Lankaran Lighthouse: A Caspian Beacon

The Lankaran Lighthouse is more than just a navigational aid; it's a historical landmark with a rich and varied past. Constructed between 1747 and 1786, the building initially served as one of the strongholds of the Lankaran Fortress. These fortifications were possibly ordered by Nadir Shah. The fortress played a vital defensive role until 1869 when, after the capture of Lankaran by Russian troops, the fortress walls were destroyed. Interestingly, the lighthouse also has a history as a prison. A submerged underground passage connects the lighthouse to the old prison building. In 1869, the prison was closed, and a lantern was installed on top of the tower, converting it into a lighthouse. The lighthouse was then assigned to the Caspian Navy of the Russian Empire. The lighthouse underwent renovation in 1957, and in 1969, its hundredth anniversary was celebrated. Further repairs were carried out in 2002. Today, the Lankaran Lighthouse continues to operate, guiding ships navigating the southern waters of the Caspian Sea. While visitors are not allowed inside due to its strategic nature, the lighthouse can be viewed and photographed from the outside.