and Baku |publisher=T-i.ifrance.com |accessdate=16 June 2011}}{{dead link|date=September 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>

In the [[Lonely Planet]] "1000 Ultimate Experiences", Baku placed 8th among the top 10 party cities in the world.<ref name="nl"/><ref>[http://www.blic.rs/zabava.php?id=120531 Beograd na vrhu liste gradova sa najboljim noćnim provodom] {{sr icon}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091115083850/http://www.blic.rs/zabava.php?id=120531 |date=15 November 2009 }}</ref>

=== Parks and gardens ===
[[File:Panoramabild Baku Filarmonia Park.JPG|350px|thumb|right|<center>Philarmony garden</center>]]
Baku has large sections of greenery either preserved by the National Government or designated as green zones. The city, however, continues to lack a green belt development as economic activity pours into the capital, resulting in massive housing projects along the suburbs.<ref>[http://www.all-pages.com/city_info/3/45/426/4667.html Экология и охрана окружающей среды в Азербайджане] {{ru icon}}</ref>

[[Baku Boulevard]] is a pedestrian promenade that runs parallel to Baku's seafront. The boulevard contains an amusement park, [[yacht club]], [[musical fountain]], statues and monuments. The park is popular with dog-walkers and joggers, and is convenient for tourists. It is adjacent to the newly built [[International Mugam Center of Azerbaijan|International Center of Mugham]] and the musical fountain.

Other prominent parks and gardens include Heydar Aliyev Park, Samad Vurgun Park, Narimanov Park, [[Alley of Honor]] and the [[Fountains Square, Baku|Fountains Square]]. The [[Martyrs' Lane]], formerly the Kirov Park, is dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives during the [[Nagorno-Karabakh War]] and also to the 137 people killed on [[Black January]].

=== Sports ===
[[File:Bedii Gimnastika 026.jpg|thumb|left|[[Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex]] during the [[2009 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships]]]] Baku hosts a [[Formula One]] race through on the [[Baku City Circuit]].  The first was the [[2016 European Grand Prix]].

The city will also host three group games and one quarter-final of the [[UEFA Euro 2020]] European Football Championship.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/euro-2020-england-might-have-to-play-games-at-hampden-park-9745363.html|title=Euro 2020: England might have to play games at Hampden Park|work=The Independent|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>

Since 2002, Baku has hosted 36 major sporting events and selected to host the [[2015 European Games]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan is a country known for its love of sport and sportsmanship.|url=http://www.baku2015.com/en/azerbaijan/sport.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926191539/http://www.baku2015.com:80/en/azerbaijan/sport.aspx|dead-url=yes|archive-date=26 September 2013|work=www.baku2015.com|accessdate=27 January 2014}}</ref>  Baku is also to host the [[2017 Islamic Solidarity Games|fourth edition]] of the [[Islamic Solidarity Games]] in 2017.

Baku is also one of world's leading chess centres, having produced famous [[Grandmaster (chess)|grandmasters]] like [[Teimour Radjabov]], [[Vugar Gashimov]], [[Garry Kasparov]], [[Shahriyar Mammadyarov]] and [[Rauf Mammadov]], as well as the arbiter [[Faik Hasanov]]. The city also annually hosts the international tournaments such as Baku Chess Grand Prix, President's Cup, Baku Open and currently bidding to host [[42nd Chess Olympiad]] in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan bids to host Chess Olympiad |url=http://news.az/articles/14716 |publisher=news.az |accessdate=16 August 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505160713/http://www.news.az/articles/14716 |archivedate=5 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chess players from 11 countries to join "Baku Open 2010" |url=http://www.today.az/news/sports/72148.html |publisher=today,az |accessdate=16 August 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817160928/http://www.today.az/news/sports/72148.html |archivedate=17 August 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>

