Galandar

I doubt it. This scenario is not possible since Azerbaijan has other priorities too. In the next few years Azerbaijan is organizing a number of other events, such as Chess Olympiad 2016, Formula 1 Baku Grand Prix, Islamic Solidarity Games 2017 etc. with EURO 2020 group stage and quarter-final games to play in Baku. Azerbaijan is also keen on grabbing either Champions Leage or Europe League final after 2017 and I believe it will continue bidding for Olympics putting a stronger bid every time. As for the Turkey's interest, that is not a rumour. Turkish, Russian and Belarussian Olympic Committee Presidents told to media about their interest in hosting the next edition of the European Games. Russia told that they have at least four cities (Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Sochi and Kazan) cabable of hosting it. Turkey told about bringing games to Istanbul or smaller cities such as Mersin and Antalya. Belarus told they applied to EOC about hosting the next edition in Minsk and they expect for the EOC's reaction. So the worst scenario for the European Games 2019 is once again to be hosted in Eastern Europe, namely in another former soviet country, however, EOC will do its best to bring the next edition to the Western Europe.

I believe that the European Games is a nice concept for mid-size cities, such as Prague, Budapest, Vienna etc. which once considered Olympic bids. Those cities should definitely go for it. For those, European Games would be a great experience in hosting and organizing an event of a large scale. In the future, EOC should also work on adding the main tournaments of athletics and swimming which would raise up the quality of this event.

I don't agree with this point of yours. Despite to the fact this event was not as big as Summer Olympics, it still attracted a lot of spectators who were willing to watch the games live: Of course there were some sports, such as swimming where countries were represented by youngsters or athletics represented by 3rd league but even those sports attracted thousands of people: Baku is not a ghost city. It is just some sports such as triathlon were held in Amburan village, some 20 km away from the city. However even there were spectators:

As far as I know Belarus, Turkey and Russia want it but EOC wants to move it somewhere to a western European country. This is why Holland was believed to be a good choice. There are still some other western European options EOC would not like to disclose right now. We will hear the name of the EG 2019 host soon.

The best images of the Closing Ceremony The spectacular show in photos http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/best-images-the-closing-ceremony.html#gallery-10

Now it is time to say goodbye to Baku 2015. I believe it was a great event, a great show, a great celebration of sports and friednship, a success that Azerbaijan will definitely benefit in a long run. Thank you all for following the thread

It was simurgh bird https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simurgh

Closing ceremony live here

Photos of the day Tuesday 23 June BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Ana Maria Branza of Romania celebrates victory after the Women's Fencing Individual Epee semi final against Erika Kirpu of Estonia during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Athletes compete in the Men's 400m Freestyle heats during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Aquatics Centre on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Petr Koukal of Czech Republic competes in the Men's Singles Group E match against Emre Vural of Turkey during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Sports Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Domien Loubry of Belgium drives to the basket against Ilia Aleksandrov of Russia during the Men's 3x3 Basketball Pool B match on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Basketball Arena on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Stanimira Petrova of Bulgaria (red) and Anna Alimardanova of Azerbaijan (blue) compete in the Women's Boxing Bantamweight (51-54kg) Quarter Final during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Anastasiia Bavyikna of Russia prepares to serve during the Women's Volleyball quarter final match between Turkey and Russia on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Alberto Pellegrini of Italy celebrates his victory over Fernando Casares of Spain compete during the Men's Fencing Individual Sabre quarter finals on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Kseniya Poznyak of Azerbaijan celebrates a point during the Women's Volleyball quarter final match between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Paul Hentschel of Germany celebrates as he wins gold in the Men's 400m Freestyle final during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Aquatics Centre on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Orhan Haciyeva of Azerbaijan shoots the ball against the Czech Republic during the Men's 3x3 Basketball Pool D match on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Basketball Arena on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: (L-R) Silver medalist Pawel Sendyk of Poland, gold medalist Andril Khloptsov of Ukraine and bronze medalist Daniil Pakhomov of Russia pose with the medals won during the Men's 50m Butterfly final on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Aquatics Centre on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Katheleen Weiss (2) and Anja Brandt (12) of Germany jump at the net to block Katarzyna Skowronska-Dolata of Poland (17) during the Women's Volleyball quarter final between Poland and Germany on day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Aneta Rygielska of Poland celebrates victory over Anais Kistler of Switzerland in the Women's Boxing Light Welterweight (60-64kg) Quarter Final during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 23: Sean McComb of Ireland celebrates victory over Yasin Yilmaz of Turkey in the Men's Boxing Lightweight (60kg) Quarter Final during day eleven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 23, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/photos-the-day-51062.html#gallery-23 Basketball 3x3 Tuesday 23 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/basketball-3x3.html#gallery-10

