Beylagan

The city of Beylaqan has a population of 22,000 plus 40,000 in the surrounding villages some of which are IDP's. It is situated in south-central Azerbaijan near the Azerbaijani border with Iran. It takes 4 hours to Beylaqan from the capital city Baku via minibus.

The terrain of the city is quite flat. From the city center it is possible to see the Karabagh mountais in the distance.

History:

Beylaqan (ancient Palakatan) was once the capital of caucus Albania in 415 AD. It was razed by Timur in 1235. During the Soviet times it developed as a center for cotton and mutton production. The sugar beet industry has been starting to develop in Beylaqan, this is demonstrated by the Imishli Sugar Beet Factory utilizing new western technologies in the pilot farm located just south of the city center.

Climate:

Winter- cold, days of snow are sparse with few days nearing the warmth of a spring day.

Spring- about two weeks of this season are experienced yearly, mild and enjoyable weather.

Summer- hot, this season is best known for its siesta like afternoons with more activity taking place in the early morning and evening, as people retreat to their shady cool gardens to enjoy their fresh fruit while escaping from the harsh mid-day weather.

Fall- warm, this is the season to be experienced in Beylaqan, as there is an unparalleled selection of fruits and vegetables, particularly enjoyed after a fine mutton shish kebob.

By taxi:

From Baku- first go to 20 January station, ask for a taxi going to Beylaqan and pay 8 manat per person. It takes 3.5 hours.

From Barda- go to the bus station and pay 4 manat per person.

From Aghjibedi- go to large gate at the entrance of town, and flag down a taxi heading to Lankaran and pay 3 manat to the city.

By train:

From Baku- take the Horadiz train to Dashburun from 28 May at 11PM. Get off at Dashburun at 7AM. For coupe (2nd class) pay with passport in hand 2.80 manat. Then take a taxi alongside other people getting off in Dashburun to the city center paying 0.60 manat per person in a full taxi.

From Horadiz- take the Baku bound train at 9:30PM and get off at Dashburun at 10:00. Pay 0.6 manat.

By bus/minibus:

From Baku- minibuses leave from Baku to Beylaqan starting at 11AM and once every hour until 4PM. Upon entering the bus pay 5 manat.

From Yevlax- the minibus leaves Yevlax at 8:30. Pay 4 manat and get off at the Gorush gas station or the city gate and pay 0.6-0.8 manat to share a taxi to the city center.

From Lankaran- take any bus bound for Agjabadi, Yevlax, or Ganja, and pay 4 manat. Get off at the Gorush gas station or the gate and pay 0.6-0.8 manat to share a taxi to the city center.

From Ganja- take the Lankaran bound bus and pay 4 manat.