For the village in Iran, see Chilov, Iran.

Chilov (Azerbaijani: Çilov adası, also spelt Zhiloy and Jiloi) is an island in the Caspian Sea. It is located off the Absheron Peninsula, 55 kilometres (34 mi) east of Baku.[1]

Geography

Chilov Island is located 25 km (16 mi) off the eastern end of the Apsheron Peninsula in the Caspian Sea, 100 km (62 mi) from Baku.

It is 10 km (6 mi) across and has an irregular shape with various headlands and inlets. Its highest elevation is 8 metres (26 ft). Its area is about 6 km2 (2.3 sq mi).[2]

Administratively Chilov Island belongs to the Khazar district of Baku.

Chilov lighthouse on a stamp.

History

Oil and gas deposits were discovered near Chilov island by Russian Rear Admiral Count Mark Voynovich while he led an expedition to the Caspian Sea in 1781.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Location
  2. ^ Жилой остров, Great Soviet Encyclopedia
  3. ^ Oil exploration in Azerbaijan
  4. ^ Rear Admiral Count Mark Voynovich

External links