IRAN-Gilan Province Islamic Republic of Iran was formerly known internationally as Persia until 1935. Iran had been a monarchy ruled by a shah, or emperor, almost without interruption from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian revolution, when Iran officially became an Islamic Republic . Gilan- is one of the provinces of Iran by the Caspian Sea After World War I, Gilan came to be ruled independently of the central government of Tehran and concern arose that the province might permanently separate at some point. In 1920 British forces invaded main port-Bandar-e Anzali, while being pursued by the Bolsheviks. Conflict between Britain and Russia, culminated in the establishment of the Persian Socialist Soviet Republic which lasted for about a year. In February 1921 the Soviets withdrew their support for local-Jangali government of Gilan, and signed the Soviet-Iranian Friendship Treaty . Rasht is the capital of Gilan province and the largest city along the Caspian sea coast. It is a major trade center between Caucasia, Russia and Iran using the port of Bandar-e Anzali. Anzali Lagoon (Mordab-e-Anzali) is a coastal water body in the Caspian Sea near the city of Anzali and a wildlife reserve.

Wind mills in Rudbar. IRAN-Gilan Province Islamic Republic of Iran was formerly known internationally as Persia until 1935. Iran had been a monarchy ruled by a shah, or emperor, almost without interruption from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian revolution, when Iran officially became an Islamic Republic . Gilan- is one of the provinces of Iran by the Caspian Sea After World War I, Gilan came to be ruled independently of the central government of Tehran and concern arose that the province might permanently separate at some point. In 1920 British forces invaded main port-Bandar-e Anzali, while being pursued by the Bolsheviks. Conflict between Britain and Russia, culminated in the establishment of the Persian Socialist Soviet Republic which lasted for about a year. In February 1921 the Soviets withdrew their support for local-Jangali government of Gilan, and signed the Soviet-Iranian Friendship Treaty . Rasht is the capital of Gilan province and the largest city along the Caspian sea coast. It is a major trade center between Caucasia, Russia and Iran using the port of Bandar-e Anzali. Anzali Lagoon (Mordab-e-Anzali) is a coastal water body in the Caspian Sea near the city of Anzali and a wildlife reserve.

IRAN-Gilan Province Islamic Republic of Iran was formerly known internationally as Persia until 1935. Iran had been a monarchy ruled by a shah, or emperor, almost without interruption from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian revolution, when Iran officially became an Islamic Republic . Gilan- is one of the provinces of Iran by the Caspian Sea After World War I, Gilan came to be ruled independently of the central government of Tehran and concern arose that the province might permanently separate at some point. In 1920 British forces invaded main port-Bandar-e Anzali, while being pursued by the Bolsheviks. Conflict between Britain and Russia, culminated in the establishment of the Persian Socialist Soviet Republic which lasted for about a year. In February 1921 the Soviets withdrew their support for local-Jangali government of Gilan, and signed the Soviet-Iranian Friendship Treaty . Rasht is the capital of Gilan province and the largest city along the Caspian sea coast. It is a major trade center between Caucasia, Russia and Iran using the port of Bandar-e Anzali. Anzali Lagoon (Mordab-e-Anzali) is a coastal water body in the Caspian Sea near the city of Anzali and a wildlife reserve.

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

People living at Bibi-Heybat oil-field on Baku outskirts walking towards the main road . The first oil well was drilled in Bibi-Heybat suburb of Baku in 1846 and large-scale oil development started in 1872, when the Russian authorities auctioned the parcels of oil-rich land around Baku to private investors. Among investors which appeared in Baku were the firms of the Nobel brothers and Rothschilds, and industrial oil belt, better known as Black City, was established near Baku.

Minibus passenger stuck in the traffic jam in Baku downtown.

Mother cries on the grave of her son-Azeri soldier who died during the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh War was an armed conflict that took place from February 1988 to May 1994, in the small enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in southwestern Azerbaijan, between the majority ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh backed by the Republic of Armenia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Gradually it grew into an increasingly violent conflict between ethnic Armenians and ethnic Azerbaijanis, resulting in claims of ethnic cleansing by all sides.As many as 230,000 Armenians from Azerbaijan and 800,000 Azeris from Armenia and Karabakh have been displaced as a result of the conflict.

