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 / 41.72583°N 46.40833°E | |
| Country | Azerbaijan |
| District | Balakan |
| Elevation | 378 m (1,240 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 14,800 |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (AZT) |
| Website | balaken |
Etymology
editAccording 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
editThroughout its history, the city was ruled by different kingdoms and khanates. In 1918–1920, Balakan was disputed between Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and 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
editThe economy of Balakan is partially agricultural, partially tourist-based, with some industries in operation.[3]
Society and Culture
editDemography
editThe 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
editBalakan's signature cuisine includes maxara, cüttü, chicken chigirtma and Balakan halva.
Gallery
edit-
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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References
edit- ^ "The State Statistical Committee of the Azerbaijan Republic".
- ^ Everett-Heath, John (2020). "Balakän". The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (6 ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0191905636.
- ^ a b Balakan Government's Official Website Archived 2009-05-30 at the Wayback Machine (in Azerbaijani)
- ^ "Summer Institute of Linguistics Electronic Survey Reports 2005" (PDF). Summer Institute of Linguistics Electronic Survey Reports. 2005.
External links
edit41°43′33″N 46°24′30″E / 41.72583°N 46.40833°E
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