The historical centre of Baku bears witness to the city’s complex past, from its emergence as a Silk Road port to the oil-driven transformation of the late nineteenth century and its subsequent Soviet period. Characterised by a dense network of narrow alleys, mosques, historic buildings, and surviving fortifications, the Old City includes prominent landmarks such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower, both inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Beyond its historical significance, Baku functions as a dynamic urban centre, supporting a vibrant cultural scene alongside a modern and expanding business sector.