Balakən (; ) 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.
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".
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.
[ Balakan Government's Official Website ]
Economy
The economy of Balakan is partially agricultural, partially tourist-based, with some industries in operation.
Society and Culture
Demography
The majority of the population of Balakan is ethnic
Azerbaijanis. There's a significant minority of
Caucasian Avars and smaller minorities of
(a subgroup of
Georgians).
According to a 2005 survey, 85% of the population was ethnic
Azerbaijanis, 14%
Caucasian Avars, and the remaining 1% consisted of other ethnicities.
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
File:Park in Balaken.jpg|Central Park in the city
File:BalakenCentralPark.jpg|View of the central park of Balakan
File:IMAG2180 1(1).jpg|Nature of Balakan
File:Balakən Mədəniyyət Mərkəzi 2013.jpg|Balakan Culture House
File:Azerbaycan Balaken.jpg|Forest in Balakan
File:Ilham Aliyev attended opening of Balakan Automated Management and Control Center owned by “Azərİşıq” OJSC 02.jpg|Center of Azerishiq in Balakan
External links
