Authors

Discussion

Relying on the revenues from oil and gas extractions, the Azerbaijani government paid special attention to “put Azerbaijan on the map,” as the locals used to say, by hosting big international events and developing architectural mega-projects. In consequence, especially in the capital city, an intensive “modernization” process has begun; including “beautification” of the city, investments in the infrastructure, de-bureaucratization of public services, etc. Along with transforming the façade of the capital city, the Azerbaijani authorities decided to change the social stratification of the city, claiming the need to create a new middle class. Through a focus on Anthropology of class and Urban Studies, I explore how the radical and accelerated urban transformations affect the daily life of the citizens.