Baku's stained glass legacy: A window to the city's soul Weaving history into architectural wonders

As the oil boom took hold, Baku rapidly evolved into one of the most rapidly advancing cities in the region. The booming oil industry attracted a wave of investors and entrepreneurs, many of whom were pioneering oil magnates. The city blossomed with luxurious mansions, grand hotels, majestic administrative buildings, and vibrant cultural centers. Its architectural landscape was enriched with an elegant blend of Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Gothic styles, lending Baku a distinctly European charm. The city’s beauty and opulence soon earned it the title of the “Eastern Paris,” a symbol of prosperity and progress.

Among those who played a key role in shaping Baku’s skyline was Musa Naghiyev, a remarkable Azerbaijani millionaire and oil magnate. Born in 1848 in the suburban village of Baladjar, Naghiyev turned his entrepreneurial endeavors into a thriving business. In 1897, he founded the oil extraction company "Musa Naghiyev," which by 1913 had become one of the most successful in Baku, bolstering the city's economic strength. His invaluable contributions to the oil industry did not go unnoticed — Russian Emperor Nicholas II awarded Naghiyev the prestigious gold medal with the Andrew ribbon, as well as the Order of Saint Stanislaus of the Third Class. He was particularly praised for his investments in advancing Russian oil production and for introducing innovative mechanical techniques that would shape the future of the industry.

One of the standout examples of Naghiyev's architectural legacy is the "New Europe" hotel. This magnificent building stands as a testament to Baku's architectural grandeur, capturing the essence of the city’s elegance and opulence. It became an iconic symbol of its era, reflecting the vibrant spirit of a time when Baku was at the heart of a thriving cultural and economic revolution.

The seven-story building at 13 Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev Street, constructed in 1913, stands as a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture, designed by the renowned architect Joseph Ploshko. This hotel was one of the few of its kind in Baku at the time and quickly became a striking architectural landmark, equipped with one of the city’s first elevators. The "New Europe" hotel is an extraordinary feat of urban design, capturing attention with its grand scale and expressive forms. Its towering seven-story structure creates a dramatic contrast with the surrounding buildings, adding an imposing elegance to the city's skyline. The semi-circular corner, crowned with an eye-catching dome, further accentuates the building's majestic presence, lending it an aura of strength. The richly detailed decorative elements on the façade lend a soft, flowing quality, while the intricate ornaments above the windows bring a rhythmic harmony to the design.

During the early Soviet era, the hotel became a favored residence for notable figures like Sergei Yesenin, Rurik Ivnev, Vasily Kachalov, Yakov Blumkin, and others. In 1950, the hotel also became the home of Heydar Aliyev, the national leader who had come to Baku to continue his work.

Today, the building is home to stained glass masterpieces created by artist Altay Hajiyev. These beautiful stained glass windows not only enhance the interior but also offer a unique artistic dimension. Bursting with vibrant hues, they transform the space with a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow. Each stained glass composition carries deep symbolism, reflecting the stories of life and work. The artwork seamlessly blends modern industrial advancements with a deep respect for history, depicting oil rigs, pipelines, workers, as well as views of the old city, iconic landmarks, and national motifs that celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage. The carefully selected color schemes and intricate patterns create a harmonious balance between tradition and progress. Each stained glass window is a testament to a bygone era, beautifully captured in glass and light.

Baku is a city of mesmerizing beauty, where the threads of history and modern life weave together into a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. The grandeur of its buildings is not their only striking feature — it's the delicate, intricate details that lie beneath the surface, holding an undeniable charm. These fine touches — elegant ornaments, stunning stained glass, intricate stucco work, and vibrant mosaics — are what truly bring the city to life, giving it a character that is as unique as it is captivating. Every street, every building hums with the spirit of Baku, and in these subtle elements, its soul is revealed. In this city, every corner tells a story, where the past is seamlessly woven into the present, creating a cityscape that inspires awe, sparks creativity, and leaves an indelible mark on your heart.

Vahid Shukurov, exclusively for Caliber.Az