[QODLink]
Europe
Baku aims to host 2020 Olympics
Shedding its dour, industrial image, booming seaside capital of Azerbaijan hopes to bring world games to the Caucasus.
Last Modified: 23 May 2012 15:25

The capital of this former Soviet republic has shed its dour, industrial image and evolved into a vibrant metropolis combining the old world charms of Istanbul with the architectural ostentations of Dubai.

This weekend it has the perfect stage to show off its decade-long transformation: the Eurovision Song contest.

But later on Wednesday the International Olympic Committee will choose the official candidates in the race to host the 2020 Games.

Five cities are hoping to make the shortlist: Tokyo, Madrid, Istanbul, Doha and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Al Jazeera's Sohail Rahman assesses Baku's chances.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
Country
City
Organisation
Featured on Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera's exclusive publishing of a key Guantanamo prison military document lays bare the brutality of force-feeding.
Former military official says poverty and anger in indigenous communities mean conditions for an "insurgency" are ripe.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Featured
Hezbollah's hand in Syria
Lebanon-based militia is assisting villagers caught up in the conflict, and reportedly fighting alongside Assad forces.
Syria: The War Within
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Afghan archaeology site faces rocky future
Copper-rich Mes Aynak is home to ruins of ancient villages, but threatened by a planned Chinese mining project.
China Rising
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Crisis in Bangladesh
Extensive coverage of war crimes tribunals and controversial calls for blasphemy laws.
join our mailing list