Ismailiyya Palace

Ismailiyya Palace is one of the most elegant architectural landmarks of Baku, a building that perfectly captures the cultural awakening and growing prosperity of Azerbaijan in the early 20th century. Rising on Istiglaliyyat Street, opposite the old city walls, the palace represents a bridge between European architectural traditions and local philanthropy.

Constructed between 1908 and 1913, the building was originally commissioned by oil magnate Musa Naghiyev as a philanthropic gesture and as a memorial to his son Ismayil, who died from tuberculosis at a young age. As a result, the palace is not just an administrative structure; it is a symbol of love, loss, and cultural Renaissance in Azerbaijan during the oil boom era.

Standing at the heart of Baku’s cultural and political district, the palace today houses the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and is recognized as one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic Revival architecture in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

History and Origins

The history of Ismailiyya Palace reflects the intellectual revival and philanthropic culture of Baku’s oil barons during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Musa Naghiyev, one of the city’s wealthiest industrialists, was deeply influenced by European architecture during his travels. After his son's tragic death, he chose to immortalize the young Ismayil through an educational and charitable institution.

The architectural design was entrusted to the Polish architect Józef Płoszko (Józef Gosławski Ploszko), one of Baku’s most prolific architects, known for blending European historicism with local aesthetic elements. Inspired by the Palazzo Contarini degli Scrigni e Correggio in Venice, he designed a grand façade with pointed arches, ornate tracery, marble ornamentation, and detailed sculptural elements.

Construction began in 1908 and continued until 1913. During the Soviet era, the palace underwent restoration after damage sustained during the March 1918 events, when parts of the building were burned.

Following restoration in the 1920s, the building became home to Azerbaijan’s Academy of Sciences, underscoring its continued association with knowledge and intellectual life.

Today, Ismailiyya Palace is listed among Azerbaijan’s architectural monuments of national importance.

Architecture and Design

Ismailiyya Palace represents a fully realized vision of Venetian Gothic style adapted to Baku’s urban landscape. Architect Płoszko used white limestone (Aghdash stone), rich decorative carvings, and a symmetrical composition that gives the building a timeless elegance.

Key architectural elements include:

• A richly ornamented façade influenced by Venetian palazzos

• Triple-arched central entrance framed by delicate stone lacework

• Sharp Gothic windows and tracery

• Balconies supported by slender stone columns

• A central courtyard with arcades

• Sculptures, floral motifs, and heraldic elements carved into the stone

• High ceilings and ceremonial halls inside, reflecting early 20th-century European design

The palace’s interior combines European academic classicism with oriental touches. Although much of the building is now used for administrative purposes, its exterior remains one of the most photographed façades in Baku.

Cultural Importance

Ismailiyya Palace stands as a symbol of Baku’s “oil boom renaissance,” a period when architects from across Europe arrived in Azerbaijan, elevating the capital’s architectural landscape. The palace reflects the cultural aspirations of the Azerbaijani elite, who invested their wealth in educational, scientific, and charitable institutions.

The building has been a center for:

Scholarly institutions (Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences)

• Scholarly institutions (Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences)

• Political and cultural events

• National ceremonies

• Academic meetings and conferences

Its location along Istiglaliyyat Street, historically known as Nikolayevskaya Street, places it within Baku’s most prestigious architectural ensemble, alongside the former City Duma building, the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic, and the medieval walls of Icherisheher.

Geographical Context and Surroundings

Ismailiyya Palace is located in central Baku, just steps away from the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher). The area is known for:

• Government buildings • Educational institutions

• Urban parks

• Diplomatic quarters

The palace sits on elevated ground, offering a visual connection between the Old City fortifications and the more modern, 19th-century European quarter of Baku. This makes it a natural stop for walking tours, photography, and architectural exploration.

Visitor Experience

Although Ismailiyya Palace primarily functions as an administrative building for the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the exterior is open to the public for viewing and photography. Access to the interior is limited and usually available only during official events, conferences, or cultural days.

What visitors can enjoy:

• Photography of the façade

• Exploring Istiglaliyyat Street

• Walking along the perimeter of Icherisheher

• Observing neighboring historic buildings from the same era

• Learning about Baku’s oil boom architecture through on-site storytelling with guides

Things to Do

Visitors exploring Ismailiyya Palace can enjoy several activities around the area:

• Architectural photography

• Guided walking tours of Baku boulevard and Old City

• Visits to nearby historical monuments

• Cultural and academic events (occasionally hosted inside)

• Evening strolls along the historic streets of the city center

Visitor Information

Location Istiglaliyyat Street, Baku City Center, opposite the Old City walls.

How to Get There

• 5–10 minutes' walk from Icherisheher Metro Station

• Accessible by taxi, private transfer, or Old City Tours’ guided walking routes

• Easily combined with nearby attractions on foot

Entrance Fee

No entrance fee for viewing the exterior; interior access is restricted and typically requires special permission or event attendance.

Recommended Duration

10–20 minutes for exterior photography; 30–45 minutes when combined with nearby stops.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning light for photography

• Evening for softer street ambiance

• Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking tours

Facilities

• No visitor amenities inside

• Cafés and restaurants nearby

• Public restrooms available within walking distance in the Old City

Nearby Attractions

• Icherisheher (Old City) – 1 minute

• Maiden Tower – 5 minutes

• Shirvanshahs’ Palace – 10 minutes

• Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall – 3 minutes

• Nizami Street – 10 minutes

• Sabir Garden – adjacent

• Baku City Hall – across the street

• Museum of Miniature Books – 2 minutes

Ismailiyya Palace in Old City Tours Programs

Ismailiyya Palace is featured in several of Old City Tours' city programs, especially walking tours focused on architecture, historical storytelling, and the Baku Oil Boom period. Our expert guides provide insights into the life of Musa Naghiyev, the city’s European-inspired architectural transformations, and the cultural climate of the early 1900s.

The palace is included in:

• Baku City Tour (Half Day / Full Day)

• Old City and Oil Boom Architecture Tour

• Night Baku Architecture Photography Tour

• Custom-designed educational and heritage tours

FAQ

Is Ismailiyya Palace open to the public?

The exterior is open to all visitors. Interior access is restricted to events and official functions.

Can tourists take photos?

Yes. Photography of the exterior is allowed and highly recommended.

What makes the building special?

Its Venetian Gothic design, historical significance, and association with one of Baku’s major philanthropists make it a cultural treasure.

Does the palace have a museum inside?

No. It serves as the headquarters of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Is it included in guided tours?

Yes. Old City Tours includes it in Baku city and architectural itineraries.

How long should I spend here?

Usually 15–20 minutes for exterior viewing; more if combined with a walking tour.

Conclusion

Ismailiyya Palace is one of the most graceful and meaningful monuments of Baku’s architectural heritage. Its blend of European design, personal history, and cultural symbolism makes it a must-see for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and photographers. When visited with Old City Tours, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the oil boom era, the philanthropy of Azerbaijani magnates, and the evolution of Baku into a cosmopolitan capital.

Sources / References

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

Azerbaijan Tourism Board

Azerbaijan Encyclopedia

Baku City Executive Authority

AzerNews, Trend, APA archives

Architect Józef Płoszko historical materials

Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve documents

Academic publications on Baku’s architectural history