Lankaran history

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of modern Lankaran was inhabited as early as the Neolithic era, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. However, Lankaran begins to be mentioned in historical sources as a formed city and an important settlement primarily from the 17th century. European travellers and diplomats of that time described this region as a significant point on the Caspian Sea coast.

The city's name is often linked to the Persian phrase "Langarkanan", which translates as "place of anchorage" or "port". This indicates the settlement's original function as a convenient harbour for ships. In the 18th century, the city acquired a special status, becoming the capital of the Talysh Khanate, which gave a powerful impulse to its urban and political development.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Lankaran into a developed city was driven by a combination of several strategic factors:

• Geographic Location: Its location on the shores of the Caspian Sea and near the border with Persia made the city a natural centre for maritime and overland trade.
• Climate and Natural Resources: The unique subtropical climate and fertile soils contributed to the development of agriculture, which was uncharacteristic for other regions of Transcaucasia.
• Political Status: The transfer of the Talysh Khanate's capital to Lankaran required the construction of defensive structures, including the Lankaran Fortress, and administrative buildings.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its inception, Lankaran stood out as a crossroads of cultures and crafts. The economy of the early city was based not only on transit trade but also on local production.

• Crafts: The city was famous for masters of copper processing, pottery, and weaving.
• Agriculture: The region was known for rice cultivation, sericulture, and gardening, supplying produce to neighbouring areas.
• Architecture: Early development was characterised by the use of red brick and roof tiles, which gave the city a recognisable appearance, distinct from many other cities in the region.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1747 — Lankaran becomes the capital of the Talysh Khanate, launching the active development of the city as an administrative and defensive centre.
• 1813 — After the storming of the fortress and the signing of the Gulistan Peace Treaty, the city officially becomes part of the Russian Empire.
• 1840 — The Lankaran Uyezd (District) is created, and the settlement receives the status of a district town, contributing to the growth of trade and population.
• 1869 — The famous Lankaran Lighthouse begins operation, becoming one of the symbols of the city and an important navigational object on the Caspian.
• 1896 — The first experimental tea bushes are planted in the region, laying the foundation for Lankaran's future fame as the main centre of tea cultivation.
• 1913 — Construction of the Palace of Mir Ahmad Khan is completed, a magnificent example of architecture preserved to this day.
• 1937 — Launch of the first tea factory, marking the beginning of the industrial production of Azerbaijani tea.
• 2008 — Commissioning of the Lankaran International Airport, opening new opportunities for tourism and transport connections.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of Lankaran is a journey from a fortress-port to the main agricultural and tourist centre of southern Azerbaijan. Here are the key stages that formed the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Capital Status and Fortification (18th century). Becoming the capital of the Talysh Khanate, Lankaran received a powerful impulse for urban planning. The erection of fortress walls and defensive structures defined the radial layout of the historical centre, traces of which can still be seen today.
• Development of Maritime Trade (19th century). Its advantageous position on the Caspian turned the city into an important logistics hub. The construction of the port and the famous Lankaran Lighthouse allowed for regular communication with Baku and Astrakhan, which significantly revitalised the local economy and merchant class.
• Birth of the "Tea Capital" (late 19th – early 20th century). The experimental planting of tea bushes by enthusiast M.O. Novoselov forever changed the agrarian profile of the region. Lankaran became the homeland of Azerbaijani tea, leading to the construction of processing factories and the creation of thousands of jobs in subsequent decades.
• Architectural Flourishing (early 20th century). During this period, the city acquired its unique visual style. Invited European and local architects erected buildings made of red brick with tiled roofs. The jewel of this stage was the Palace of Mir Ahmad Khan, combining national traditions with elements of European Art Nouveau.
• Establishment of a Balneological Resort (mid-20th century). The discovery of the healing properties of local hot springs (Istisu) and the unique black sand on the coast turned Lankaran into a popular health resort. The construction of a network of sanatoriums attracted a stream of tourists wishing to improve their health.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (21st century). The opening of the International Airport and the reconstruction of the Alat-Astara highway took the region's transport accessibility to a new level. This allowed Lankaran to become a modern tourism hub, welcoming guests from all over the world.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Lankaran differs significantly from other cities in Azerbaijan. Due to the humid subtropical climate, raw brick or limestone were historically used less here, with a preference given to baked red brick and roof tiles. This gave the old part of the city a characteristic, warm, and recognisable look, often compared to southern European towns.