The best Water Polo images of Baku 2015 Water Polo | The best of Baku 2015 http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/the-best-water-polo-images-baku-2015.html#gallery-21

Trampoline Sunday 21 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/trampoline-48990.html#gallery-11 Aerobic Gymnastics Sunday 21 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/aerobic-gymnastics-48978.html#gallery-12 Athletics Sunday 21 June BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 21: Hayle Ibrahimov of Azerbaijan celebrates winning the Men's 5000 metres during day nine of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Olympic Stadium on June 21, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/athletics-49097.html#gallery-13

Heavy trampoline fall and increadible stepping by a volunteer

the coolest pic so far

Artistic Gymnastics Saturday 20 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/artistic-gymnastics-47532.html#gallery-10 Water Polo Saturday 20 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/water-polo-47510.html#gallery-1 Road Cycling Saturday 20 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/cycling-road-47525.html#gallery-13

Best photos of the day Friday 19 June Men's +80kg Taekwondo silver medallist Vladislav Larin, gold medallist Radik Isaev and bronze medallists Vedran Golec and Daniel Ros Gomez. Matthias Hangst/Getty Images BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: The Azerbaijan team celebrate their victory during the Women's volleyball Preliminary match between Azerbaijan and Belgium on day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at Crystal Hall on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Sebastien Martiny and Allan Morante of France compete in the Men's Gymnastics Synchronised Trampoline Qualification during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Great Britain compete during the Aerobic Gymnastics Groups qualification during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: An athlete collects her arrows during a practice session prior to the start of Archery Women's Individual 1/32 Elemination during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Riccardo D'Andrea of Italy celebrates after defeating Samuel Kistohurry of France in the Men's Bantam Weight (56kg) Round of 16 Bout during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Leonardo Basile of Italy competes in the Men's Taekwondo +80kg Quarter Final against Ivan Konrad Trajkovic of Slovakiaduring day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Olqa Senyuk of Azerbaijan competes against Simona Bancila of Romania in the Archery Women's Individual 1/32 Elimination during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Radik Isaev of Azerbaijan celebrates winning gold against Vladislav Larin of Russia after the Men's +80kg Taekwondo gold medal final during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: (L-R) Silver medalists James Heatly and Ross Haslam of Great Britain, gold medalists Ilia Molchanov and Nikita Nikolaev of Russia and bronze medalists Firthjof Siedel and Nico Herzog of Germany pose on the medal podium for the Men's Diving 3m Synchronised Final during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Aquatics Centre on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Lotte Johansson of Sweden lines up her shot in the Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions Qualification during day seven of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Shooting Centre on June 19, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/best-photos-the-day-46928.html#gallery-36

I told you why. Archery is held in 32K Tofik Bahramov stadium. I guess nobody expected to see this stadium full for archery tournament. Beach volleyball, water polo and basketball 3x3 are held in European Games park, which is located in a brand new Bayil waterfront park. This area used to be one of the poorest and dirtiest industrial zone. Aquatics Center is also located there and it is pretty full during the games. However, as I explained earlier the issue that outdoor venues are not always so full is they are not covered and the weather in Baku is very hot at 11-2 pm these days. All in all, the venues of Baku are crowded these days for this scale of event so I find it a bit odd to point out this fact.

Baku is not a ghost city at all. On the contrary, normally it is a very vivid city with a lot of people and traffic on the streets, especially in downtown and coastal area. But I agree that in summer in the evening time there is more people on the streets. One of the pedestrian streets in downtown Baku:

It depends on the sports. Swimming, wrestling, shooting, boxing, volleyball and especially gymnastics attracts a lot of attention and the venues are pretty full. Archery is held on the Tofik Babhramov stadium with 32K capacity and beach volleyball is held on one of the arenas in EG Park. The issue with attendance of those two is as follows: one has an extremely large capacity for an archery tournament and the second one is only partly covered so it is very hot to watch the games in a sunny weather. It is +32 in Baku

by Mountain Bike Internet Magazine www.solobike.it

Cycling Road on the streets of Baku - LIVE http://www.baku2015.com/video/live/video/live-video-cycling-road.html

