Balakən
Balakən (also, Balakan, Belokan, and Belokany; Azerbaijani: Balakən; Avar: Билкан) is a city and municipality in, and the capital of the Balakan rayon of Azerbaijan.
- For the administrative district, see Balakan Rayon.
Balakən | |
|---|---|
City & Municipality | |
 | |
 Coat of arms | |
  Balakən | |
| Coordinates: 41°43′33″N 46°24′30″E | |
| Country |  |
| Rayon | Balakan |
| Elevation | 378 m (1,240 ft) |
| Population (2010)[1] | |
| • Total | 87,770 |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (AZT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+5 (AZT) |
| Area code(s) | +994 119 |
| Website | Official website |
History
Throughout the history, the city was ruled by different kingdoms and khanates. In 1918–1920, Balakən 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, Balakən gained city status after Azerbaijani government's approval.[2]
Economy
The economy of Balakən is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation.[2]
Society and Culture
Demography
The demography of Balakən consist of mostly Avars, Azerbaijanis and Georgians (Ingiloys). According to 2005 survey, 85% of the population is an ethnic Azeri and 14% is Avar, while the remaining 1% is consisted of other ethnicities. [3]
Cuisine
Balakən's signature cuisine includes maxara, cüttü, chicken chigirtma and Balakən halva.
Notable people from Balakən
References
- The State Statistical Committee of the Azerbaijan Republic
- 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.
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