Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 13 / Trend I. Isabalayeva /
A tourism development project has been developed on one of the largest islands in the Baku archipelago - Boyuk Zira (Nargin), located 10.5 kilometres from the capital's coastline.
According to the project, the island will be divided into several areas. There will be a park located with a variety of flora and fauna, a bay with a mooring for guests and hotels. A military port will also be built to monitor incoming and outgoing vessels from the bay, the project manager, AzExCo director, architect Rasim Babakishiev told Trend.
An artificial channel will separate the first zone of the island from other areas which is the start of the terrain and subject to strong winds. The most interesting place of the island is at that part and will have town with old style houses built behind the walls of a fortress. It will protect this part of the island from the winds. It will remind visitors of the ancient fortress of the Old City in Baku. A hotel is also planned called Caravanserai.
The restaurants, shops and museums will be located on the first floors of all houses in the old city.
As Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a tolerant country, the main area will be created in the centre of the town. There will be the places of worship of all three world religions with mosques, churches and a synagogue.
The events that occurred on this island many years ago will not be forgotten. About 10,000 Turkish soldiers and civilians were kept in captivity on the island during World War II. Later the victims of Stalinist repression were sent here. It is planned to create a common grave to perpetuate the memory of those killed on the island, the project manager said.
A zone will be created for young people with a disco and amphitheatre for concerts and entertainment events. It is planned to build this area lower than the old town so as not to disturb other campers.
The yacht club, a shopping centre, a clinic and a school will operate on the island. A sandy beach will cover about 800 metres of coastline.
The architect said that large public events, including summits may be held on the island and appropriate conditions will be created for this.
About two to three billion manat is required to implement this project and already overseas companies are interested in the project. However it is necessary to get the leadership's approval to proceed with its implementation, Mr Babakishiev said.
