Distance with Baku

268 km

Population

213,2 thsd person

How to get to

Auto transportation: buses Baku – Lankaran – 6 hours train: Baku – Astara – 9 hours

Lankaran is located in the south-eastern part of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea. This is one of the brightest and most beautiful cities in the country. Exquisite architecture, a wonderful climate and beautiful natural landscapes are the hallmarks of this city. The fertile soil serves to the prosperity of agriculture, the presence of hot springs attracts tourists and people who want to improve their health and a long history and an abundance of historical and cultural attractions do not leave fans of Antiquities indifferent.

At one time Lankaran was a part of Caucasian Albania and in 1743 became the center of the Talysh Khanate. Part of the population of the district are Talish, who preserved their ancient traditions and customs. For a long time the following crafts as copperware, pottery and sewing of clothes are on the run here.

The subtropical climate of Lankaran region is ideal for growing citrus fruits, rice, grapes, tobacco. Great attention is given to the production of Lankaran tea. The city is known not only in the former Soviet Union but also in many European countries as an exporter of this esteemed worldwide beverage. Therefore a huge samovar meets tourists at the entrance to Lankaran city.
Lankaran district is located in the center of the popular tourist routs. Part of it is located along the coast of Caspian Sea and one of the features of the coastline is the black sand which has amazing healing properties.

Gaftoninski zone of this area is known for its historical sites and sanatorium “Lankaran” where vacationers have an opportunity to get rich health course based on Istisu water from springs located in Gaftoninski forests.

Narimanabad area stretches along the Sarah peninsula. On one side it is washed by the Caspian Sea and on the other it is closed by Gyzylagach woodland reserve. It was a separate island until 1956, but then between it and the city of Liman on the mainland a dam was built that significantly changed the status of Sarah. Today these places are covered by forests and are of a great interest for eco-tourism fans.

There are plenty of historical attractions in Lankaran and among them the most attractive is Lankaran Fortress, to be more exact its fragments remained. It was built in the XVIII century and reputed to be one of the most important fortifications in the Talysh khanate. Its walls made a huge impression with their large forms and rows of strong teeth. The fortress was surrounded by traditional for medieval times moat filled with water when required. The main objects of this building were North and South towers from where an aimed fire on attackers was conducted.

At the territory of the fortress was also a city market instead of which a century ago there were built two mosques which have become in time one of the most visited objects for pilgrims throughout the region.

The brightest architectural landmark in Lankaran is the house of Mirakhmad khan located in the heart of the city. This palace was built in 1913 and was the first three-storey building in the city. Despite the fact that two French architects were involved into this project there is clearly seen a presence of the features of the national Azerbaijani architecture. Facades on the west and north side are made of brick and white stone and the eastern and southern facades are finished exclusively in red brick. Above the main entrance there are figures of mystical animals visible.

A few kilometers from the city there is a place of worship for thousands of Muslim pilgrims – Khanega. It is a sophisticated complex of mausoleums and mosques which are located behind a massive fortress wall in a very romantic place on the banks of Pirsagat river, near the old road from Shamakhi to Iran. All the buildings in the complex dazzle by their exceptional artistic dressing, carving and amazing combinations of ceramic decorations and exquisite wall paintings.

The mosque with the tomb of Pir-Hussein is adjacent to Khanega. It is distinguished by its octagonal verge and a place for the muezzin and luxurious mihrab with Kufic inscriptions, which embodies traditions of the Eastern architecture.

Undoubtedly it is interesting to relax in Lankaran at any time of the year. Clean air and beautiful nature combined with an abundance of attractions and the hospitality of the local people are that overwhelming factor which annually attracts tourists from all over the world.