Nizami Street
Azerbaijan
Nizami Street, commonly called Tarqovu, is a prominent pedestrian and shopping street located in downtown Baku, Azerbaijan. Named after the classical Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, it stretches approximately 3.5 kilometers from Abdulla Shaig Street in the mountainous part of the city to Sabit Orujov Street near the 'Black City' area. The traffic-free section between Fountains Square and Rashid Behbudov Street is a bustling commercial hub featuring a variety of outlets ranging from banks to high-end fashion stores. The street is renowned for its architectural heritage, with many buildings constructed by wealthy oil magnates such as Musa Naghiyev and Murtuza Mukhtarov, designed by notable architects including Józef Plośko and Zivar bey Ahmadbeyov. It also hosts several embassies and the European Union Delegation. Nizami Street has evolved from a 19th-century trade center into one of the most expensive and vibrant streets globally, blending historical significance with modern commerce and culture.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nizami Street is during the late afternoon to evening when the pedestrian zone is lively and illuminated. Visitors are encouraged to explore the street on foot to fully appreciate its architecture and numerous shops. Purchasing tickets for nearby cultural events or guided tours in advance can enhance the experience. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at certain venues along the street. The street is easily accessible via the Sahil and 28 May metro stations.
Interesting facts
- •Nizami Street is one of the most expensive streets in the world due to its prime location and commercial significance.
- •The street is named after Nizami Ganjavi, a celebrated 12th-century Azerbaijani poet.
- •Several buildings along Nizami Street were designed by Józef Plośko, a notable architect of the time.
- •The pedestrian section of the street is locally known as Tarqovu, derived from the Russian word for merchant street.
- •Nizami Street hosts embassies of Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Austria, and the European Union Delegation.
History
Nizami Street's origins date back to Baku's 1864 urban planning project following the city's designation as the center of the Baku Governorate after the 1859 Shamakhi earthquake.
Initially named Torgovaya Street due to its role as a trade hub, it was officially renamed Gubernskaya Street in 1879, though locals continued to call it Torgovaya.
The street developed rapidly in the late 19th century amid Baku's oil boom, attracting wealthy industrialists who commissioned grand buildings.
Key architectural developments occurred between 1868 and 1910, including the construction of cinemas, churches, and residential buildings that shaped the street's distinctive character.
Place Guide
Fountains Square
A central and vibrant public square marking the start of the pedestrian section of Nizami Street, known for its decorative fountains and lively atmosphere.
Murtuza Mukhtarov's Apartment House (Nizami 79)1896
A three-storey apartment building with a semi-circular façade and circular dome, originally built in 1896 for oil magnate Murtuza Mukhtarov and expanded in 1910.
Araz Cinema1868
Built in 1868 by architect M. Gafar Ismayilov, this cinema is among the earliest cultural establishments on Nizami Street.
St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church1869
A church built in 1869 near Nizami Street, adding religious and architectural diversity to the area.
