Mərdəkan

Mardakan Mərdəkan
Municipality
One of recreation establishments in Mardakan
Mardakan
Coordinates: 40°29′32″N 50°08′20″E
Country	Azerbaijan
City	Baku
Raion	Khazar
Elevation	2 m (7 ft)
Population  (2020)
• Total	25,232
Demonym	Mərdəkanlı (Mardakanly)
Time zone	UTC+4 (AZT)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+5 (AZT)

Mərdəkan (Mardakan) is a settlement and municipality in Khazar raion of Baku, Azerbaijan with a population of 25,232. It's located on the eastern Absheron Peninsula only 30 km away from capital city Baku, bounded by the Caspian Sea to the north, Shuvalan to the east, Qala to the south, and Shagan to the west. Mardakan received the status of a settlement in 1936 . In 1933, Shagan village was included in the Mardakan village council, although it was separated in 1945, it was reunited in 1948, and in 1990, Shagan re-separated and received the status of a settlement.

Mardakan is known as summer city across the peninsula as many locals tend to visit the settlement during the summertime. It's also popular for its beaches, chill climate and recreational establishments.

Name

Map of Caucasian Albania

The name of Mardakan is translated as "place of the Mards", which indicates that the settlement was established by the ancient Mard tribes. First ever records of the name “Mards” is found among the tribes living in Caucasian Albania. Bows, and various other belongings to the Bronze Age (3rd-2nd millennia BC) were found on the rocks near Mardakan, as well as ancient settlements. Some of the research ethnographers connect the word "Mardakan" with the name of the "Mardlar" tribe that settled here, and some with the word "Mardi place" according to the etymology of the local population. According to the doctor of historical sciences, prominent Baku historian Sara khanum Ashurbeyli, the toponym "Mardakan" is related to the name of the "Mard" tribe, who once lived here.” Therefore, Mardakan means the place where the Mard tribe lives, the homeland of the Mard tribe. Mardakan is one of the oldest villages of the Absheron peninsula. It is named after a tribe called the Mards who lived in the area during the 1st century AD. Several traces of ancient settlements have been discovered close to the village. Some rocks in the area have paintings typical to the Bronze Age.

History

Quadrangular Mardakan Fortress

The Mardakan Fortress was built in the mid-14th century by the order of Shirvanshah Akhsitan, in commemoration of a victory over a defeated enemy. The fortress was primarily used as a military post and an observation point. Standing at a height of 22 meters, the Mardakan Fortress is a significant example of the defensive architecture of the period. It served not only as a fortification but also as a strategic lookout for the surrounding area. The fortress is part of the broader network of defensive structures built along the Absheron Peninsula during the era​. In addition to these fortifications, several other historical structures remain, including mosques, bathhouses, and residential buildings, which offer insights into the social, religious, and architectural practices of the time. These structures reflect the area's cultural heritage during the medieval period. During the Soviet era, the area underwent further development, becoming a popular destination for sanatoriums and summer residences. This period contributed to the area's growing role as a retreat location, introducing modern infrastructure while maintaining its historical character.

Today, the area combines its historical landmarks with contemporary development. Ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage ensure that it remains an important location for both residents and visitors. The area continues to serve as a place that blends its past with modern amenities, reflecting its historical significance and its role in current-day life.

Education

Mardakan is home to several educational institutions, including two secondary schools that offer general education in subjects such as mathematics, sciences, literature, and foreign languages, including English and Russian. The town also has multiple kindergartens that focus on early childhood education as well as a military academy established to support the development of Azerbaijan's border security forces, operating under the jurisdiction of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan.

• №183 Secondary School
• №181 Secondary School
• State Border Service Academy

Additionally, Mardakan benefits from its proximity to Baku, providing residents with access to a broader range of educational opportunities, including specialized schools, universities, and vocational training centers.

