2026 IS AZERBAIJAN'S YEAR OF URBAN PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURE Azerbaijan has declared 2026 the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” a nationwide cultural-and-development theme intended to spotlight the country’s built environment—from historic city cores and UNESCO-listed sites to contemporary reconstruction and new infrastructure. The designation was issued in a presidential order signed in Baku in late December 2025, explicitly positioning architecture and urban planning as a bridge between heritage preservation and modern nation-building. The Year of Urban Planning and Architecture runs throughout calendar year 2026. It is designed as a framework for programming—exhibitions, professional forums, education initiatives, heritage tourism promotion, and public discussions about how cities should grow. The order directs that an action plan be prepared and submitted by the presidential administration, signaling that activities will likely involve multiple ministries and agencies rather than a single organizer. In practice, urban planning themes typically draw in: National government and municipal leaders responsible for zoning, housing, transport, and public works. Architects, engineers, and planners across public and private sectors. Universities and professional associations training the next generation of designers. Cultural heritage institutions that protect historic sites and guide restoration. The presidential order itself frames Azerbaijan’s architectural tradition as a key component of national identity and international cultural presence, naming landmark monuments and UNESCO-recognized sites as emblematic examples. Azerbaijan’s geography and history make its cities a visible record of exchange. The order points to Azerbaijan’s location along the Silk Road and describes major cities as historic trade and cultural centers—places where economic routes and artistic influences left tangible marks in stone, brick, and street plans. It also highlights the modern transformation of Baku, describing a synthesis of East and West that emerged during periods of industrialization and growth. The initiative is also connected to the country’s contemporary development agenda. The order emphasizes priorities like balanced development of the capital and regions, sustainable settlement, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, linking architecture to quality-of-life outcomes rather than aesthetics alone. HISTORY OF AZERBAIJAN Azerbaijan regained independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and has since pursued nation-building through energy development, infrastructure investment, and cultural diplomacy—often with Baku as the global-facing centerpiece. Architecture functions here as both cultural branding and practical modernization: the nation’s historic cities and monuments reinforce continuity, while new districts, cultural centers, and transport projects reflect ambition and state capacity. PARTICIPATION The Year of Urban Planning and Architecture is not only for professionals. It becomes public-facing through: —Museums, exhibitions, and public lectures on architecture, heritage restoration, and city planning. —Guided heritage walking routes highlighting old city quarters, landmark monuments, and new urban districts. —Student and community design challenges focused on neighborhood improvements, green space, accessibility, and sustainable building. —National and international forums that bring in outside expertise and showcase Azerbaijan’s projects. The order specifically notes that Baku will host the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in 2026, which may become a major anchor moment for international engagement and public programming tied to the year’s theme.