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Boyuk Zira Island: Caspian's Enigmatic Isle

Discover Boyuk Zira Island: A Caspian Sea enigma blending rugged beauty, poignant history, and diverse wildlife, offering a unique escape near Baku.

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Boyuk Zira Island, also known as Nargin Island, is the largest of the Baku Archipelago in the Caspian Sea. Located about 10 kilometers south of Baku, this island features a rugged coastline, sparse vegetation, and a rich history as a navigational aid, prison camp, and site of Soviet repression. Today, it offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

A brief summary to Boyuk Zira Island

  • AZ

Local tips

  • Check with local tour operators in Baku for the most up-to-date information on boat trips and access permissions to Boyuk Zira Island, as regulations can change.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, as Boyuk Zira is a haven for various Caspian Sea bird species.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the island's coastline is rugged and rocky.
  • Consider packing a picnic, as there are limited facilities available on the island.
  • Respect the island's historical significance by avoiding disturbing any remnants of its past, such as the ship cemetery or old barracks.
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Getting There

  • Ferry/Boat

    The final approach to Boyuk Zira Island requires a boat or ferry from Baku. Head to the Baku Yacht Club or Pier 131 located on Neftchilar Avenue. Inquire about ferry schedules and availability to Boyuk Zira Island. Note that schedules can be irregular and subject to change due to weather conditions or other factors. A round-trip ferry ticket typically costs around 20-30 AZN per person. Ensure you confirm the return time with the boat operator. Some operators may offer private yacht trips to the island, which can be more expensive, ranging from 100 AZN upwards depending on the size of the boat and duration of the trip.

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Discover more about Boyuk Zira Island

Boyuk Zira Island, the largest in the Baku Archipelago, lies approximately 10 kilometers south of Baku, Azerbaijan. Historically known as Nargin Island, it covers about three square kilometers and separates Baku Bay from the open Caspian Sea. The island's name translates to "Big Island," which is fitting considering its size and significance. The island's landscape is characterized by its rugged coastline, featuring steep cliffs on its northwestern side and gentler slopes elsewhere. Sparse vegetation accentuates the stark beauty of the island, creating a dramatic backdrop for the diverse wildlife that inhabits it. Caspian seals bask on the shores, while various bird species, including teal ducks, herring gulls, and grebes, populate the island and its skies, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Boyuk Zira's history is layered and complex. The Boyuk Zira Lighthouse, which began operating in 1884, stands as a testament to its importance as a navigational aid. Before its construction, the Maiden Tower in Baku served this purpose. The lighthouse was equipped with a kerosene-wick burner, later upgraded to a gas lantern, and in 1912, it became the first lighthouse in the Russian Empire to be illuminated by acetylene. However, the island also has a darker past. During World War I, Tsarist Russia transformed the island into a prison camp, holding thousands of Turkish soldiers captured during battles such as Sarikamish. Over 10,000 prisoners perished on the island due to starvation, disease, snake bites, and executions. The island became known as the "Island of Hell" or "Snake Island" due to the horrific conditions and high mortality rate. Even after the Bolsheviks seized power in Baku in 1920, the island continued to be used as a site of execution for Azerbaijani statesmen, public figures, and victims of Stalinist repression. Today, Boyuk Zira stands as a place of somber reflection, a reminder of the human cost of conflict and oppression. The haunting ship cemetery, where the rusting hulls of abandoned vessels lie scattered along the shore, serves as a poignant symbol of the island's maritime heritage and the passage of time. While access may be restricted, intrepid travelers can often arrange boat trips from Baku to explore the rugged coastline, observe the diverse birdlife, and visit the iconic lighthouse. The panoramic views from the lighthouse are breathtaking, stretching across the Caspian Sea and back towards Baku's modern skyline.

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