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Funeral at the Azeri cemetery in Derbent. Derbent is the second most important city of Dagestan , subject of the Russian Federation where Azeris are the main ethnic group. Large Azeri communities live across the border from Azerbaijan in Dagestan, Georgia and Iran . Iranian Azeris, also known as "Persian Azeris", are the native Azeri population of North-West Iran, making approximately between 20-25% of Iran's population.

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

View for the wall coming from Derbet citadel to the sea. REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN- federal subject of the Russian Federation where 93% percent of population is Muslim. The oldest records about the region refer to the state of Caucasian Albania in the south, with its capital at Derbent .In 664, the Persians were succeeded in Derbent by the Arabs Although the local population rose against the Arabs of Derbent in 905 and 913, Islam was eventually adopted in whole area. Since 2000, Dagestan has been the venue of a low-level guerilla war, bleeding over from Chechnya; the fighting has claimed the lives of hundreds of federal servicemen and officials – mostly members of local police forces – as well as many Dagestani national rebels and civilians. Derbent is the second most important city of Dagestan where Azeris are the main ethnic group. Often identified with the legendary Gates of Alexander, Derbent claims to be the oldest city in the Russian Federation. Since antiquity the value of the area as the gate to the Caucasus has been understood and Derbent has archaeological structures over 5,000 years old. As a result of this geographic particularity the city developed between two walls, stretching from the mountains to the sea. The modern name is a Persian word meaning "closed gates", which came into use in the end of the 5th or the beginning of the 6th century AD, when the city was refunded by Persia. Derbent-Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings -are on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 2003 but instability in the region-especially war in neighboring Chechnia has not allowed further development of the city.

Lesson at the Jewish school in Derbent. Derbet used to have one of the biggest and oldest Jewish community in the Caucasus .Out of 40 thousands people only about 3 thousand is left .In the school 30 children are learning Hebrew and Jewish traditions and history. REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN- federal subject of the Russian Federation where 93% percent of population is Muslim. The oldest records about the region refer to the state of Caucasian Albania in the south, with its capital at Derbent .In 664, the Persians were succeeded in Derbent by the Arabs Although the local population rose against the Arabs of Derbent in 905 and 913, Islam was eventually adopted in whole area. Since 2000, Dagestan has been the venue of a low-level guerilla war, bleeding over from Chechnya; the fighting has claimed the lives of hundreds of federal servicemen and officials – mostly members of local police forces – as well as many Dagestani national rebels and civilians. Derbent is the second most important city of Dagestan where Azeris are the main ethnic group. Often identified with the legendary Gates of Alexander, Derbent claims to be the oldest city in the Russian Federation. Since antiquity the value of the area as the gate to the Caucasus has been understood and Derbent has archaeological structures over 5,000 years old. As a result of this geographic particularity the city developed between two walls, stretching from the mountains to the sea. The modern name is a Persian word meaning "closed gates", which came into use in the end of the 5th or the beginning of the 6th century AD, when the city was refunded by Persia. Derbent-Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings -are on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 2003 but instability in the region-especially war in neighboring Chechnia has not allowed further development of the city.

Young couples meeting by the sea in Machachkala-capitol of Dagestan. REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN- federal subject of the Russian Federation where 93% percent of population is Muslim. The oldest records about the region refer to the state of Caucasian Albania in the south, with its capital at Derbent .In 664, the Persians were succeeded in Derbent by the Arabs Although the local population rose against the Arabs of Derbent in 905 and 913, Islam was eventually adopted in whole area. Since 2000, Dagestan has been the venue of a low-level guerilla war, bleeding over from Chechnya; the fighting has claimed the lives of hundreds of federal servicemen and officials – mostly members of local police forces – as well as many Dagestani national rebels and civilians. Derbent is the second most important city of Dagestan where Azeris are the main ethnic group. Often identified with the legendary Gates of Alexander, Derbent claims to be the oldest city in the Russian Federation. Since antiquity the value of the area as the gate to the Caucasus has been understood and Derbent has archaeological structures over 5,000 years old. As a result of this geographic particularity the city developed between two walls, stretching from the mountains to the sea. The modern name is a Persian word meaning "closed gates", which came into use in the end of the 5th or the beginning of the 6th century AD, when the city was refunded by Persia. Derbent-Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings -are on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site since 2003 but instability in the region-especially war in neighboring Chechnia has not allowed further development of the city.

