Nestled along the southeastern coast of the Caspian Sea, the administrative center of the Lankaran region attracts tourists from around the globe thanks to its favorable climate and strategic location. This enchanting city is renowned for its stunning architecture, a wealth of historical monuments, and unique natural features, offering visitors not only a serene escape but also opportunities for rejuvenation. Let’s explore some of the most captivating attractions that Lankaran has to offer.
Lankaran Fortress
Among the many historical landmarks in Lankaran, the Lankaran Fortress stands out as a must-visit site. Built in the 18th century, this formidable defensive structure was once deemed impregnable. The massive brick fortress, with its crenellated walls, is situated on the left bank of the Lankaran River and was originally surrounded by marshes, a 20-meter moat filled with water, and earthen ramparts reaching heights of 10 meters. Any enemies who managed to breach these natural and man-made barriers were met with a barrage from a garrison of 4,000 soldiers. Within the Talysh Khanate, Lankaran Fortress was considered one of the finest of its kind. Today, only a small portion of the fortress remains, but visitors can explore two active mosques built in the early 20th century on the sites of the small and large market squares, along with several other significant historical sites.
Pir-Khanega
Just a short distance from Lankaran, along the banks of the Pirsagat River, lies the Pir-Khanega, a site of great significance for Muslims. Established in the early 13th century, this cultural complex includes mosques, minarets, caravanserais, and burial sites of notable figures from the city. Enclosed within four fortress walls oriented to the cardinal directions, the complex has undergone numerous restorations over the years, with artisans striving to preserve its original character. This medieval sanctuary has become a favored destination for pilgrims and tourists who honor Muslim culture.
Mirakhmad Khan’s House (Khan-Evi)
Located in the heart of Lankaran is the house of Mirakhmad Khan, known as Khan-Evi. Constructed by French architects in 1913, this building exemplifies the beauty and craftsmanship of Eastern architecture. Mirakhmad commissioned the palace for his wife after she won a beauty contest in the South Caucasus. This three-story palace was the first multi-story building in the city. Following the revolution, it was nationalized and repurposed for Soviet governmental functions. Since 1991, Khan-Evi has housed the Lankaran State Local History Museum, which boasts over 7,000 exhibits detailing the region’s history, including clay and metal household items, traditional clothing, and exquisite Azerbaijani carpets. The museum features staged displays with life-sized figures that depict how the people of Lankaran lived many years ago.
The Round Fortress
The Round Tower, known as “Zindan,” is one of the surviving architectural monuments within Lankaran Fortress. Constructed over four centuries ago under the orders of Nadir Shah, the best craftsmen from Tabriz were brought in for its construction. The Round Fortress served as a critical stronghold during military conflicts until 1869. Subsequently, one of its towers was converted into a prison, while another was transformed into a lighthouse, which has since become a symbol of the Lankaran region. Both structures were connected by a secret underground passage used to transfer prisoners. U
ntil a few years ago, the prison tower was open to visitors, featuring an art gallery on the first floor and a display of the cell where Joseph Stalin was imprisoned on the second floor. Interestingly, it was through this very secret passage that Stalin made his escape. Even then, he recognized Lankaran as a vital subtropical zone, where he initiated the cultivation of citrus fruits and tea during the Soviet era. Today, visitors can only admire the Round Tower from the outside, as entry is prohibited due to the building’s precarious condition.
Lankaran Lighthouse
A prominent symbol of the city, the Lankaran Lighthouse is located in the northeastern part of the city. This towering 30-meter structure is topped with a nearly three-meter lantern and was built around the same time as the Lankaran Fortress in the mid-18th century. Over the years, the water level of the Caspian Sea has receded, causing the lighthouse to move further from the shore; however, it continues to serve its primary purpose by guiding ships navigating this part of the Caspian coast. Access to the interior is available only through guided tours conducted by the lighthouse staff, and unauthorized entry to the lighthouse grounds is strictly prohibited.
Kichik Bazar Mosque
The Kichik Bazar Mosque is an architectural monument of historical and cultural significance located in the center of Lankaran. Named after the Small Market Square (Kichik Bazar) where it was constructed, this mosque dates back to 1906. Built using locally sourced materials such as native wood, fired red brick, and ceramic tiles, the mosque reflects the craftsmanship of its time. Unfortunately, the original minaret was lost during the Soviet era, but the restored structure now stands at 24 meters tall, adorned with repeated inscriptions of “Allah” in Arabic, crafted from white brick.
Böyük Bazar Mosque
Adjacent to the Kichik Bazar Mosque is the Böyük Bazar Mosque, constructed in the latter half of the 19th century. This single-story building, made of red fired brick, shares architectural similarities with its smaller neighbor. It features a tall minaret embellished with recurring white inscriptions of “Allah,” further enhancing the spiritual ambiance of the area. Visitors can appreciate the mosque’s elegant design while immersing themselves in the local culture.
A visit to these central mosques can be beautifully complemented by a stroll through the bustling local market. Here, you can discover an array of fresh produce, including Lankaran’s renowned black and green teas, nuts, dried fruits, and local fruits, as well as honey sourced from the Gyrkan and Talysh regions. The market is also a treasure trove of spices, mountain herbs, and unique jams, such as those made from rose petals or watermelon rinds.
Pir-Huseyn Mosque
The Pir-Huseyn Mosque, along with its adjoining mausoleum featuring an octagonal minaret, is an integral part of the Khanega religious complex. Built in 1256 from finely carved stone slabs, it remains one of Azerbaijan’s oldest architectural monuments. The mosque’s mihrab is particularly noteworthy, adorned with intricate carvings, Kufic inscriptions, and colorful tiles that showcase the remarkable talent of the stonemasons and artists involved in its decoration. A small, dimly lit passageway leads from the mosque to the Pir-Huseyn mausoleum, where pilgrims from around the world come to pay their respects to this revered saint. The mausoleum is beautifully decorated with an eleven-meter frieze featuring exquisite tiles, considered among the finest in the entire Middle East.
Beaches with Black Sand
Lankaran is a popular seaside resort in Azerbaijan, recognized as the southernmost destination in the country with clean and safe waters of the Caspian Sea. The city boasts several beaches that are particularly stunning on sunny summer days, thanks to their unique black sand, a result of underwater mud volcano eruptions. Relaxing on Lankaran’s beaches is believed to be a healthful experience, as the sand contains beneficial microelements that enhance its therapeutic effects when warmed. Visitors can also enjoy the fresh sea air combined with mountain breezes from the Talysh mountains, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Tea and Citrus Plantations
Lankaran is famous for its warm subtropical climate, historically known for rice cultivation. Since the 1930s, citrus and tea plantations have flourished in the area, with tea becoming a symbol of the city. A giant monument to the samovar, a traditional tea kettle, greets visitors at the entrance to Lankaran. The best time to admire the beauty of these plantations is in early autumn during the Tea, Rice, and Citrus Festival, where guests can sample mandarins, lemons, and kumquats that ripen just in time for the celebration. This vibrant festival showcases the region’s agricultural bounty and invites visitors to indulge in its flavors.
Gyrkan National Park
Established on February 9, 2004, to protect the natural environment in Lankaran and Astara, Gyrkan National Park initially covered 21,435 hectares. In 2008, the park’s boundaries were nearly doubled by a government decree. The park encompasses a section of the Talysh Mountains and other unique natural complexes, home to trees over 1,000 years old. Thanks to its rich biodiversity and favorable climate, Gyrkan National Park serves as a habitat for numerous species of animals and birds listed in the Red Book. With over 100 natural and cultural monuments, the park’s stunning landscapes make it a prime destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts.
