I raised my head and saw the magic…Fine architecture of Baku
Walking through the old streets of Baku can be so much fascinating. Having equipped myself with my favorite Leica I made a very long and so much exciting walk today. Personally for me the fairy Art Nouveau buildings of Baku’s architecture are the most beautiful and interesting part of it. Sometimes I was feeling myself like Alice in Wonderland discovering those mystical shouting faces, dreamlike flowers and mythical characters.
“New Art” appeared in Baku in the second half of XIX century during the “oil boom”. New generation of architects who received education in Europe and in St. Petersburg changed the city image and introduced Contemporary Art in place of medieval oriental architecture.
Art Nouveau is so appealing to me because it can be so different and so intriguing. I noticed that the classical elements of the facades used by Baku’s architects were the following:
1) Human faces of a fantastic appearance:
2) Personages of Greek and Roman mythology (for Neo-Classicism branch of Art Nouveau):
3) Animal pattern:
4) Curved flowing lines:
5) Circles and arches:
6) And at all the times lush floral and foliage ornaments:
For those who love architecture and want to visit Baku one day I can give the following advice: go away from touristic streets, turn into little old alleys, raise up your head and prepare to see the unexpected.
Want to learn more about various historic interior and architectural styles? Check out my e-book: History of styles:
