Boyuk Zira, island in Azerbaijan
Böyük Zirə is a long, narrow island in the Caspian Sea, located about five kilometers off the coast of Baku in Absheron District. The island stretches over three kilometers, features steep cliffs on its northwestern side, and consists mainly of rocky terrain with little vegetation.
The island was named Nargin by Russian settlers in the 17th century, referencing an Estonian island called Naissaar. During World War I, it served as a prison camp for war captives, and during the Stalin era, it was used for executions.
The name Böyük Zirə was restored in 1990, replacing the former Russian name Nargin that referenced a Baltic island. Today, local visitors associate the island with the untouched nature of the Caspian Sea and use it for quiet exploration along the coastline.
The island is under military administration and is usually not open to the public. Those wishing to explore the area can view the island from the mainland or by boat, but should check in advance whether visits are permitted.
A lighthouse built in 1884 stands on the southern part of the island and was the first in the Russian Empire to use acetylene lighting. Divers report finding chains and human remains on the seabed near the island, linked to its dark past.
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