Places of interest

Mardakan castle

The main points of interest of Mardakan are its castles with watchtowers, technically being keeps. There are two keeps - one being with a round tower, the other with a quadrangular tower. These towers are parts of the general chain of towers and other fortresses over the Absheron peninsula. When enemies attacked, the tops of these towers were lit up with oil to warn the population of the approaching danger. The round tower was built in the 13th century and is 15.5 meters in diameter with three stories. The quadrangular tower dates from 14th century and is about 25 meters tall with five stories.

Mardakan is a place to build dacha summer cottages for Baku residents. The tradition to build cottages in Mardakan dates back to the 19th century when business magnates from the emerging oil industry began to build extravagant summer houses. Nowadays, the construction boom in Mardakan continues with a wave of newly made generation of businessmen, who keep the tradition of transforming old Absheron style architecture dachas with architecture from Europe, such as French and Mediterranean house building manner. As in old days, French architecture stands out among all other architecture styles followed in the construction of summer cottages, with a whole new White City project in down town of the capital of Azerbaijan, which is purely French architecture.

The town is known for its extensive beaches along the Caspian Sea, offering sandy shorelines and clear waters that are suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and walking. One of the main attractions is Dalga Beach, an aquapark that features water slides, pools, and various aquatic activities, along with cafes, restaurants, and sun loungers. In addition to Dalga Beach, the region is home to several other beaches that provide a more tranquil atmosphere, making Mardakan a popular destination for both recreational and leisurely activities by the sea.

Zeynalabdin Taghiyev's summer house

Mardakan has a favourable microclimate for growing fruits and vegetables. This has attracted several plantations, one of them being the Mardakan Arboretum.

Other key attractions include:

• The Tuba-Shakha mosque from the 15th century
• The house and museum of Sergei Yesenin
• The summer house and grave of the oil magnate Zeynalabdin Taghiyev

Transport

BakuBus Vehicle, used by the 140E route busses

Mardakan is connected to Baku and surrounding areas through an established transportation network. Public bus services are the primary mode of transit, including the 140E BakuBus route, which links Mardakan to central Baku. The route starts at Koroglu Metro Station. Alongside Mardakan, it also passes through Zabrat and Shuvalan. Several other bus routes connect Mardakan to nearby settlements on the Absheron Peninsula, such as Gala, Bilgah, and Pirshagi. Private minibuses (marshrutkas) operate alongside public buses, providing additional connections to less accessible areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available, offering alternative transportation options.

Sports

Liv Bona Dea Arena

The Liv Bona Dea Arena, was officially opened on June 6, 2011, with a ceremony attended by notable figures, including FIFA President Sepp Blatter, UEFA President Michel Platini, and AFFA President Rovnag Abdullayev. The event marked the inauguration of a major football venue in Azerbaijan, situated near the Caspian Sea. The stadium is part of the AFFA Football Center, which also includes two full-sized artificial turf training pitches, a beach football stadium, and the future Football Academy.

The arena, with a seating capacity of 6,500, was one of the venues for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and has since become a key facility for both local and international sporting events. The pitch is certified with FIFA quality standards, underscoring its readiness for high-level competitions. During the opening ceremony, FIFA, UEFA, and AFFA representatives toured the stadium and watched a training session involving youth national teams.

Beyond the arena, the region supports various sports and activities, with facilities designed to foster local talent and host national and international events. The development of sports infrastructure continues to grow, with improvements in venues and training centers contributing to the region's sports culture. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to elevate the area's role in Azerbaijani sports, creating more opportunities for both professional athletes and the community to engage in sporting activities.

Notable natives

• Zeynalabdin Taghiyev

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan

Twin towns – Sister cities

Mərdəkan is twinned with

• Nadarzyn, Poland

Photos

• 
  Mardakan Arboretum.
• 
  Mardakan Arboretum.
• 
  Mardakan Arboretum.
• 
  Mardakan castle.
• 
  Mardakan castle.

References

• Mərdəkan at GEOnet Names Server