from oil innovationto artistic creation
Have you ever thought about where the modern history of oil began?
The answer is a short trip down the coast from Baku at Bibi-Heybat Settlement. Here, the world’s first mechanically drilled oil well heralded the era of industrial production in 1846, turning Azerbaijan into the world’s leading producer of oil in the period up to the turn of the 20th century. Today, the reconstructed well stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's pioneering spirit, nestled on the scenic Baku Boulevard that hugs the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Once a ‘black gold’ paradise, it is said that in the mid-19th century there were nearly 50 oil wells drilled in the area of Balakhani Settlement. Now transformed into an enchanting open-air gallery, the streets of this living tapestry of history and art are adorned with colourful murals and creative touches by local artists, injecting fresh life into its historical charm. Traces of the past break through, from the 17th-century Shah Safi caravanserai (free of charge to visit) to the 14th-century Gum Hamam and a restored ‘ovdan’ water storage system, unique to the Absheron Peninsula. A trip to Balakhani is incomplete without joining an EZOne tour (ezone.az), during which the guides will tell you about these interesting historical places, as well as a Russian bathhouse and a statue to the poet Mirza Alakbar Sabir, among other sites.
Today we talk about Balakhani and Bibi-Heybat not only as age-old oil fields, but also as places that welcome tourists with their modern infrastructure. After reconstruction works, these settlements, nestled among oil derricks, feel refreshed with modern touches. Reminiscent of Italian coastal towns, they are now a top destination for sightseeing and photoshoots.
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