The azure, mirror-like surface of water, dabbed with flecks of sunlight and the boundless blue of the sky - a city is appearing within this pristine luxury. A light breeze caresses its elegant silhouette resembling a sailboat. Nature herself blesses the man-made beauty of the islands amidst the expanse of the Caspian with its enchanting seascapes. This dream city is peopled by those in love with the sea. They see life as an ever-lasting journey and the incomparable feeling of freedom has become for them the meaning of life…

All of it refers to a real miracle-city in the Caspian Sea, an ultramodern city to be spread on the artificial archipelago called Khazar Islands.

Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Nehramli, Avesta concern’s operation dates back into the 90s of the past century. How do you assess the contribution made by Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev to the development of the economy? What could you tell about the distinctive activity features observed in the years of development of the concern and the country? 

Haji Ibrahim Nehramli, President, Avesta Concern: The business we started in 1989 was based on the activity of several separate companies. It was the period when we created Ilkan cooperative. Gunel cooperative was established later in 1991. Besides, we opened an office in the center of Nakhchivan and a bank in Baku with a branch office in Nakhchivan. It covered the years when the government of the Nakhchivan AR was assumed by Nationwide Leader. Owing to his titanic labor, Nakhchivan, which had practically fallen into the blockade as it had no electricity and gas supply in those years, managed to overcome that hard period and become one of the most beautiful parts of our country. We may speak long about it, but I would like to emphasize certain moments. 

It was Heydar Aliyev’s support that enabled us to arrange a number of charity events in Nakhchivan. We built 5 mosques, laid water lines toward 10 villages, reconstructed schools and hospitals, constructed bridges. In general, we carried out charity work worth $15.5 mln in Nakhchivan. All of this work was done at the expense of our own means. 

By the demand of the people, Nationwide Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev took the helm of the country in 1993, prevented it from the collapse and loss of its statehood. The links between enterprises were torn and the economic spheres were in deplorable condition at that period. After establishing the stability, the great leader began introducing economic reforms. 

In 1995 we also started developing our business in Baku. We began from the construction sector and erected a high-rise building. We merged our companies and enterprises in 1994 and created Avesta concern. 

New companies engaged in different business spheres have been established within the concern so far. We constructed residential buildings in different parts of Baku city. Now we are completing the construction commenced earlier. There are still almost 250,000 square meters of residential space to be commissioned. 

CE: You are an author of the idea to implement a unique project Khazar Islands. What could you tell about this miracle city? 

Haji Ibrahim Nehramli: The conditions created by Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan promoted development of the oil sector. Owing to the support of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, revenues gained from the oil sector are spent on development of the non-oil sector. In this aspect noteworthy is an intensive development of the tourism sector. We decided to contribute to the development of this sector by realizing unique projects with the purpose to make Azerbaijan famous for its being a world tourism center. 

We are going to build a unique city on the archipelago in the Caspian Sea. In general, Khazar Islands will consist of 55 different size islands with total area of 3.5 thousand ha and 19 micro-districts. The total area of the archipelago will comprise 35 km2. The length and the width will total 8km and 3km respectively. The total length of boulevard will make 150km. 

The archipelago’s contours picture an immense lobster protecting a quiet harbor. Fringed by a breakwater, the sea creature seems to have found a peaceful haven close to the coastline of Azerbaijan’s capital. The archipelago includes the main island, two parallel lines of buildings, several stand-alone islands with high-rises and separate islands for villas. Connected by causeways and bridges, all the islands are part of a single concept: comfort and aesthetics brought together in a sound environment. Most importantly, the islands have been established at a relatively shallow depth (5 metres) and are on the same place as the Absheron peninsula, guaranteeing stability. 

In Khazar Islands, Nature herself embraces you. And a new rhythm of life is born – no usual urban hustle, smog and noise. Everything in this environmentally sound location bows to a simple, thus ingenious concept: Man is a part of nature. 

And Man returns to his origins, rethinks his relationship with the surrounding world, learns how to use its gifts rationally and achieves complete harmony between a natural environment and the benefits of the civilization. 

The luxury on Khazar Islands is quite functional – one may contemplate, but also enjoy comfort to the full. De luxe apartments overlooking the sea and the twinkling lights of the capital, free planning – is there a better formula for the beautiful life?

The modern architecture and fashionable interior solutions offer apartment owners the sense of being part of the world of Art and Luxury. 

New horizons of a better life are opening up before you. The Dream of finding the perfect place on Earth is within reach. This is a unique opportunity to dramatically alter your lifestyle – absorb pure energy and enjoy every moment of existence. 

Dreams come true… thanks to the powerful force of attraction. It is as deep as the sea, as clear as the sky and as enticing as the distant unknown … `

CE: What investments do you plan to use for realizing such a large-scale project?

