Baku was historically called "Black City" due to the significant industrial pollution, specifically black smoke and soot, emanating from its numerous oil refineries and factories.
The Origin of the Name
During the intense period of oil boom in Baku, the city became a major hub for oil extraction and processing. This industrial activity, while economically prosperous, led to severe environmental consequences in certain areas.
The name "Black City" (or Чёрный город in Russian) was specifically given to the industrial outskirts of Baku where these heavy industries were concentrated.
- Industrial Activity: This district was home to the primary oil extraction sites and refining facilities.
- Environmental Impact: The constant operation of these factories and refineries released vast quantities of black smoke and soot into the atmosphere, coating the area in a dark layer of residue.
- Residential Segregation: In contrast, the city center was a distinct area where oil extraction and refinery operations were prohibited. Wealthier residents chose to settle in this cleaner, less polluted central zone, maintaining a clear separation from the heavily industrialized and environmentally impacted "Black City."
This stark visual difference, characterized by the pervasive black soot and smoke, led to the descriptive and enduring name for the industrial heartland of Baku.
