Baku Oil and Its Importance

We live in a time of fast scientific and technological progress. It is impossible to imagine modern life without huge amounts of energy. Electricity is one of the main foundations of modern civilization, and oil is still an important source of energy. In this context, Baku oil has played an important role not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the whole world.

Oil in Baku: The Beginning Lost in Time

The Absheron Peninsula is very rich in oil. For centuries, oil came out of the ground naturally, and oil wells became a familiar part of the landscape.

Archaeological discoveries show that people started to collect and use oil in this area about 5,000 years ago. Stone roads with deep tracks were found near Baku. They probably were used to transport oil to the shores of the Caspian Sea.

There is also a theory that people transported oil in stone tanks made from Gaval Dash, or "singing stones". These hollow rocks have special acoustic qualities. These simple but useful systems allowed people to transport and sell oil long before modern technologies appeared.

The 19th Century: The First Oil Boom

The real development of the oil industry began in the middle of the 19th century. European industrialists, including the Nobel and Rothschild families, became interested in Azerbaijani oil.

Special attention was given to the "White Oil" from Surakhani. It was clear and clean and was very suitable for processing.

At this time, the oil industry in Baku developed very quickly. The first oil wells were drilled in 1846, and Baku became a center of international interest in the oil industry.

The Soviet Period: Innovation and Large-Scale Development

In the 20th century, the oil industry of Baku became an important part of Soviet energy production.

Oil fields were developed in the sea. A unique city on oil platforms called Oil Rocks was built in the Caspian Sea. Sea oil tankers became widely used.

New technologies were also developed, including rotary drilling. Many of these technologies later spread around the world and became important standards in the oil industry.

Modern Times: The "Contract of the Century" and Azeri Light

In the 1990s, Azerbaijan signed the so-called "Contract of the Century" with some of the world's largest oil companies.

Large-scale oil production began in deep-water fields. Today, Azeri Light oil is considered a high-quality type of oil. It is easy to process and has a high value on international markets.

The British company BP also signed a major gas contract to develop the Shah Deniz gas field. This was another sign of the important role of Azerbaijan in the international energy industry.

Baku — The Oil Capital of the World

Because of its long history, important innovations, and strategic importance, Baku can be called one of the world's most important oil cities.

It is a city where the past, present, and future of the energy industry are connected in a unique story. This story continues to develop and remains important for Azerbaijan and the world.