Azerbaijan International

Winter 1998 (6.4)

Architecture of the Oil Baron Period
Mitrofanov Residence

Mukhtarov Street 3


Details of some of the numerous sculptures.

Dmitry D. Mitrofanov, a rich oil baron, employed I. V. Edel as the architect for his residence built in an eclectic style. Construction took place between 1898 and 1902.

One of the most distinct characteristics of this building is the lavish limestone sculpture of the façade. In Islam, human images are not even supposed to be drawn, but Mitrofanov covered the façade with carvings of human faces, lions, bears, bare-breasted women with wings, sturgeon, flora and fauna, and his monogram "M". Mitrofanov's building seems to have more elaborate stone carvings than any other residence in the city.

Baku Oil Barons - Mitrofanov


Exterior of the Mitrofanov Residence

In 1919, during the short-lived Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, the French Embassy was located in this building. During the Soviet period, the building was divided into apartments.

From
Azerbaijan International (6.4) Winter 1998.
© Azerbaijan International 1998. All rights reserved.

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