Balakən
City & Municipality in Balakan, Azerbaijan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Balakən (Balakan; Avar: Билкан) is a city and the administrative centre of the Balakan District of Azerbaijan. The city is situated at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and on the Balakan river, a tributary of the Alazani River.
Balakən | |
|---|---|
City & Municipality | |
  Balakən  Balakən | |
| Coordinates: 41°43′33″N 46°24′30″E | |
| Country | Azerbaijan |
| District | Balakan |
| Elevation | 378 m (1,240 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 14,800 |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (AZT) |
| Website | balaken |
Etymology
According to the Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Place Names, the name Balakan may be derived from an Old Georgian word "ბელის კანი (belis k'ani)", meaning "skin of a bear cub".[2]
History
Throughout its history, the city was ruled by different kingdoms and khanates. In 1918–1920, Balakan was disputed between the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and the Democratic Republic of Georgia, until both countries were occupied by Soviet Russia, and the city became part of Azerbaijan SSR. In 1965, Balakan gained city status after the Azerbaijani government's approval.[3]
Economy
The economy of Balakan is partially agricultural, partially tourist-based, with some industries in operation.[3]
Society and Culture
Demography
The majority of the population of Balakan is ethnic Azerbaijanis. There's a significant minority of Avars and smaller minorities of Ingiloys (a subgroup of Georgians). According to a 2005 survey, 85% of the population was ethnic Azerbaijani, 14% Avar, and the remaining 1% consisted of other ethnicities.[4]
Cuisine
Balakan's signature cuisine includes maxara, cüttü, chicken chigirtma, and Balakan halva.
Transportation
On January 3, 2025, the Baku-Balakən Route of the Azerbaijan Railways reopened between Baku and Balakən.
Gallery
Central Park in the city
View of the central park of Balakan
Nature of Balakan
Balakan Culture House
Forest in Balakan
Center of Azerishiq in Balakan
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