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Zivyar AhmedbekovThe first Azerbaijani architect with higher education
Country:
 Azerbaijan |
Content:
Ziya Bey Ahmedbekli: Azerbaijan's Architectural Pioneer and Baku's Chief Architect
Ziya Bey Ahmedbekli stands as the quintessential figure in Azerbaijani architecture, being its first university-educated architect and the Chief Architect of Baku from 1918 to 1922.
Education and Early Career
Born into an affluent family in Baku in 1873, Ahmedbekli pursued his architectural education at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Civil Engineers, graduating in 1902. Upon his return to Baku, he joined the Baku Provincial Administration as an architect, a position he held until 1917.
Chief Architect of Baku
With the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, Ahmedbekli was appointed the Chief Architect of Baku, a role he maintained until 1922. During this time, he played a pivotal role in shaping the city's architectural landscape.
Architectural Legacy
Ahmedbekli's architectural prowess is evident in several iconic structures in Baku. He designed two prominent mosques: the Blue Mosque and the Teze Pir Mosque. Additionally, he is credited with the design of the Mukhtarov Mosque in the Amirjan settlement, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond Baku, Ahmedbekli's architectural contributions extended to Vladikavkaz, where he designed several residential buildings. In his hometown, he crafted the design for the Institute of Ophthalmology.
Recognition and Legacy
Ahmedbekli's impact on Azerbaijani architecture is widely acknowledged. One of Baku's streets bears his name, and a monument in his honor was unveiled in 2011 in the eponymous park adjacent to Nizami Metro Station. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of Azerbaijani architects.