First class sporting facilities were built for the indoor games, including the Palace of Hand Games and [[Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex]]. It hosted many sporting events, including [[FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup]], [[Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships]] in [[2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships|2007]] and [[2009 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships|2009]], [[2005 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships]], [[2007 FILA Wrestling World Championships]] and [[2010 European Wrestling Championships]], [[2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships]], [[Women's Challenge Cup (volleyball)|2009 Women's Challenge Cup]] and [[European Taekwondo Championships]] in 2007.<ref>[http://www.volleyball.it/redazione/index.php?action=viewArticle&articleId=53144 Cev Cup: Final Four femminile a Baku] {{it icon}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722070329/http://www.volleyball.it/redazione/index.php?action=viewArticle&articleId=53144 |date=22 July 2011 }}</ref><ref>[http://azerisport.com/volleyball/20100303120451115.html Уралочка, Ямамай и ЦЗ. Добро пожаловать в бакинский ад!] {{ru icon}}</ref> Since 2011 the city annually hosts [[Women's Tennis Association|WTA]] tennis event called [[Baku Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatour.com/page/Calendar/0,,12781,00.html |title=2011 WTA Tournament Calendar |publisher=WTA |accessdate=26 November 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110011431/http://www.wtatour.com/page/Calendar/0,,12781,00.html |archivedate=10 November 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>

The [[Synergy Baku Cycling Project]] participates in the [[Tour d'Azerbaïdjan]] a 2.2 multi-stage bicycle race on the UCI Europe Tour.

Baku made a bid to host the [[Baku bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics|2016 Summer Olympics]] and [[Baku bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics|2020 Summer Olympics]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=6915971 |title=Azerbaijan bids for 2020 Olympics in Baku – Olympics – ESPN |publisher=ESPN  |date=1 September 2011 |accessdate=15 September 2011}}</ref> but failed to become a Candidate City both times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.olympic.org/news?articleid=160523&articlenewsgroup=-1|title=Olympic News – Official Source of Olympic News – Olympic.org|publisher=|accessdate=30 June 2015}}</ref>

The largest sport hub in the city is [[Baku Olympic Stadium]] with 68,700 seating capacity whose construction was completed in 2015. The city's three main football clubs are [[Neftchi Baku PFK|Neftchi Baku]], [[Inter Baku]] and [[FC Baku]] of whom first has eight Premier League titles making Neftchi the most successful Azerbaijani football club. Baku also has several football clubs in the premier and regional leagues, including [[AZAL PFK|AZAL]] and [[Ravan Baku FK|Ravan]] in [[Azerbaijan Premier League|Premier League]]. The city's second largest stadium, [[Tofiq Bahramov Stadium]] hosts a number of domestic and international competitions and was the main sport centre of the city for a long period until the construction of Baku Olympic Stadium.

In the [[Azerbaijan Women's Volleyball Super League]], Baku is represented by [[Rabita Baku]], [[Azerrail Baku]], [[Lokomotiv Baku]] and [[Azeryol Baku]].

== Transport ==
[[File:Bakutaxi.jpg|thumb|Baku [[black cab]], introduced in 2011]]
[[File:The car of the Baku funicular station.jpg|thumb|The car of the [[Baku Funicular]] station]]
Throughout history the transport system of Baku used the now-defunct [[horsecar]]s, trams and [[narrow gauge railways]]. {{As of|2011}}, 1,000 [[Hackney carriage|black cabs]] are ordered by Baku Taxi Company, and as part of a programme originally announced by the Transport Ministry of Azerbaijan, there is a plan to introduce London cabs into Baku.<ref>{{cite news|last=Meidment|first=Neil|title=Manganese Bronze seals biggest London taxi order|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/03/us-manganese-bronze-idUSTRE7225WO20110303|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=4 March 2011|date=3 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jaglom|first=Ben|title=Manganese takes black cab to Azerbaijan|url=http://www.growthcompany.co.uk/news/1607588/manganese-takes-black-cab-to-azerbaijan.thtml|accessdate=4 March 2011}}</ref> The move was part of £16 million agreement between [[Manganese Bronze]] and Baku Taxi Company.<ref>{{cite web|title=1,000 London taxis for Azerbaijan|url=http://business.scotsman.com/business/1000-London-taxis-for-Azerbaijan.6728118.jp|accessdate=4 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=British firm wins £16m Azerbaijan order for its Chinese built taxis|url=http://www.worksmanagement.co.uk/article/31946/British-firm-wins-16m-Azerbaijan-order-for-its-Chinese-built-taxis.aspx|accessdate=4 March 2011}}</ref>

