Lankaran's Old Prison: A Haunting Reminder of History

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Explore Lankaran's Old Prison: A historic site with tales of tsarist prisons, Soviet repression, and a rumored connection to Stalin.

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Lankaran's Old Prison

Lankaran's Old Prison, originally part of an 18th-century fortress, later became a prison in 1869. It housed criminals and political dissidents, and local lore suggests Joseph Stalin was briefly imprisoned here, adding to its mystique. Today, it stands as a historical site, a reminder of a turbulent past.

A brief summary to Lankaran's Old Prison

QV24+8JP, Lankaran, AZ

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Lankaran's Old Prison.

Explore the grounds to imagine the prison's past, but be respectful of its somber history.
Combine your visit with other Lankaran attractions like Khan's House and the Round Tower.
Learn about the broader history of Soviet repression in Azerbaijan to understand the prison's significance.

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Getting There

Walking

The Old Prison is located in Lankaran city. From Heydar Aliyev Park in the city center, head east on Taghizade Street, then turn left onto Hazi Aslanov Street. Walk north for about 500m; the prison will be on your left. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Local buses (marshrutkas) operate within Lankaran. From the Big Bazaar, take any bus heading north and ask the driver to stop near the Old Prison on Hazi Aslanov Street. Bus fare is approximately 0.40 AZN.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Lankaran. A short taxi ride from the city center (e.g., from Nizami Cinema) to the Old Prison will cost approximately 2.5-3.5 AZN. Negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app.

Discover more about Lankaran's Old Prison

Lankaran's Old Prison, also known as Zindan Fortress, is a haunting reminder of the city's complex history. Constructed in the 18th century as part of the Lankaran Fortress, it initially served as a crucial defensive structure. The fortress protected the region from invasions, reflecting the geopolitical tensions of the time. In 1869, as the fortress's strategic importance declined, one of its structures was repurposed into a prison. This marked a dark chapter, transforming it into a place of confinement for common criminals and political prisoners. The prison became a symbol of oppression, silencing dissent and curtailing individual freedoms. Local legend claims that Joseph Stalin, the future Soviet leader, was briefly imprisoned here in the early 1900s. While historical records are inconclusive, this adds a layer of intrigue to the site. Some accounts suggest Stalin was involved in revolutionary activities and arrested for robbing a mail train, later escaping through a secret tunnel to the nearby Lankaran Lighthouse. Today, Lankaran's Old Prison stands as a historical site, a place of remembrance and reflection. Although in disrepair, its historical significance remains, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of those once confined within its walls.