Construction of Restaurants in Icherisheher Carried Out in Violation of Regulations

Baku / 04.26.19 / Turan: The construction of four restaurants along the fortress walls in Icherisheher contradicts the "Regulations on the special legal regime of protection (buffer zone) of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve adopted by the government in 2011. According to clause 4 of this document http://www.e-qanun.az/alpidata/framework/data/22/c_f_22280.htm, earthworks, demolition, construction, installation, reconstruction, and construction and repair works that may pose a ground hazard and underground monuments in the buffer zone of the historical reserve are not allowed. In addition, engineering and communication lines in this area should be located at a distance of at least three meters from the existing walls of the fortress. Moreover, the construction of new buildings and structures in front of the fortress walls is prohibited.

The contract for the manufacture of four metalwork objects and their installation at 19-21, Kichik Gala Street, was signed in November 2018. The contract in the amount of 901.1 thousand manat (530 thousand US dollars) was awarded to the company Uni Ko http://unico.az/idarə-heyyəti/. These works are carried out at the expense of the state budget. The press service of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve does not inform on the owner of this object.

Social activists oppose the construction of this facility, calling these actions an act of vandalism over the historical monuments of Azerbaijan. Yet the authorities do not respond to public protests. And the administration of the reserve notes that all work on the territory of Icherisheher is carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations. ---- 08B-