Local rail transport includes the [[Baku Funicular]] and the [[Baku Metro]], a rapid-transit system notable for its art, murals, mosaics and ornate chandeliers. Baku Metro was opened in November 1967 and includes 3 lines and 25 stations at present; 170 million people used Baku Metro over the past five years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86101 |title=Baku Metro Chief: "Baku-Sumgait metro line is not planned" |publisher=En.apa.az |accessdate=17 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120005727/http://en.apa.az/news.php?id=86101 |archivedate=20 January 2012}}</ref> In 2008, the Chief of the Baku Metro, Taghi Ahmadov, announced plans to construct 41 new stations over the next 17 years. These will serve the new [[Baku International Bus Terminal|bus complex]] as well as the international airport.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.today.az/news/business/48132.html|title=41 new underground stations to be constructed in Azerbaijani capital in the next 17 years|date=10 October 2008|work=Today.az|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref>

[[BakuCard]] is a single Smart Card for payment on all types of city transport. The intercity buses and metro use this type of card-based fare-payment system.<ref>{{cite web|title=How to pay your fare-Bakı Metropoliteni|url=http://www.metro.gov.az/en/howtouse|website=www.metro.gov.az|accessdate=2 April 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BakuBus.az|url=https://www.bakubus.az/en/menus/3/ticket_and_prices|website=www.bakubus.az|accessdate=2 April 2017|language=en}}</ref>

Baku's [[Azerbaijan Railways|Central Railway Station]] is the terminus for national and international rail links to the city. The [[Kars–Tbilisi–Baku railway]], which will directly connect [[Turkey]], Georgia and [[Azerbaijan]], began to be constructed in 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani FM: Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad to be built in 2012|url=http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1767013.html|publisher=trend.az|accessdate=26 January 2011}}</ref> The completed branch will connect Baku with [[Tbilisi]] in Georgia, and from there trains will continue to [[Akhalkalaki]], and [[Kars]] in Turkey.<ref>[[Railway Gazette International]] February 2009 p54 with map</ref>

[[File:Копия 02252 1026.jpg|thumb|left|Baku Yacht Club]]
Sea transport is vital for Baku, as the city is practically surrounded by the [[Caspian Sea]] to the east. Shipping services operate regularly from Baku across the Caspian Sea to [[Türkmenbaşy, Turkmenistan|Turkmenbashi]] (formerly Krasnovodsk) in [[Turkmenistan]] and to [[Bandar-e Anzali|Bandar Anzali]] and [[Nowshahr|Bandar Nowshar]] in Iran.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/capital/transport/1641349.html |title=Baku Sea Port expects for passenger trip Anzali-Baku |publisher=En.trend.az |date=18 February 2010 |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref> The commuter ferries, along with the high-speed catamaran ''Seabus'' (''Deniz Avtobusu''), also form the main connection between the city and the [[Absheron peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://azerbaijan24.com/transport/38-transport-azerbaijan/60-ferryservicebaku.html |title=Ferry Service across Caspian sea |publisher=Azerbaijan24.com |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329212348/http://azerbaijan24.com/transport/38-transport-azerbaijan/60-ferryservicebaku.html |archivedate=29 March 2010 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref>

The Baku Port was founded in 1902 and since then has been the largest Caspian Sea port. It has six facilities: the main cargo terminal, the container terminal, the ferry terminal, the oil terminal, the passenger terminal and the port fleet terminal. The port's throughput capacity reaches 15 million [[ton]]s of liquid bulk and up to 10 million tons of dry cargoes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bakuseaport.az/eng.html |title=Baku Sea Port |publisher=Bakuseaport.az |accessdate=7 March 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416011348/http://www.bakuseaport.az/eng.html |archivedate=16 April 2008 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref>
Beginning in 2010, the [[Baku International Sea Trade Port]] is being reconstructed. The construction will take place in three stages and will be completed by 2016. The estimated costs are 400 Million US$.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m-hesse.com/Aserbaidschan_Reisebericht.html|title=Azerbaijan, Baku|publisher=m-hesse.com|accessdate=1 February 2011}}</ref> From April to November the Baku Port is accessible to ships loading cargoes for direct voyages from Western European and Mediterranean ports. The State Road M-1 and the [[European route E60]] are the two main motorway connections between Europe and Azerbaijan. The motorway network around Baku is well developed and is constantly being extended.
The [[Heydar Aliyev International Airport]] is the only commercial airport serving Baku. The new [[Baku Cargo Terminal]] was officially opened in March 2005. It was constructed to be a major cargo hub in the [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS]] countries and is actually now one of the biggest and most technically advanced in the region.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/baku/ |title=Heydar Aliyev International Airport (BAK/UBBB), Baku, Azerbaijan |publisher=Airport-technology.com |accessdate=17 April 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312085043/http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/baku/ |archivedate=12 March 2010 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}}</ref> There are also several smaller [[military airbase]]s near Baku, such as [[Baku Kala Air Base]], intended for private aircraft, [[helicopter]]s and charters.<ref>[http://az.apa.az/print.php?id=146672 Fevralın 14-ü Azərbaycan Hərbi Hava Qüvvələrinin (HHQ) yaranma günüdür] {{az icon}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706131439/http://az.apa.az/print.php?id=146672 |date=6 July 2011 }}</ref>

