Re-assessment of the Urban Hist Re-assessment of the Urban History of Azerbaijan fr erbaijan from Ancient om Ancient Times t Times to the Pr o the Present in the Context of Gener esent in the Context of General Turkic Cultur urkic Culture

Abstract

While the Turks have often been depicted as a nomadic people in Western and former Soviet historiographies, recent archaeological evidence and research reveals that they were instrumental in the development of settled urban civilizations, particularly during ancient and medieval times. This is particularly evident in Azerbaijan, a region historically inhabited by Turks, where they significantly contributed to the establishment of urban centers. These cities, along with their infrastructure and architectural features, have been well-documented in Greco-Roman, Arabic, Persian, and other primary sources from the period. Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of EastWest trade routes, has a long history of urbanization, with the establishment of cities dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. Over time, these urban centers evolved, contributing to the development of modern urban life. Today, the cities of Azerbaijan remain important hubs of trade and craftsmanship, serving as living legacies of ancient and medieval urban civilizations. This paper seeks to examine the historical evolution of urban life in Azerbaijan, focusing on the cities created by the Turks. It will explore the characteristics of these urban centers, their social, economic, and cultural functions, and the ways in which these features have persisted or been reflected in contemporary urban life. By investigating these historical cities, the paper will highlight the enduring impact of ancient and medieval urbanism on the modern urban landscape of Azerbaijan.