This tiny Caspian island served as a vital shield for the city of Baku.

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Located in the Caspian Sea, the small island of Chilov is more than just a remote outcrop. Once a strategic military outpost for the Soviet Union, it played a crucial role in protecting the capital city from the east. Today, it remains a significant sanctuary for diverse migratory bird populations.

Chilov Island, also known as Zhiloy, sits roughly 25 to 55 kilometers off the Absheron Peninsula in the Caspian Sea. Spanning approximately 6 square kilometers with a maximum elevation of just 8 meters, the island features an irregular coastline defined by various inlets and headlands. Despite its modest size, it has served as a focal point for both industrial and military activity for centuries.

The island's industrial history began in 1781 when Russian Rear Admiral Count Mark Voynovich identified oil and gas deposits nearby. By 1944, the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences initiated formal geological explorations on the island, leading to the drilling of the first oil well by Agagurban Aliyev. This transition toward resource extraction marked a permanent shift in the island's function, moving it away from its natural state.

During the 1950s, the island took on a defensive role for the USSR. A military unit was stationed there to organize air defense for Baku, utilizing the C75 anti-aircraft missile system to monitor the eastern approach. This military presence persisted until the early 1990s, with all Russian troops finally withdrawing between 1992 and 1993. Today, the island is part of the Khazar district of Baku.

Beyond its industrial and military past, Chilov is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. It provides a critical habitat for various avian species, including wintering waterfowl like swans, grebes, and coots, as well as breeding Caspian gulls. This ecological status highlights the island's dual identity as a site of human exploitation and a protected refuge for migratory wildlife.

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