Azerbaijan’s political, economic, and cultural center, Baku has been shaped by its position on the Caspian Sea and by the oil industry that transformed the city beginning in the late nineteenth century. Its architecture and urban landscape reflect medieval, imperial Russian, Soviet, and post-independence periods, while its institutions and cultural life place it at the center of contemporary Azerbaijan.
The contrast is particularly visible across the city: the walled Old City, nineteenth-century oil-boom architecture, Soviet neighborhoods, and ambitious contemporary development exist within a relatively compact urban landscape. Museums, memorials, cultural institutions, and public spaces provide further perspectives on Azerbaijan’s history, identity, economic development, and regional relationships.
Learning in Baku
Academic travel in Baku uses the city’s institutions, historic sites, architecture, and urban landscape to explore Azerbaijan from several perspectives.
History and Heritage
Explore Azerbaijan’s history through the UNESCO-listed Old City, museums, memorials, and historic landmarks that trace the country’s development from the medieval period to the present.
Energy & Development
Examine how oil and gas have transformed Baku’s economy and urban landscape while shaping Azerbaijan’s international relationships and role within the wider region.
Urban Transformation
Examine how architecture, public spaces, and city planning reveal successive periods of imperial, Soviet, and post-independence development.
Regional Perspectives
Explore Azerbaijan’s relationships with Turkey, Russia, Iran, neighboring Caucasus states, and countries across the Caspian, and consider how these relationships shape its regional priorities.
The program here is wonderful. All of my teachers have been extremely helpful and I have made friends both here in the dorms and with others who live in the city and find that I often have many opportunities to practice Russian outside of the classroom. Already I feel that my Russian has improved immensely, especially my listening and speaking.
— J. Wilburn
Programs in Baku
Crossroads: Geopolitics and Security in the Caucasus
Travel across Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia while exploring geopolitics, conflict, and identity in one of Eurasia’s most strategic regions.
Programs in Baku
Explore Baku with SRAS
While SRAS does not currently offer programs based in Baku, students may experience the country through academic travel incorporated into programs elsewhere in the region or through independent travel during their time abroad. SRAS can also work with faculty to develop custom programs that include Baku as a destination.
