The Round Tower, known as “Zindan,” is one of the surviving architectural monuments within the Lankaran Fortress. Constructed over four centuries ago at the behest of Nadir Shah, it was built by the finest artisans brought in from Tabriz.
Throughout its history, the Round Fortress served as a crucial stronghold during military conflicts, remaining operational until 1869. Following this period, one of its towers was repurposed as a prison, while the other was converted into a lighthouse, which has since become a symbol of the Lankaran region. Remarkably, both structures were connected by a secret underground passage, which was used to transfer prisoners discreetly.
Until a few years ago, the prison tower was open to visitors. The first floor housed an art gallery, while the second floor featured a cell that once held Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin. Interestingly, it was through this very secret passage that Stalin managed to escape. During his time, he recognized Lankaran as an important subtropical zone, and under his initiative, citrus fruits and tea began to be cultivated in the region during the Soviet era.
Today, however, visitors can only admire the exterior of the Zindan Tower. Access to the interior is prohibited due to the building’s precarious state. Despite its current condition, the Round Fortress remains a significant part of Lankaran’s rich history, reflecting the architectural ingenuity and strategic importance of the area throughout the centuries.
