Lankaran Fortress stands as a historical architectural monument located in the city of Lankaran. Constructed between 1726 and 1727, the fortress was built concurrently with the Zindan Fortress. Over time, the castle was restored to a rectangular shape by English and French architects, enhancing its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Spanning an area of approximately 35 hectares, Lankaran Fortress was larger than its counterpart in Baku. Today, only two towers of the fortress remain, serving as a reminder of its storied past.
The construction of Lankaran Fortress commenced in 1726 and was completed in the autumn of 1727. Within its walls lies an area known to the locals as “Gala.” The fortress played a crucial role as a bastion for the Iranian army during the First Russo-Persian War (1804–1813), accommodating around 4,000 Iranian soldiers. It posed significant challenges for Russian forces as they advanced eastward.
On December 31, 1812, Russian soldiers positioned themselves at the fortress walls, preparing to cross trenches under heavy artillery fire and engage in combat within the fortress. By January 1, 1813, Lankaran Fortress fell into Russian hands. Following Persia’s defeat, a peace treaty was signed, and according to the Treaty of Gulistan (1813), the northern part of the Talysh Khanate was annexed to the Russian Empire.
Lankaran Fortress was one of the primary strongholds of the Talysh Khanate. Eyewitness accounts from that era describe the fortress as an imposing structure, characterized by its towering stone walls adorned with a series of battlements, from which fearsome artillery pieces loomed. Additionally, the fortress was encircled by deep trenches that could be filled with water for defensive purposes when necessary.
Historically, the fortress also housed two bazaars: the Large Bazaar and the Small Bazaar. At the beginning of the 20th century, mosques were constructed in each bazaar, serving as significant religious centers for the city, and these mosques have remarkably endured through the years.
Lankaran Fortress remains a symbol of resilience and a vital part of the region’s history, reflecting the architectural prowess and strategic importance of its time.