Best photos of the day Thursday 18 June Alena Amialiusik of Belarus competes in the women's individual time trial at Bilgah Beach. Jamie Squire/Getty Images BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 18: Johann Eduardo Orozco Ojeda of Spain (blue) reacts as Daniel Niculescu of Romania is awarded victory after the Men's Light Welter 64kg bout on day six of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 18, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 18: (L-R) Silver medalist Magomedmurad Gadzhiev of Poland, gold medalist Magomedrasul Gazimagomedov of Russia and bronze medalists Ruslan Dibirgadzhiyev of Azerbaijan and Yakup Gor of Turkey stand on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Wrestling 70kg freestyle on day six of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 18, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 18: (L-) Silver medalist Oleg Stepko of Azerbaijan, gold medalist Oleg Verniaiev of Ukraine and Bronze medalist Nikita Ignatyev of Russia pose with the medals won in the Artistic Gymnastics Men's Individual All Round Final during day six of the Baku 2015 European Games at National Gymnastics Arena on June 18, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 18: (L-R) Bronze medalist Lieke Wevers of Netherlands, gold medalist Aliya Mustafina of Russia and Silver medalist Giulia Steingruber of Switzerland pose with the medals won in the Women's Individual All-Around final on day six of the Baku 2015 European Games at National Gymnastics Arena on June 18, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images for BEGOC) Francois Nel/Getty Images http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/best-photos-the-day-45590.html#gallery-18

Best photos of the day Wednesday 17 June Jade Jones of Great Britain celebrates winning gold against Ana Zaninovic of Croatia. Harry Engels/Getty Images BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Team Russian Federation compete in the Gymnastics Rhythmic Group All-Round Final during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Aykhan Taghizade of Azerbaijan celebrates winning gold against Karol Robak of Poland during the Men's Taekwondo -68kg gold final on day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Team Israel win Silver, Team Russian Federation win Gold and Team Belarus win Bronze in the Gymnastics Rhythmic Group All-Round Final during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Gold medalist Togrul Asgarov of Azerbaijan stands on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Freestyle 65kg Final on day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Amy Oliver of Great Britain competes in the Women's Archery Team and Individual ranking round during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Robert Kufa and Jan Dumek of the Czech Republic (white) in action agaisnt Iaroslav Rudykh and Neilton Santos of Azerbaijan (blue) during the Beach Volleyball Group H match between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Beach Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: (L-R) Silver medalists Khatuna Narimandize and Lasha Pkhakadze of Georgia, gold medalists Natalia Valeeva and Mauro Nespoli of Italy and bronze medalists Lidiia Sichenikova and Heorhiy Ivanytskyy of Ukraine pose during the medal ceremony for the Mixed Team Archery competition during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: The Azerbaijan team celebrate after winning the Women's Volleyball Group A match between Italy during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: A general view of the range in the Women's 10m Air Pistol during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Baku Shooting Centre on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Jennifer Bailey, Cicely Irwin and Josephine Sandovich of Great Britain compete in the Gymnastics Acrobatic Women's Group Dynamic Qualification during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the National Gymnastics Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/best-photos-the-day-44635.html#gallery-25

http://www.baku2015.com/medals/index.html

Taekwondo Wednesday 17 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/taekwondo-44482.html#gallery-11 Volleyball Wednesday 17 June BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: The Azerbaijan team celebrate after winning the Women's Volleyball Group A match between Italy during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Crystal Hall on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/volleyball-44586.html#gallery-16 Beach Volleyball Wednesday 17 June http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/beach-volleyball-44348.html#gallery-7

Wrestling Wednesday 17 June BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: (L-R) Silver medalist Elizbar Odikadze of Georgia, bronze medalist Abdulsalam Gadisov of Russia, gold medalist Khetag Gazyumov of Azerbaijan and bronze medalist Valerii Andriitsev of Ukraine pose on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Men's Freestyle Wrestling 97kg on day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Sezar Akgul of Turkey celebrates victory in the Men's Wrestling 57kg Freestyle bronze final against Yashar Aliyev of Azerbaijan during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) BAKU, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 17: Togrul Asgarov of Azerbaijan (blue) celebrates victory overFrank Chamizo Marquez of Italy in the Men's Freestyle 65kg Final during day five of the Baku 2015 European Games at the Heydar Aliyev Arena on June 17, 2015 in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images for BEGOC) http://www.baku2015.com/photos/photo-gallery/wrestling-44880.html#gallery-13