Lankaran is a picturesque city located on Azerbaijan's southeastern coast by the Caspian Sea, near the Iranian border. It boasts lush forests and stunning mountains. As of 2021, its population is about 89,300. Lankaran is an independent first-order division of Azerbaijan, separate from the nearby Lankaran District, with its own municipal government.
The city is predominantly inhabited by the Talysh people, serving as the main urban center of their ethnic homeland, Talyshstan. Lankaran is rich in Talysh cultural heritage, featuring numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural centers.
Known for its beautiful beaches and warm, humid climate, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 25°C year-round, Lankaran is a popular tourist destination, especially for those seeking to avoid cold winters. The city offers a vibrant and culturally rich experience, highlighting the Talysh culture and lifestle.
Lankaran's founding date is unknown, but ancient remains such as dolmens and graves have been discovered there. After Nader Shah's death in 1747, Seyyed Abbas established the Talysh Khanate, linked to the Iranian Safavid dynasty. The khanate was under Iranian suzerainty until 1828, with brief Russian control during the Russo-Persian War of 1722–1723 and later conflicts. The Treaty of Gulistan in 1813 ceded Lankaran to Russia, but it was retaken by Qajar Iran during the 1826-1828 war, only to be relinquished again by the Treaty of Turkmenchay.
Under Russian rule, Lankaran, known as Lenkoran, was part of the Baku Governorate. After the Russian Empire's collapse, it was part of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920) before becoming part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic under Soviet control. Since 1991, following the Soviet Union's dissolution, Lankaran has been part of independent Azerbaijan. Despite its turbulent history, Lankaran remains a significant cultural and economic center.
Lankaran offers sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming. For relaxation, visit the Andjin Springs 12 km west, known for their healing thermal sulphide, chloride, and sodium-calcium waters beneficial for the skin. Nearby, explore the ruins of Ballabur castle to delve into the area's ancient history.
The region features expansive national parks, including Gizil-Agach State Reserve with its diverse flora, fauna such as 30 fish species and 220 bird species, and the unique Parrotia, or ironwood, which sinks in water. Hirkan National Park is home to the Persian leopard subspecies and historically significant ironwood used for its long-lasting burn. In 1937, Opilio Lepidus harvestman species were also sighted in the area.
