Highland Park is a captivating area that encompasses a beautiful park, a memorial complex, and several scenic viewpoints. Among its notable features is the local landmark, the “Shehidlar” Mosque. This green oasis is situated in the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku.
The park derives its name from its elevated location, as it is built on the highest point in the city. Visitors can reach this picturesque destination via a funicular or by ascending a steep staircase. From the various lookout points, one can enjoy breathtaking views of nearby attractions, including the Seaside Boulevard, Baku Bay, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the historic and cultural quarter of Icheri Sheher, and the Maiden Tower.
Highland Park is celebrated as one of Baku’s most prominent and intriguing attractions. This verdant area overlooks Baku Bay and retains its original charm, featuring spacious staircases, shaded pathways, and cozy terraces. The park was designed by the renowned architect Lev Ilyin, who utilized local Baku limestone as the primary building material during its construction.
Originally, the land on which Highland Park was established was known as English Park. In the early 20th century, it served as the burial site for British soldiers who were in Baku following the fall of the Russian Empire in 1918. Today, the only reminder of this history is a monument dedicated to the fallen British soldiers.
Construction of Highland Park, as envisioned by Ilyin, began in 1935. At that time, a monument to Sergey Kirov, the first secretary of the Azerbaijan Communist Party, was erected within the park. For several decades after its completion, the park bore Kirov’s name. Shortly after the park was finished, various facilities, including a theater, amusement rides, and restaurants, were established, along with the installation of new monuments.
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the statue of Sergey Kirov was dismantled, and the park was officially renamed Highland Park.
The most recent renovation of the park took place between 2011 and 2013, during which old pathways were restored, new ones were laid, and the landscaping of the complex was enhanced.
Among the park’s unique and intriguing features is a massive boulder that seems out of place within the park’s architecture but was inexplicably left by the builders. This stone, with a rectangular hole in its center, is believed by some to possess healing properties.
In the early 1980s, the Gülüstan Palace was constructed, a project that involved several architects, including N. M. Gadjibekov and A. Y. Amirhanov. This building received a state award from the Azerbaijan SSR. Its primary purpose is to host cultural events at both the city and republican levels. Notably, in 1994, the “Contract of the Century” was signed within its walls.
Highland Park is also famous for its funicular, which transports visitors from the Carpet Museum to the park in just ten minutes. This mode of transport has become one of the park’s and Baku’s attractions. The funicular, which opened in 1960, continues to operate today.
The complex is adorned with numerous sculptures, among which the statues of Bahram Gur and General Azi Aslanov stand out. The former symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil, depicting the hero of Nizami’s poem. The latter is a bust honoring General Azi Aslanov, a Soviet hero, created by the artist Fuad Abdurakhmanov.
In the early 1990s, the Turkish Shahid Mosque was erected within the park’s grounds. Today, this building houses the official representation of the Turkish religious embassy.
Visitors can easily access Highland Park via the funicular from the Lower Station, located near the Bahram Gur monument, close to the local Carpet Museum. The funicular operates from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The ticket price is 1 AZN per person, with a 10-minute interval between departures and a journey time of just 4 minutes.
Alternatively, buses numbered 3, 18, and 53 also provide access to the park. Passengers should disembark at the Shahid Alley stop, situated opposite the Flame Towers. From the bus stop, a short 10-minute walk across the road leads to the park, making it easily accessible for all visitors.