On August 11, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the “Master Plan for the Development of Nakhchivan City until 2044.”

Axar.az reports that Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the new Master Plan, the targets set for the city’s future development, and the projects envisaged under the plan.

It was reported that the Master Plan was prepared by the “Azermemarlayiha” Senior State Design Institute and the international consulting firm Chapman Taylor, commissioned by the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, in accordance with the “State Program for the Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2023–2027.”

Prepared for the first time during the period of independence for Nakhchivan city, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest settlements, the new Master Plan defines a unified strategic vision for the city’s long-term spatial development. The concept was formulated around the renewal of the city center, expansion of recreational zones, promotion of sustainable mobility, strengthening of residential and social infrastructure, and more effective realization of the city’s tourism potential.

One of the main directions of the city’s development is the transformation of its central part. For this purpose, a detailed plan has been prepared for the central district covering an area of 74 hectares, along with a new architectural concept for a 12.5-hectare area within this district, while preserving the existing planning structure. The project envisages transforming the city center into a more vibrant, compact, and accessible space. According to the concept, obsolete non-historical buildings are proposed to be systematically renovated or replaced with modern multi-story residential and multifunctional buildings. The project also envisages establishing a new administrative complex in the area and transforming the central square into a human-centered public space through the addition of new landscaping and small architectural elements. As a result of these approaches, a modern city center will be created where residential, work, service, recreational, and public functions complement one another.

With the aim of making ecological infrastructure an integral part of the city, implementation of the Master Plan will also expand the existing green space network, integrate the area along the Nakhchivanchay River into urban life, and create new parks, recreational areas, and public spaces. As a result, green space per capita is planned to increase from 15 square meters to 27 square meters.

The approach to urban mobility is also based on new principles. Supporting the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly transport solutions, the concept envisages a total street and road network of 188.4 kilometers and 122 kilometers of bicycle infrastructure. This means that more than 65 percent of the total street and road network will be adapted for cycling.

The Master Plan identifies Nakhchivan’s rich historical and cultural heritage and favorable geographic location as key advantages shaping the city’s tourism potential. Alongside preserving historical heritage, expanding the service sector and improving the quality of the urban environment will enhance the competitiveness of the tourism sector.

The future development of Nakhchivan is planned with the city’s growth potential in mind. According to the Master Plan, the residential area is projected to increase from 1,831 hectares to 2,630 hectares over the specified period. Consequently, the city’s existing territory is expected to expand by approximately 44 percent, while its population is projected to grow from 97,200 to 130,000 residents.

Taking population density into account, the housing stock is projected to reach 3.9 million square meters. This will provide an average of 30 square meters of living space per capita, laying the groundwork for the comprehensive development of new residential neighborhoods equipped with social, transport, and engineering infrastructure.

In parallel with urban growth, social infrastructure will also be expanded. To meet education and healthcare needs, the capacity of general education institutions is projected to reach 23,400, preschool institutions 7,800, and hospital beds 650. Driven by growth in services, transport and logistics, industry, construction, tourism, and agriculture, the level of employment is expected to increase by nearly 40 percent, reaching 78,000 people.

Thus, as a strategically vital part of the Middle Corridor, Nakhchivan city will develop into a dynamic hub with even greater potential by 2044. By harmonizing the city’s historical and cultural heritage with modern urban planning principles, the new Master Plan establishes a strategic framework for its development as a sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered regional center.