Boyuk Zira Lighthouse (Azerbaijani: Böyük Zirə mayakı) is a lighthouse in the north of Boyuk Zira Island, in the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan.[1][2]

Boyuk Zira lighthouse
Map
LocationBoyuk Zira
Baku
Azerbaijan
Coordinates40°17′44.4″N 49°55′21.9″E / 40.295667°N 49.922750°E / 40.295667; 49.922750
Tower
Constructed1884 (first)
Height18 metres (59 ft)
Shapeoctagonal tower with balcony and lantern
Markingswhite tower, red lantern
Light
First lit1858 (current)
Focal height42 metres (138 ft)
Range20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi)
CharacteristicFI W (3) 9s.

History edit

 
Boyuk Zira Lighthouse on stamp of Azerbaijan, 2013

The lighthouse in the island was begun to function since 1884.[3] It illuminated road for ships entering Bay of Baku. Until 1907, Maiden Tower executed these functions. But later, Nargin Island detaching Baku Bay from the sea, became the main guide for sailors. A kerosene-wick burner, and then a gas lantern with a light-optic apparatus of the 4th degree illuminated a road for ships.[4] The Nargin lighthouse illuminated by acetylene in 1912, became the first lighthouse in the Russian Empire illuminated by such a way.[5]

In the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, Nargin lighthouse was exploded for not to attract attention of German aviation, and fixed antiaircraft guns in the island. In 1958, Nargin lighthouse was restored and acts up to now.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Звёзды над Апшероном" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2016.
  2. ^ Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Azerbaijan". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
  3. ^ "Остров Беюк Зиря – новая "Жемчужина Азербайджана"". Archived from the original on 17 April 2013.
  4. ^ "ОСВЕЩЕНИЕ МАЯКОВ". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Тайна острова Нарген".[permanent dead link]

External links edit