Bir, the first fully integrated banking, payment, and e-commerce ecosystem in the Caucasus, and the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration have signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
The main goal of the partnership is to enrich the experience for residents, entrepreneurs, and tourists in Icherisheher, one of Azerbaijan's most important cultural sites, with digital innovations.
Under the memorandum, the Bir ecosystem will introduce AI-based digital solutions to enhance visitor convenience in Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Planned initiatives include smart navigation tools, multilingual digital guides, QR code-based information systems, an AI-powered chatbot, and a unified mobile website to streamline user experience.
Farid Huseynov, head of the Bir ecosystem, emphasized the project's importance for the country:
"This partnership reflects our commitment to making people's daily lives simpler, smarter, and more accessible through technology and innovation. We are proud to support Azerbaijan's digital transformation by combining the strengths of our banking, payment, and e-commerce ecosystem to create a more convenient and integrated urban environment."
Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, noted that this collaboration is a significant contribution to the nation's historical heritage:
"Icherisheher is moving towards a 'Smart Reserve' model that combines heritage preservation, digital management, and sustainable urban governance with innovative technology and data-driven solutions. The integration of our historical heritage with cutting-edge technology will create a seamless and memorable experience for residents, local entrepreneurs, and millions of tourists visiting Baku each year."
This MOU will further expand the reach of the Bir ecosystem, which currently serves over 5 million people. The project includes strengthening Icherisheher's digital banking and payment infrastructure, digitizing museum and event ticket sales, and launching a Unified Visitor Center and loyalty program.
Notably, Baku is currently hosting the UN's 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13). The digitalization project of Icherisheher was presented to the public within the framework of WUF13.
Bir is the first fully integrated digital ecosystem in the Caucasus, fundamentally changing how individual and corporate customers use daily services in Azerbaijan. Launched in 2025, it combines leading brands — Birbank mobile banking, Birmarket e-commerce platform, Million payment terminals, and m10 digital wallet — serving over 5 million customers.