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Newly constructed Buddhist Temple in Artesian at the border with Dagestan. REPUBLIC OF KALMYKIA-federal subject of the Russian Federation Kalmykia is an only area of Europe in which the dominant religion has been Buddhism. Kalmyks make up 53.3% of the republic's population. In 1931, Stalin ordered the collectivization, closed the Buddhist monasteries, and burned the Kalmyks' religious texts. He deported all monks and all herdsmen owning more than 500 sheep to Siberia. The forced collectivization (as well as the dry, treeless landscape) was unsuited to the Kalmyk temperament and was a social, economic, and cultural disaster. About 60,000 Kalmyks died during the great famine of 1932 to 1933. In December 1943, Soviet authorities declared the Kalmyk people guilty of cooperation with the German Army and ordered the deportation of the entire Kalmyk population to various locations in Central Asia and Siberia.In 1957-Khrushchev finally allowed their return . After collapse of Soviet Union Buddhist revival is slowly taking place. Supreme Lama of the Kalmyks is Erdne Ombadykow, a Philadelphia-born man of Kalmykian origin who was brought up as a Buddhist monk in a Tibetan monastery in India from the age of seven . Ombdaykow divides his time between living in Colorado and living in Kalmykia and thanks to his activities numerous Buddhist temples were constructed in all major towns of Kalmykia.The word Kalmyk means 'those who remained'

Russian girl Kasimova Violeta and Kazakh girl Diana talking on the bridge. REPUBLIC OF KALMYKIA-federal subject of the Russian Federation Kalmykia is an only area of Europe in which the dominant religion has been Buddhism. Kalmyks make up 53.3% of the republic's population. In 1931, Stalin ordered the collectivization, closed the Buddhist monasteries, and burned the Kalmyks' religious texts. He deported all monks and all herdsmen owning more than 500 sheep to Siberia. The forced collectivization (as well as the dry, treeless landscape) was unsuited to the Kalmyk temperament and was a social, economic, and cultural disaster. About 60,000 Kalmyks died during the great famine of 1932 to 1933. In December 1943, Soviet authorities declared the Kalmyk people guilty of cooperation with the German Army and ordered the deportation of the entire Kalmyk population to various locations in Central Asia and Siberia.In 1957-Khrushchev finally allowed their return . After collapse of Soviet Union Buddhist revival is slowly taking place. Supreme Lama of the Kalmyks is Erdne Ombadykow, a Philadelphia-born man of Kalmykian origin who was brought up as a Buddhist monk in a Tibetan monastery in India from the age of seven . Ombdaykow divides his time between living in Colorado and living in Kalmykia and thanks to his activities numerous Buddhist temples were constructed in all major towns of Kalmykia.The word Kalmyk means 'those who remained'

Seller articles in Astrakhan Bazaar. RUSSIA-ASTRAKHAN AND VOLGA DELTA Astrakhan is major city in southern European Russia The city lies on the Volga River, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea. In the 17th century, the city was developed as a Russian gate to the Orient. The Volga Delta is the largest inland river delta in Europe, and occurs where Europe's largest river system, the Volga River, drains into the Caspian Sea . Although the delta is best known for its sturgeons, catfish and carp are also found in large numbers in the delta region.

Man fishing from rusted boats at Olya at the Volga Delta. RUSSIA-ASTRAKHAN AND VOLGA DELTA Astrakhan is major city in southern European Russia The city lies on the Volga River, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea. In the 17th century, the city was developed as a Russian gate to the Orient. The Volga Delta is the largest inland river delta in Europe, and occurs where Europe's largest river system, the Volga River, drains into the Caspian Sea . Although the delta is best known for its sturgeons, catfish and carp are also found in large numbers in the delta region.

Astrakhan residents walking under central heating pipes. RUSSIA-ASTRAKHAN AND VOLGA DELTA Astrakhan is major city in southern European Russia The city lies on the Volga River, close to where it discharges into the Caspian Sea. In the 17th century, the city was developed as a Russian gate to the Orient. The Volga Delta is the largest inland river delta in Europe, and occurs where Europe's largest river system, the Volga River, drains into the Caspian Sea . Although the delta is best known for its sturgeons, catfish and carp are also found in large numbers in the delta region.

