Kirov in decay: The Kirov monument, Baku

Sergi Kirov was a Great Soviet Hero, especially after Stalin had him murdered in 1934 for being too popular. Like the man said, "a dead hero is a safe hero"... In 1939, a massive monument was built to his memory was on the headland overlooking Baku.

Today, the statue looking out to sea is long gone but there are still massive remains below the viewing platform. This image is one of four, celebrating the Soviet Union.

Looking around the remains with my friend Rob, it seems to belong to an age as remote as that of ancient Egypt