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80 billion euro construction: Abandoned islands with a 1.000-meter skyscraper that would surpass Dubai

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 17/12/2024 às 13:26
80 billion euro construction: Abandoned islands with a 1.000-meter skyscraper that would surpass Dubai
The €80 billion Khazar Islands project envisaged the construction of 55 artificial islands connected by bridges and a 1.000-meter-high tower that would dwarf the Burj Khalifa. The planned city would accommodate 1 million people with state-of-the-art infrastructure including schools, hospitals, shopping malls and even a Formula 1 track.

The ambitious Khazar Islands construction project promised 55 artificial islands, a 1.000-meter-high tower and housing for 1 million people, but ended in ruins after an economic crisis and billion-dollar debts

The Khazar Islands in Azerbaijan were supposed to be one of the greatest achievements of modern engineering. The plan included 55 artificial islands connected by giant bridges, a planned city to house up to 1 million people, and a tower that would surpass the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. A true landmark in world construction.

But what happened to this bold project? As a such a promising venture has become just a pile of abandoned structures?

The grandeur behind the construction of the Khazar Islands

The project, which began in 2011, was to be completed in three phases over 15 years, with a focus on the construction of the central tower and urban infrastructure. The fall in oil prices and billions in debt resulted in a complete shutdown, leaving the site as a symbol of wasted resources and frustrated ambition.
The project, which began in 2011, was to be completed in three phases over 15 years, with a focus on the construction of the central tower and urban infrastructure. The fall in oil prices and billions in debt resulted in a complete shutdown, leaving the site as a symbol of wasted resources and frustrated ambition.

Inspired by Dubai’s famous artificial islands, the Azerbaijani government sought to create a new symbol of prosperity in the Caspian Sea. The project involved a comprehensive infrastructure: hospitals, schools, shopping malls, parks, universities and even a Formula 1 track.

At the center of it all would be the Azerbaijan Tower, a monumental construction 1.000 meters high, designed to be the tallest building in the world. A dream of epic proportions, capable of putting the country on the global map.

What was supposed to be the Azerbaijan Tower

The tower's design was not limited to height alone. The building would be a mix of commercial, residential and luxury hotel spaces, and would also feature an earthquake-proof design. Construction would be carried out in three phases:

  1. Creation of artificial islands;
  2. Construction of the tower and residential developments;
  3. Completion of urban amenities and infrastructure.

Everything was planned to be delivered in 15 years, starting in 2011. What could possibly go wrong?

The promising start and the downfall of the project

Construction began well, with the creation of the islands taking shape in the Caspian Sea. However, Azerbaijan, a country heavily dependent on oil, began to feel the effects of falling global prices. As the price of oil plummeted, the country's GDP shrank rapidly and the devalued currency created financial chaos.

To complicate matters further, Haji Ibrahim Nehramli, the visionary leader behind the project, was arrested due to astronomical debts. Without leadership and resources, the project stalled halfway through, leaving behind only unfinished buildings and a desolate silence.

The Unfinished Islands: A Sleeping Giant

Today, the Khazar Islands are something of an “architectural ghost.” The incomplete buildings and underdeveloped islands contrast with the initial vision of grandeur. The current scenario is that of a dream interrupted, a cruel portrait of what happens when construction is affected by economic crises and mismanagement.

Compared to Dubai’s man-made islands, which have become a global success, the Khazar Islands’ failure serves as a brutal reminder: even the largest projects need impeccable planning and solid resources.

The Khazar Islands, with their €80 billion potential and 1.000-meter tower, could have transformed Azerbaijan in a new innovation hub. Unfortunately, today, they only serve as a reminder of unfulfilled dreams and unfulfilled promises.

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Celso
Celso
18/12/2024 11:39

People with eyes bigger than their stomach are always up to something like this…

Last edited 1 month ago by Celso
Warick
Warick
In reply to  Celso
18/12/2024 14:25

But it's better to try to make your dreams come true than to live in the hopeless underworld of Brazil.

Gesao
Gesao
In reply to  Warick
18/12/2024 14:53

It's funny that this underworld you refer to is where it is, because misery is poverty, people all over the world are now saying that it's difficult to live in Brazil, Brazil is only not better because we have a dirty and filthy right wing.

Roberto Koch
Roberto Koch
In reply to  Gesao
18/12/2024 16:31

You mean a filthy, dirty left, commanded by **** bad characters, with the support of the 10 vultures of the STF. Wake up ****.

Ronaldo Batista Alves
Ronaldo Batista Alves
In reply to  Gesao
18/12/2024 19:05

Without any notion of anything, totally alienated, the **** returned to the crime scene, he is destroying Brazil again. If they don't succeed in stopping Lula, ESSETE and ESSETEFE. Goodbye Brazil.
GOD SAVE THIS NATION 🙏

Blue
Blue
In reply to  Gesao
18/12/2024 20:06

He said everything right, he just got the direction wrong. LOL

Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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