A transformation strategy based on the Smart Reserve concept has been developed for Icherisheher in Baku, Azerbaijan, Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration of Icherisheher, stated during an event held within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.
Mahmud highlighted the importance of moving from abstract ideas to practical outcomes: "Cities are judged not by their strategies but by their implementation. Implementation itself requires a clear vision and strategy. Therefore, after starting a new stage of reforms in Icherisheher, we prepared a three-year detailed transformation strategy centered around the idea of a Smart Reserve. This strategy integrates heritage preservation, digital transformation, infrastructure modernization, tourism development, public services, sustainability, and community-oriented management into a unified system. Today, we manage a large portfolio of interconnected projects – from major infrastructure initiatives to façade restoration, mobility management, museum modernization, public services, and digital systems."
He added that the Smart Reserve approach creates an integrated urban ecosystem in Icherisheher.
"Icherisheher is on UNESCO's World Heritage List, but at the same time, it is a living urban area with residents, businesses, tourism, infrastructure, transport, and daily management challenges. For many years, historic cities worldwide were managed either as museum spaces or through fragmented, reactive approaches. We realized this model is no longer sustainable. That is why we introduced the approach we call Smart Reserve. For us, it is not just about digitalization. It is about building an integrated urban ecosystem. Most importantly, in historic cities, technology should work quietly in the background, while culture, architecture, and community remain at the forefront," the official said.