== Education ==
{{See also|List of universities in Baku}}
Baku hosts many universities, junior colleges and vocational schools. [[Baku State University]], the first established university in Azerbaijan was opened in 1919 by the government of the [[Azerbaijan Democratic Republic]]. In the early years of the Soviet era, Baku already had [[Azerbaijan State Oil Academy]], [[Azerbaijan Medical University]] and [[Azerbaijan State Economic University]]. In the post-WWII period, a few more universities were established such as [[Azerbaijan Technical University]], [[Azerbaijan University of Languages]] and the [[Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University]]. After 1991 when Azerbaijan gained independence from the Soviet Union, the fall of communism led to the development of a number of private institutions, including [[Qafqaz University]] and [[Khazar University]] which are currently considered the most prestigious academic institutions. Apart from the private universities, the government established the [[Academy of Public Administration (Azerbaijan)|Academy of Public Administration]], the [[Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy]] and various military academies. The largest universities according to the student population are Baku State University and Azerbaijan State Economic University. In addition, there are the [[Baku Music Academy]] and the Azerbaijan National Conservatoire in Baku established in the early 1920s. Publicly run kindergartens and elementary schools (years 1 through 11) are operated by local wards or municipal offices.

The [[Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences]], the main state research organization in Azerbaijan is locating in Baku as well. Moreover, Baku has numerous libraries, many of which contain vast collections of historic documents from the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Soviet periods, as well as from other civilisations of the past. The most important libraries in terms of historic document collections include the [[Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature]], the [[National Library of Azerbaijan]], the Mirza Alakbar Central Library, the Samad Vurgun Library and the Baku Presidential Library.

== Health care ==
The city has many public and private hospitals, clinics and laboratories within its bounds and numerous medical research centers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan: Energy-Rich, Healthcare-Poor|url=http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav073008af.shtml|publisher=Eurasianet.org|accessdate=25 April 2011}}</ref> Many of these facilities have [[high tech]]nology equipment, which has contributed to the recent upsurge in "[[medical tourism]]" to Baku, particularly from post-Soviet countries such as [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] and [[Moldova]], whose governments send lower-income patients to the city for inexpensive high-tech medical treatments and operations.

== Notable residents ==
{{Main article|List of people from Baku}}
{{details|:Category:People from Baku}}
Because of its intermittent periods of great prosperity as well as being the largest city in the Caucasus and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the Soviet Union, Baku prides itself on having produced a disproportionate number of notable figures in the sciences, arts and other fields. Some of the houses they resided in display commemorative plaques. Some of the many prestigious residents include: Academy Award winners [[Rustam Ibrahimbeyov]] and [[Vladimir Menshov]], one of the founders and head of the Soviet space program [[Kerim Kerimov]], Nobel Prize winner and physicist [[Lev Landau]] and famous musicians such as [[Gara Garayev]], [[Uzeyir Hajibeyov]], [[Muslim Magomayev (musician)|Muslim Magomayev]], [[Vagif Mustafazadeh]] and [[Alim Qasimov]]. World-famous cellist [[Mstislav Rostropovich]] was born and raised in Baku, as was world-famous chess player, [[Garry Kasparov]].
<gallery class="center" perrow=5>
File:Gusman Yliy.jpg|[[Yuli Gusman]], Film director and actor, founder and CEO of the prestigious [[Nika Award]].
File:Garayev Piano.jpg|[[Gara Garayev]], one of Baku's greatest composers.
File:Landau.jpg|[[Physicist]] [[Lev Landau]], studied at the [[Baku State University]], won the [[Nobel Prize in Physics]] in 1962.
File:Hokuma Qurbanova.jpg|[[Hokuma Gurbanova]], People’s Artist of the USSR and famous theatre and film actress.
File:Mushfig.JPG|[[Mikayil Mushfig]], Bakuvian poet and victim of the [[Great Purge|Stalinist purges]].
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2007-813.jpg|[[Kerim Kerimov]], one of the founders of the [[Soviet space program]].
File:Tofik Bahramov stamp.jpg|[[Tofiq Bahramov]] as a [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] footballer and [[Referee (association football)|football referee]] from [[Azerbaijan]].
File:Vagit Alekperov2011.jpg|[[Vagit Alekperov]], President of the leading Russian [[oil company]] [[LUKOIL]].
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2012-1047.jpg|[[Muslim Magomayev (musician)|Muslim Magomayev]], one of the most famous singers of [[USSR]].
File:RIAN archive 438589 Mstislav Rostropovich.jpg|[[Mstislav Rostropovich]], [[Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance|Grammy Award]]-winning cellist.
</gallery>