View for Actau from the air. Aktau is country's only seaport on the Caspian Sea.Aktau has a block system - streets of the city have no names and all addresses in Aktau consist of three numbers: the micro district (block) number, the building number and the apartment number. Aktau was built in 1961in the middle of step as a small village after large amounts of crude oil was discovered in the region. In 1963 Aktau gained status of city. KAZAKHSTAN-AKTAU For most of its history the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.The Russians began advancing into the Kazakh steppe in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century all of Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequent civil war, the territory of Kazakhstan was reorganized several times before becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936, a part of the USSR. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Its communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country's new president and remain in office till today. On September 11, 2007 President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a start to the project Aktau city in order to develop tourism and attract investments .Totally new city will be built to the northwest of the current city. with 4 millions sq. meters of residential and business buildings

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Horses running along the road in Aktau. KAZAKHSTAN-AKTAU For most of its history the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.The Russians began advancing into the Kazakh steppe in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century all of Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequent civil war, the territory of Kazakhstan was reorganized several times before becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936, a part of the USSR. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Its communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country's new president and remain in office till today. Aktau is country's only seaport on the Caspian Sea.Aktau has a block system - streets of the city have no names and all addresses in Aktau consist of three numbers: the micro district (block) number, the building number and the apartment number. Aktau was built in 1961in the middle of step as a small village after large amounts of crude oil was discovered in the region. In 1963 Aktau gained status of city. On September 11, 2007 President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a start to the project Aktau city in order to develop tourism and attract investments .Totally new city will be built to the northwest of the current city. with 4 millions sq. meters of residential and business buildings

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Roman Urgenishbayev at the seasite.He came from inland region of Kazakhstan to have a rest by the sea. KAZAKHSTAN-AKTAU For most of its history the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.The Russians began advancing into the Kazakh steppe in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century all of Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequent civil war, the territory of Kazakhstan was reorganized several times before becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936, a part of the USSR. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Its communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country's new president and remain in office till today. Aktau is country's only seaport on the Caspian Sea.Aktau has a block system - streets of the city have no names and all addresses in Aktau consist of three numbers: the micro district (block) number, the building number and the apartment number. Aktau was built in 1961in the middle of step as a small village after large amounts of crude oil was discovered in the region. In 1963 Aktau gained status of city. On September 11, 2007 President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a start to the project Aktau city in order to develop tourism and attract investments .Totally new city will be built to the northwest of the current city. with 4 millions sq. meters of residential and business buildings

Woman putting her makeup on at the devastated area by the sea side. KAZAKHSTAN-AKTAU For most of its history the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.The Russians began advancing into the Kazakh steppe in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century all of Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequent civil war, the territory of Kazakhstan was reorganized several times before becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936, a part of the USSR. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Its communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country's new president and remain in office till today. Aktau is country's only seaport on the Caspian Sea.Aktau has a block system - streets of the city have no names and all addresses in Aktau consist of three numbers: the micro district (block) number, the building number and the apartment number. Aktau was built in 1961in the middle of step as a small village after large amounts of crude oil was discovered in the region. In 1963 Aktau gained status of city. On September 11, 2007 President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a start to the project Aktau city in order to develop tourism and attract investments .Totally new city will be built to the northwest of the current city. with 4 millions sq. meters of residential and business buildings

Justyna Mielnikiewicz WPP 2009 Presentaion

Roma in the bus with his dog is on the way to Dog Exhibition. KAZAKHSTAN-AKTAU For most of its history the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan has been inhabited by nomadic tribes.The Russians began advancing into the Kazakh steppe in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century all of Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Empire. Following the 1917 Russian Revolution, and subsequent civil war, the territory of Kazakhstan was reorganized several times before becoming the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1936, a part of the USSR. Kazakhstan declared itself an independent country on December 16, 1991, the last Soviet republic to do so. Its communist-era leader, Nursultan Nazarbayev, became the country's new president and remain in office till today. Aktau is country's only seaport on the Caspian Sea.Aktau has a block system - streets of the city have no names and all addresses in Aktau consist of three numbers: the micro district (block) number, the building number and the apartment number. Aktau was built in 1961in the middle of step as a small village after large amounts of crude oil was discovered in the region. In 1963 Aktau gained status of city. On September 11, 2007 President Nursultan Nazarbayev gave a start to the project Aktau city in order to develop tourism and attract investments .Totally new city will be built to the northwest of the current city. with 4 millions sq. meters of residential and business buildings