Looking up at the sky, one might mistake the fluttering white seagulls for signs of the seaside. Yet, although the Caspian lies several kilometers away, these birds have made Lake Bülbülə their home — a living symbol of Baku’s environmental renewal.

Once overgrown with reeds and filled with waste, the area is now being reborn. A new boulevard is emerging along the shores, soon to become a favorite destination for thousands of Baku residents.

Located between the settlements of Bakıxanov, Bülbülə, and Amirajan, the lake stretches over 6 km with a depth of 1.5–4 meters. For centuries, it was a stop for caravans heading to the Ateshgah Fire Temple.

Over time, pollution and sewage nearly destroyed it. But with the government’s initiative and Bakı Abadlıq Xidməti’s efforts, a large-scale restoration began.

Heavy machinery cleared the reeds, cleaned the area, and leveled the landscape. To prevent future contamination, a 1 km-long, 1000 mm diameter sewage main and a new water treatment plant were constructed.

This is the first facility of its kind in the Surakhani district. It will purify polluted water — returning part of it to the lake, and sending the rest to the Hovsan Aeration Station.

The station is equipped with modern technology from the German company BIOWORKS Verfahrenstechnik GmbH, capable of treating up to 5,000 cubic meters of water per day.

This will allow the lake to regenerate naturally — fish and other wildlife will return, transforming the area into a living ecosystem.

The new boulevard will feature shaded walkways, restaurants, cafes, cycling paths, and leisure zones. In summer, pedal boats will glide across the lake.

When completed in 2026, Lake Bülbülə will become Baku’s new eco-friendly recreational center — a serene blend of city and nature, where the sound of waves and cries of seagulls will replace the noise of urban life.