== International relations ==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Asia#Azerbaijan|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan}}

=== Twin towns and sister cities ===
Baku is [[twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijans.com/content_1719_en.html|title=Twin-cities of Azerbaijan|accessdate=2013-08-09|work=Azerbaijans.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bakucity.az/main/index_en.html |title=The main directions of foreign relations of the executive authorities of Baku |accessdate=15 July 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714191259/http://www.bakucity.az/main/index_en.html |archivedate=14 July 2007 |deadurl=no |df=dmy}}</ref><sup>[in [[chronology|chronological]] order]</sup>

{|class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan=2 |Country
! colspan=2 |City
! colspan=2 |State / Province / Region / Governorate
!Date
|-
|{{flagicon|SEN}}
|Senegal
|[[File:Dakar CoA.png|25px]]
|'''[[Dakar]]'''
|[[File:Logo council region dakar.png|25px]]
|''[[Dakar Region]]''
|1967<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name="ANL">{{cite web |url=http://www.anl.az/el/m/ks.htm |title=АЗЕРБАЙДЖАН В МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫХ КУЛЬТУРНЫХ СВЯЗЯХ(1946–1990 гг.)|trans_title=Azerbaijan's cultural affairs (1946–1990)|author=Musa Gasymly|year=2005 |location=Tbilisi|publisher=Artanuchi|accessdate=4 February 2010}}</ref><ref name="Azeuro">{{cite news
|url=http://vyshka.azeurotel.com/arxiv/2008/29/2.html
|title=ВСЕ ОСТАЕТСЯ ЛЮДЯМ
|trans_title=Everything remains for people
|publisher=Vyshka
|date=25 July 2008
|volume=29
|issue=19725
|accessdate=4 February 2010
}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|ITA}}
|Italy
|[[File:CoA Città di Napoli.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Naples]]'''
|[[File:Flag of Campania.png|border|23px]]
|''[[Campania]]''
|1972<ref>{{cite web|author=Flexibe Solutions |url=http://www.azembassy.it/browse.php?lang=eng&page=010201 |title=Embassy of Azerbaijan Republic in Italy |publisher=Azembassy.it |date=26 October 2007 |accessdate=17 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523084602/http://www.azembassy.it/browse.php?lang=eng&page=010201 |archivedate=23 May 2011}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|IRQ}}
|Iraq
|
|'''[[Basra]]'''
|
|''[[Basra Governorate]]''
|1972<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name=ANL/>
|-
|{{flagicon|BIH}}
|Bosnia and Herzegovina
|[[File:Coat of arms of Sarajevo.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Sarajevo]]'''
|[[File:Flag of Sarajevo Canton.png|border|23px]]
|''[[Sarajevo Canton]]''
|1975<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name=ANL/><ref name=Azeuro/>
|-
|{{flagicon|USA}}
|United States
|[[File:Seal of the United States Virgin Islands.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Christiansted]], [[United States Virgin Islands]]'''
|{{flagicon|USA}}
|''[[Virgin Islands]]''
|1976<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name="Azerbaijan International"/>
|-
|{{flagicon|USA}}
|United States
|[[File:Seal of Houston, Texas.png|25px]]
|'''[[Houston]]'''
|[[File:Flag of Texas.svg|border|23px]]
|''[[Texas]]''
|1976<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name="Azerbaijan International">{{cite journal
 |url=http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/ai144_folder/144_articles/144_sister_cities.html
 |title=Sister Cities: Baku and Houston. Celebrating 30 Years as Sister Cities
 |date=Winter 2006
 |pages=68–71
 |author=Maud Beck
 |journal=[[Azerbaijan International]]
 |accessdate=4 February 2010
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202044849/http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/ai144_folder/144_articles/144_sister_cities.html
 |archivedate=2 February 2010
 |deadurl=no
 |df=dmy
}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|FRA}}
|France
|[[File:Blason ville fr Bordeaux (Gironde).svg|25px]]
|'''[[Bordeaux]]'''
|[[File:Aquitaine flag.svg|25px]]
|''[[Aquitaine]]''
|1979<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name=ANL/><ref name="Bordeaux twinnings 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.cncd.fr/frontoffice/bdd-recherche-resultat.asp?searchField=bordeaux&x=36&y=14 |title=Bordeaux-Atlas français de la coopération décentralisée et des autres actions extérieures |accessdate=2013-07-29 |work=Délégation pour l’Action Extérieure des Collectivités Territoriales (Ministère des Affaires étrangères) |language=French |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207152951/http://www.cncd.fr/frontoffice/bdd-recherche-resultat.asp?searchField=bordeaux&x=36&y=14 |archivedate=7 February 2013 |deadurl=yes |df=dmy}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|IRN}}
|Iran
|[[File:Tabriz Logo.jpg|25px]]
|'''[[Tabriz]]'''
|
|''[[East Azerbaijan Province]]''
|1980<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref name=Azeuro/>
|-
|{{flagicon|TUR}}
|Turkey
| [[File:IzmirBBlogo.png|25px]]
|'''[[İzmir]]'''
|{{flagicon|TUR}}
|''[[İzmir Province]]''
|1985<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.izmir.bel.tr/en/StandartPages.asp?menuID=1476&MenuName=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719141205/http://www.izmir.bel.tr/en/StandartPages.asp?menuID=1476&MenuName=|dead-url=yes|archive-date=19 July 2011|title=İzmir Metropolitan Municipality |publisher=Izmir.bel.tr |accessdate=17 April 2010}}</ref>