Haji Ibrahim Nehramli: The construction of Khazar Islands in the Caspian Sea is estimated at $100 bln. Half of this sum will be covered by foreign investments. The rest part will be covered at the expense of sale of apartments, offices and other infrastructure facilities. The construction of the city will consist of 4 stages: the first stage estimated at $10 bln covers 2016-2017; the second stage estimated at $30 bln covers 2014-2019; the third stage estimated at $40 bln covers 2019-2025 and the fourth stage estimated at $20 bln covers 2022-2025. The entire project related construction work can be completed even before 2019-2020 once we have sufficient amount of investments. 

The concern has already invested $1 bln 200 mln of its own means into this project. 

CE: Which features of the city would you like to note in particular?

Haji Ibrahim Nehramli: It may be characterized as the smart and eco city. The location of buildings will prevent the wind from entering the city. The collector system will be created for laying communication lines. All the roads consist of 7 lanes and have no intersections. It means that there will be no traffic lights in the city. A two-storied garage to the length of 150 km will be built under the city and enable to park over 1 mln vehicles there. The first island will be administrative. I.e. all the administrative buildings, government agencies and a trade center will be located there. The rest islands will be residential. 29-30 storied buildings will be built right till the 6th island. Starting from the 6th island, constructed will be 70 buildings with the height reaching up to 50-85 floors. 

The height of the city’s tallest building “Azerbaijan Tower” will make 1050 metres. It will be the tallest one in the complex consisting of 7 buildings. The construction of the building costs $2 bln. It will start in 2016-1017 and complete in 2020-2022. Each island will have its stand-alone centralized power generation and water supply system. Apart from this, on the island many bridges, hospitals, kindergartens, schools, universities, a track for arranging Forumal-1 race, a race course, etc will be built. The number of people residing in the city permanently will be 1 mln. 800,000 of them will be permanent tenants. Another 200,000 will fall to the share of tourists. Besides, the construction of the city will enable to create 600, 000 working places. 

CE: What stage has the construction of Khazar Islands already reached? 

Haji Ibrahim Nehramli: We are currently constructing 4 islands. We have built restaurants, laid the foundation of boulevard, continue construction of buildings, and have completed construction of the tram bridge. Construction of one of the 6 bridges has been completed. The erection of the rest three bridges is also underway. 

We will have completed construction of the tram bridge by the end of the following year. The trams will run along the 20km long boulevard consisting of 6 bridges. The islands will be linked to one another by bridges designed for vehicles, pedestrians and trams. The residents leaving the building with 4 exits will find themselves in the park. There will be no garages in buildings. The garages will be placed in the water. Half of the garages will be under the water and the other half above the water. The close location of garages to buildings will enable people to reach the garage through the underground crossing. They will be smart, cosy and fully repaired apartments providing everything for comfort. Prices at restaurants will be very affordable and let visitors feel at home. 

Highways to be laid on islands shall have 7 lanes in both directions. 

Apart from residential estates and restaurants, we also build kindergartens, about 50 schools, a stadium, golf-yard, rack track, rally area, hospitals, 5 universities, a motor coach terminal, a mosque with an area of 10 ha, as well as buildings for employees. 

600,000 working places are expected to appear. 400,000 of those people will rent apartments in a certain part of the city. People will be able to move in the city by trams passing every two minutes. 

Our conditions on sale of apartments will be attractive for clients. Apartments will be sold with a discount for mortgage (lets suppose for 15 years and 6% of annuals) so that people could afford them. If an owner decides to move, at least 80% of the sum will be returned. 

Separate treatment facilities and power plants are to be built on islands as well. Water and gas lines will be laid to them. 

The capacity of power plants will total 900 MW. Each island will have a modular power plant operating on gas. Electricity generated in non-peak hours will be sold. 

Buildings are built 200m away from the sea. The first, second and third stages of the project envisage settlement of 100,000, 400,000 and 500,000 people respectively. 19 micro-districts will be erected in the city. An airport is planned to be built not far from this area in future because 20 mln tourists will come here every year. 

Construction of a bridge and a restaurant complex (including a beer plant) has been completed. Their opening has been scheduled for August of this year. 

A 3, 4, 5 and maybe a 7 star hotel will be built in the city. The number of hotels will reach 18. They will consist of 30-85 floors. The area of the smallest room will total 25 m2. There will be hotel rooms with an area of 45, 65 and 100 m2. From the very beginning we planned our hotels to differ from world standards and be capacious. 

Construction of 4km of the sea front boulevard has already been completed. 

Construction of the 3km long boulevard section has already been completed. The service life of the boulevard is 1000 years at least.  Our concrete starts becoming harder only in 100 years. Plain concrete starts decaying 100 years later. Our major roads are built of granite. The boulevard can not sag down even by 1 cm since it has been built of piles and concrete. 

It will be an ecological city.  Facing glasses of buildings will generate electricity. A corresponding program has been worked out for realizing these ideas. Apart from this, a project on desalination of the sea water and other works will be done. One interview will not suffice for covering all the project related information.