Baku Archipelago

The Baku Archipelago is a group of islands and islets in the Caspian Sea located off the coast of Baku, Azerbaijan, forming part of the greater Baku Bay area. The islands have been linked historically and economically to offshore oil and gas operations.

From the Baku shoreline visitors can view a number of natural islands and islets; some larger islands have settlements or industrial installations, while many smaller islets remain undeveloped. The marine environment supports seabird colonies and coastal flora on less-disturbed islets.

The archipelago’s role expanded with modern oil and gas exploration in the Caspian, and several islands have been used for extraction-related infrastructure. Historically the islands were also navigational markers and occasional seasonal fishing bases for local communities.

The islands lie in the Caspian Sea directly off Baku’s coastline, forming an island cluster within the administrative area around the city and visible from the port and seaside boulevards.

• Industrial use: The archipelago lies immediately off the coast of Baku and includes both natural islands and extensive offshore oil and gas infrastructure.
• Visibility: The islands are visible from the Baku shoreline and are frequently referenced in planning for coastal and marine activities around the capital.

What to See #

• Chilov Island: Chilov (Zhiloy) Island - One of the larger islands in the group and historically associated with oil exploration and industrial facilities.
• Nearshore islets: Boyuk Zira and smaller islets in Baku bay - Coastal islets that form part of the nearshore cluster and have been modified for urban and industrial use.