|-
|{{flagicon|VIE}}
|Vietnam
|
|'''[[Vũng Tàu]]'''
|
|''[[Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Province]]''
|1985<ref name=ANL/>
|-
|{{flagicon|US}}
|United States
|[[File:Seal of Honolulu, Hawaii.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Honolulu County]]'''
|[[File:Flag of Hawaii.svg|border|23px]]
|''[[Hawaii]]''
|1998<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www1.honolulu.gov/ecodev/internationalrelations.htm |title=International Relations |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628103551/http://www1.honolulu.gov/ecodev/internationalrelations.htm |archivedate=28 June 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-08 |df=dmy}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|TUR}}
|Turkey
|
|'''[[Sivas]]'''
|
|''[[Sivas Province]]''
|2000<ref name="Sivas twinnings">[http://www.yeniulke.net/3044/uzaklar_yakinlasti Uzaklar Yakinlaşti – Sivas Twin Towns] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227151859/http://www.yeniulke.net/3044/uzaklar_yakinlasti |date=27 December 2013 }}{{tr icon}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|BRA}}
|Brazil
|[[File:Brasão da cidade do Rio de Janeiro.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Rio de Janeiro]]'''
|[[File:Bandeira do estado do Rio de Janeiro.svg|border|23px]]
|''[[States of Brazil|State of]] [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]]''
|2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1news.az:80/politics/20131205120515968.html |title=Баку и Рио-де-Жанейро стали городами-побратимами – 1NEWS.AZ |author= |date=7 December 2013 |work=archive.org |deadurl=bot: unknown |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207022044/http://www.1news.az:80/politics/20131205120515968.html |archivedate=7 December 2013 |df=dmy}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|UKR}}
|Ukraine
|[[File:COA of Kyiv Kurovskyi.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Kiev]]'''
|[[File:Flag of Kyiv Kurovskyi.svg|border|23px]]
|''[[Kiev]] City''
|
|-
|{{flagicon|ISR}}
|Israel <ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani US Ambassador: Israel Is a Pragmatic Partner and Good Friend, We Want it to Be Normal for Muslims and Jews to Be Allies|url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2017/03/29/azerbaijani-us-ambassador-israel-is-a-pragmatic-partner-and-good-friend-we-want-it-to-be-normal-for-muslims-and-jews-to-be-allies/|website=Algemeiner.com|accessdate=10 April 2017}}</ref>
|[[File:Flag of Haifa.svg|25px]]
|'''[[Haifa]]''' <ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani US Ambassador: Israel Is a Pragmatic Partner and Good Friend, We Want it to Be Normal for Muslims and Jews to Be Allies|url=https://www.algemeiner.com/2017/03/29/azerbaijani-us-ambassador-israel-is-a-pragmatic-partner-and-good-friend-we-want-it-to-be-normal-for-muslims-and-jews-to-be-allies/|website=Algemeiner.com|accessdate=10 April 2017}}</ref>
|
|
|
|}

