Aralsk-7 and Vozrozhdeniya Island

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The Enigmatic History of Vozrozhdeniya Island and Aralsk-7

Aralsk-7, an old Soviet military complex that was abandoned in November 1991
Aralsk-7, an old Soviet military complex that was abandoned in November 1991

Vozrozhdeniya Island, situated in the heart of the Aral Sea, and the town of Aralsk-7 are among the most secretive and intriguing locations of the 20th century. This remote island, once bustling with military activity and scientific research, now stands as a ghostly testament to a dark chapter in history.

Vozrozhdeniya Island was first documented in 1848 by Russian explorer A. Butakov during his expedition to the Aral Sea. Originally named in honor of Tsar Nicholas I, the island was later renamed Vozrozhdeniya, which means «Rebirth» in Russian, following the establishment of the Soviet Union. Initially, the island had no freshwater sources but was home to a variety of wildlife, including saiga antelopes and waterfowl, making it a refuge for these species. In the early 20th century, a small settlement was established on the island primarily as a temporary fishing outpost, with a modest fish processing plant also in operation. Between 1924 and 1926, Vozrozhdeniya Island served as a site for the exile of kulaks, or wealthy peasants, during the Soviet Union’s campaign against class enemies.

The Establishment of the Military Testing Range

Aralsk-7, an old Soviet military complex that was abandoned in November 1991

The turning point in the island’s history came in 1933 with the creation of the Military Medical Scientific Institute in Russia, under the direction of I.M. Velikanov. This institute was tasked with developing vaccines and studying dangerous pathogens for military purposes. The institute’s work required a secure and isolated location, and Vozrozhdeniya Island, located 150 kilometers from the nearest settlements of Muynak and Aralsk, proved ideal for this purpose. Its remoteness and harsh climatic conditions, including summer temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, offered a natural defense against the accidental release of pathogens.

In 1936, a scientific expedition led by Velikanov assessed the island’s suitability for biological testing. The following year, initial trials began, focusing on pathogens such as tularemia, cholera, and plague. These experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential of these agents as biological weapons and to develop corresponding vaccines. However, Velikanov’s arrest and execution in 1938 severely hampered progress.

Aralsk-7, an old Soviet military complex that was abandoned in November 1991
Aralsk-7, an old Soviet military complex that was abandoned in November 1991

The Rise of Aralsk-7 and the «Barkhan» Airfield

With the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, many Soviet scientific and military facilities were relocated eastward, including those involved in biological research. Vozrozhdeniya Island was reactivated in 1942 as a testing site. It wasn’t until 1948 that the island’s transformation into a full-scale military and scientific complex was realized. All previous inhabitants were evacuated, and the fish processing plant was closed.

A significant development occurred with the construction of the town of Aralsk-7, also known as Kantubek, which was built to accommodate the scientific and military personnel stationed on the island. The town featured 15 three-story buildings, a cultural club, a cafeteria, shops, a stadium, a parade ground, and its own power station. An airfield, named «Barkhan,» was established 3 kilometers west of the town in 1949. This airfield, with its unique wind rose configuration, was designed to handle the island’s strong, variable winds. The laboratory complex, located 3 kilometers southwest of the town, was where daily scientific work was conducted, while the testing range for field trials was situated 15 kilometers south at the island’s edge.

Life and Secrecy on Vozrozhdeniya Island

During its operational years, Vozrozhdeniya Island became one of the most secretive military sites in the USSR. It was strictly off-limits, and only under exceptional circumstances, such as severe storms, were fishermen allowed to seek shelter in the island’s bays without disembarking. Despite its isolation, life on the island followed a semblance of normalcy. The military ensured security, while the town’s residents enjoyed a routine existence with kindergartens, schools, and community events. However, the island’s harsh desert climate and isolation posed significant challenges.

Aralsk-7 and Vozrozhdeniya Island were home to some of the most dangerous biological research of the era. The laboratory, officially designated as PNIL-52 (Field Scientific Research Laboratory No. 52), housed deadly viruses and pathogens. Test subjects, including horses, sheep, dogs, rats, and even monkeys, were used in experiments to assess the effects of biological weapons. These experiments involved dispersing pathogens via airplanes or bombs, and the impact was meticulously studied.

The Decline and Legacy

By 1960, the Aral Sea’s water levels began to recede, causing Vozrozhdeniya Island to expand as the shoreline moved further away. Over the next 30 years, the island’s area grew tenfold, from 216 square kilometers in 1960 to over 2000 square kilometers by 1990. By the early 21st century, the island had become a peninsula and eventually merged with the mainland by 2009.

In 1988, the Barkhan range was repurposed as a burial site for biological weapons, including large quantities of anthrax-based weapons and numerous animal remains. The end of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the closure of the Aralsk-7 laboratory and the evacuation of its residents by early 1992. Aralsk-7 soon became a ghost town.

In the mid-1990s, American scientists were invited to investigate the buried biological agents on Vozrozhdeniya Island. Their findings revealed that some dangerous spores and bacteria had survived despite efforts to sanitize the burial sites. Subsequent expeditions in 1997, 1999, and 2002 further examined these substances and tested the effectiveness of various vaccines. By 2018, journalists from Tashkent documented the final remains of Aralsk-7.

By 2021, both Aralsk-7 and the nearby laboratory complex had been completely dismantled by Uzbek authorities. Today, only remnants like foundation traces and the cruciform layout of the Barkhan airfield remain. Vozrozhdeniya Island, once a hub of top-secret military and scientific activities, is now a subject of historical intrigue and has inspired fictional representations in video games like Call of Duty and World of Tanks.

The remnants of Vozrozhdeniya Island and Aralsk-7 stand as a haunting reminder of a bygone era of biological warfare and scientific experimentation. Although the area has been declassified, it remains an uninviting location fraught with risks, and it is prudent to avoid approaching the site due to potential lingering dangers.

Muynak & Aral Sea Tour

From$140
1 Day

Visit the Muynak Ship Graveyard
Explore Muynak History Museum
Discover ancient Mizdakhan complex
Visit Mausoleum of Nazlukhansulu
Explore ruins of Gaur-Kala fortress
Wander through historic Khodjely landmarks

Embark on a captivating day tour to Muynak, the once-thriving port on the Aral Sea, now surrounded by vast desert dunes. Explore the haunting Ship Graveyard, visit ancient sites like Mizdakhan and Gaur-Kala, and immerse in rich local history.
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