Azerbaijan has been famed for its rich oil resources since ancient times.
There is evidence of oil drilling and actual trade in petroleum as early as the 3rd and 4th centuries.
The Persians called the area the “Land of Fire.
Photo credit:geozet.ru
Modern drilling began in 1870 after Russia conquered the territory.
The original foundation of Neft Daslari consisted of seven sunken ships including the world’s first oil tanker.
During its heydays, some 5,000 workers lived here.
Neft Daslaris decline began with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the discovery of new oilfields elsewhere.
The workforce was reduced and many oil rigs were abandoned.
Neglect and lack of maintenance caused many of them to collapse into the sea.
Others are in the process of crumbling.
It is still very hard for foreigners to gain access to the city.
You cant even zoom into it on Google Maps.
Photo credit:IPAAT/Panoramio
Photo credit:infoglaz.ru
Photo credit: Life.com
Photo credit:Bruno Girin
Sources:Spiegel/Wikipedia
