Cities in Azerbaijan
Rapid rates of economic development had their effect on the growth of towns and rise in the number of urban population of Azerbaijan. Thus, 70,000 resided in the towns in 1833; 110,000 in 1856 and 270,000 in 1897.
In the second half of the 19 century, there were 11 towns in North Azerbaijan: Baku, Shemakha, Quba, Lenkoran, Elizavetpol, Nuha, Shusha, Nakhchivan, Ordubad, Zakatala and Irevan.
Among the most dynamically developing towns there was Baku. In 1856, the number of the population amounted to 8,000; in 1897 – 112,000 (60% workers). Baku was recognized as economic centre; however, following the Shemakha earthquake in 1859 Baku took the part of administrative centre as well. In 1878, a municipal reform was carried out in Azerbaijan which provided for self-government. However, the City Duma was set up in Baku only; later on Elizavetpol received the same powers.
It was the construction of railways and stations that led to the emergence of new towns around these stations. Pertaining to these towns were Agstafa, Evlakh, Lyaki, Kurdamir and Hadjikabul.
However, chaotic growth of towns resulted in unsatisfactory sanitary conditions, lack of housing and absolutely undeveloped infrastructure.