Era of the Talysh Khanate: Fortification Style (18th – early 19th c.)

In this period, urban planning was subordinate to defensive goals. Lankaran developed as a fortress city with a radial layout.

• Style: Eastern fortification architecture.
• Characteristic Features: Massive walls, crenellated towers, use of stone and brick to create impregnable fortifications.
• Landmark Object: Lankaran Fortress. Only fragments of the walls and two towers, known as the Small and Big Towers, have survived to this day. One of them is the Round Tower (Zindan), which was used as a prison for a long time.

District Period: "Brick Style" and Eclecticism (19th – early 20th c.)

This was the heyday of Lankaran's civil architecture. Residential houses, religious structures, and administrative buildings were actively built in the city. The main material became locally produced red brick (kerpich), and roofs were covered with red Marseille tiles.

• Style: Regional brick style with elements of European eclecticism and national architecture.
• Characteristic Features: Decorative brickwork, arched windows, ornate facades facing the street, and cosy inner courtyards.
• Landmark Objects:
  • Palace of Mir Ahmad Khan (1913): The jewel of the city. This was the first multi-storey building in Lankaran, built by French architects. Its appearance blends elements of European Art Nouveau and national Azerbaijani motifs.
  • Lankaran Lighthouse (1869): A symbol of the city, representing a massive tower connected to a residential building. Originally, it stood on the very shore of the Caspian.
  • Kichik-Bazar and Boyuk-Bazar Mosques: Built of red brick and harmoniously integrated into the urban environment, reflecting the skill of local masons.

Soviet Period and Modernity (20th – 21st c.)

In the Soviet era, the city expanded beyond the historical centre. Architecture became more functional; standard public buildings, parks, and sanatoriums appeared.

• Style: Soviet modernism, constructivism, modern development.
• Characteristic Features: Wide avenues, green zones, administrative buildings of strict forms. In recent years, active restoration of historical monuments has been underway to preserve the unique "red-brick" ambience of the centre.

Historical Rulers and Military Commanders

The history of Lankaran is inextricably linked with the names of rulers who defined its destiny and architectural appearance, as well as heroes whose names are immortalised in the city's monuments.

• Mir Mustafa Khan
  Ruler of the Talysh Khanate
  A key figure in the history of the region. It was he who moved the capital of the Khanate to Lankaran, turning it into a fortified city. Under his rule, fortress walls and defensive structures were erected, fragments of which tourists can see today.

• Mir Ahmad Khan
  Talysh Khan, Patron of Arts
  Known primarily as the patron behind the construction of one of the city's most beautiful buildings — the Khan's Palace (now the Museum of History and Local Lore). He built this architectural masterpiece in 1913 in honour of his wife's victory in a beauty contest, leaving the city a unique legacy.

• Hazi Aslanov
  Guards Major General
  A native of Lankaran who became a legend of World War II. He is the only Azerbaijani to be awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union twice. A majestic monument to the hero has been erected in the city centre, and a house-museum popular among tourists has been opened in the house where he was born.

Figures of Culture and Education

The land of Lankaran is rich in talents who have made a significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijani music, theatre, and education.

• Hagigat Rzayeva
  Opera singer, actress
  People's Artist of Azerbaijan, born in a village near Lankaran. She became one of the first female opera singers in the country, shining on stage in the roles of Layla ("Layla and Majnun") and Asli ("Asli and Kerem"). Streets and cultural institutions bear her name.

• Jahan Talyshinskaya
  Singer, Mugham performer
  Possessor of an enchanting voice, famous for performing folk songs and mughams. She played an important role in popularising the musical traditions of the region and performed as part of famous ensembles of her time.

• Maryam Bayramalibekova
  Educator, enlightener, public figure
  An outstanding woman who dedicated her life to the struggle for education. At the beginning of the 20th century, she opened the first secular school for girls, "Uns", in Lankaran, contributing to cultural development and the emancipation of women in the region.