President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva become familiar with the improvement works carried out in Balakhany settlement

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva became familiar with the improvement works carried out in Balakhany settlement, September 23^rd.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were given information about the improvement works performed in Balakhany settlement.

It was informed that the works carried out here cover old part of the settlement and that which relates to early 20^th century. A great deal of work has been done towards restoration of historical architectural monuments in the settlement, as well as for the betterment of the ecological condition. The park named after Mirza Alakbar Sabir in the settlement too was restored.

It was brought to attention that Shah Safi Caravanserai in Balakhany was constructed in 1635 -1636. This historical monument, known among the population as Khaja Rohullah Palace, was built using local limestone.

Balakhany is one of the oldest human settlements of Baku. Until the oil boom in early 20^th century, Balakhany was in a strategic position, as it was situated on the Great Silk Way. For long years, this place was one of the main stations of the caravan way stretching from China till Spain.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were given information about the restoration of Hajji Shahla Mosque and Shakir Agha Tomb in the settlement. It was mentioned that the Hajji Shahla Mosque was an architectural monument related to the 14^th century. Shakir Agha Tomb is considered as one of the most valuable monuments in Balakhany.

The reservoir in the settlement was built in the 14^th century. To take water from the reservoir, one should walk 40 steps down. In the past, demand for drinking water in Balakhany was satisfied from this reservoir.

The “Gum Hamam” of Balakhany is comprised of three sections. This bath-house too is considered one of the historical buildings of the settlement. Its construction dates back to the 14^th century.

It was informed that once there were 18 bath-houses in Balakhany. Almost each block had its own bath-house, distinguishing themselves for their names and architectural styles.

The head of the state and the first lady picked figs, watched doves.

This old settlement of Baku has been approved as a new tourist route. This will promote new subjects of entrepreneurship in the settlement, in particular, towards artisanship, as well as building service and commercial businesses. Photos of Balakhany settlement recently disseminated on numerous webpages and social media drew the attention of famous Italian travel portal “Si Viaggia”. An article was also published on the portal entitled “An Azerbaijani settlement amazing bloggers and tourists”.

The improvement works mean also new jobs for the local population. 70 percent of those participating in the process were local residents.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with Balakhany residents.