Skyscrapers are no longer synonymous with major cities in the U.S. or East Asia; rather they can be found throughout the Caspian region as well, where they symbolize modernity and economic growth. Here are some of the tallest and most impressive free-standing buildings that dot the Caspian region’s skylines.
Federation Tower, Russia
Federation Tower is located in Russia’s capital, and was completed in 2016. Located in the Moscow International Business Center, the structure’s two towers – the East Tower and the West Tower – make up the tallest skyscraper complex in all of Russia. The East Tower stands at 394 meters (1,227 feet), while the West Tower measures 242 meters (794 feet).
The highest observation deck in all of Europe is found at the top of the East Tower and is known as Panorama 360. The deck is located on the 89th floor, or at 360 meters (1,181 feet) above the ground, and includes none interactive zones that provide a full panoramic view of Moscow. Both the East and West buildings of Federation Tower consist of premium office spaces, hotel suites, restaurants and residential apartments.
Milad Tower, Iran
Tehran’s skyline is dominated by what is the tallest freestanding structure in Iran, located within the city’s western suburbs. Standing at 435 meters (1,427 feet) from the base to the tip of the antenna, the building – called Borj-e-Milad in Farsi, meaning “Milad Tower, or Tehran Tower – is the fourth tallest telecommunication tower and the 24th tallest freestanding structure in the world.
Milad Tower is likened to Menara Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, due to its striking resemblance. Enclosed and open observation decks allow for scenic views, while a gallery, a cafe, and a revolving restaurant help boost the structure’s tourism potential.
Baku TV Tower, Azerbaijan
Baku TV Tower was opened in 1996 and is the tallest building in Azerbaijan, standing at 310 meters (1,017 feet), from the ground to the tip of its telecommunication antenna. Ranked amongst the world’s tallest television towers, Baku TV Tower comes in at number 34. In addition to serving as the headquarters of the country’s TV broadcasting services, the tower also accommodates a revolving restaurant on the 27th floor, at 175 meters (574 feet) above the ground. The premium eating space sits on a circular revolving platform, allowing diners to get a panoramic view of the city within an hour.
Emerald Quarter, Kazakhstan
Funded with money from the United Arab Emirates, this 388-meter-tall building in Astana consists of residential and business complexes. $350 million has been invested in this ultra-modern structure, which is asymmetric in design. The new hi-tech building includes a transparent rooftop and walls, allowing the sun to penetrate throughout.
Turkmenistan TV and Radio Tower, Turkmenistan
TV and Radio Tower in Turkmenistan’s capital Ashgabat is iconic and practical. The 211-meter-heigh TV and radio broadcasting center is the tallest building in the Caspian country. Its design hints at the Turkic origin of Turkmen people, with its silhouette in the shape of a large eight-pointed Star of Oguzkhan - the legendary hero and ancestor to the people from the Oghuz tribe. The enormous building is visible from every corner of the city; in the dark, the brightly lit star looks like it is floating above the city. The object is recognized as the world's largest architectural image of a star and made it into the Guinness Book of Records. Located 145 meters and on the 29th floor is a rotating restaurant that gives visitors a panoramic view of the city. Two observation decks within the tower open to a 360-degree view of modern Ashgabat and the expanses of the southern Kopetdag foothills.
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