=== Partner cities ===
* [[Aberdeen]], Scotland
* [[Mainz]], Germany<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings"/>
* [[Stavanger]], Norway

Partnership relations also exist at different levels with:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijan.az/_GeneralInfo/_Capital/capital_02_r.html|title=Executive Power of the Baku City|publisher=Azerbaijan.az|accessdate=8 April 2008|language=ru}}</ref> Berlin, Paris, [[Vienna]], [[Tbilisi]], [[Astana]], [[Minsk]], Moscow, [[Volgograd]], [[Kizlyar]], [[Tashkent]] and [[Chengdu]].

== Gallery ==
{{wide image|Bakü gece görünüşü.jpg|1110px|Nighttime view of Baku.}}
{{wide image|Vista de Baku, Azerbaiyán, 2016-09-26, DD 101-106 PAN.jpg|1110px|View during the day.}}
<center>
<gallery class="center" perrow=5>
File:City of Baku 2011.jpg|Baku Bay
File:View of Bakucity, 2012.jpg|Old Baku "[[Icheri Sheher]]"
File:Nizami street baku.JPG|[[Nizami Street]]
File:Azərbaycan Dövlət Opera və Balet Teatrı.jpg|[[Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre|Baku Opera and Ballet Theatre]]
File:Ismailiyye palace main façade, Baku, 2015.jpg|[[Ismailiyya building]]
File:Torre de la Doncella, Baku, Azerbaiyán, 2016-09-26, DD 215-217 HDR.jpg|[[Maiden Tower (Baku)|Maiden Tower]]
File:Icheri sheher 01.JPG|[[Icheri Sheher]]
File:Fuente en Baku, Azerbaiyán, 2016-09-26, DD 227-229 HDR.jpg|Fountain and [[Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall]]
File:Baku Seaside Bulevard.JPG|[[Baku Boulevard|Baku seaside Boulevard]]
File:Azneft Square, Baku, 2012.jpg|[[National Flag Square|Azerbaijan's Flag]]
File:Saadet sarayi 2.jpg|[[Palace of Happiness]]
File:Nizami street in Baku, 2010.jpg|[[Fountains Square, Baku|Fountains Square]]
File:Rashidbehbudovstr.JPG|[[Rashid Behbudov Street]]
File:Aerial View of Baku, May 2012.jpg|Aerial view of Baku, May 2012
File:Baku, Azerbaijan.jpg|View of Baku taken from the [[International Space Station]]
File:Evening Baku, Azerbaijan.jpg|Evening Baku, Azerbaijan
File:A view of the Baku bay, Azerbaijan.jpg|A view of the Baku bay
</gallery></center>

== See also ==
{{portal|Azerbaijan}}
* [[Administrative divisions of Azerbaijan]]
* [[Ganja, Azerbaijan|Ganja]]
* [[List of cities in Azerbaijan]]
* [[Mingachevir]]
* [[Nakhchivan (city)|Nakhchivan]]
* [[Sumqayit|Sumgait]]
* [[Congress of the Peoples of the East|1920 Baku Congress]]
* [[Ateshgah of Baku]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Baku}}
{{Wikisource1911Enc|Baku (town)}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
*{{Cite news|author=UNESCO/ICOMOS|title=Joint UNESCO-ICOMOS Mission to the Walled City of Baku|date=29 April 2003|work=[[UNESCO]]/[[International Council on Monuments and Sites|ICOMOS]]|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001305/130571e.pdf}}
*[http://www.ovpm.org/en/azerbaijan/baku Baku's profile at the Organization of World Heritage Cities website]
*[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/958 UNESCO World Heritage Site listing Walled City of Baku]
*[http://ingvarr.net.ru/photo/105 Photos of Baku]
*[http://triptoazerbaijan.com/ Trip To Azerbaijan]

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{{Administrative divisions of Azerbaijan}}
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<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Baku| ]]<!--leave the empty space as standard-->

[[Category:Baku Governorate]]
[[Category:Capitals in Asia]]
[[Category:Populated places in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Districts of Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Port cities in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Caspian Sea]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Weather extremes of Earth]]