Beylagan

Beylagan is a small town in south-central Azerbaijan, serving as the administrative centre of the Beyləqan District. Located in the Kura-Araz lowlands, approximately 250 km southwest of Bakı, it lies near the site of the ancient city of Baylakan, a prominent medieval Silk Road trading centre that flourished between the 9th and 13th centuries before being destroyed during the Mongol invasions. Today's Beylagan is a modern agricultural town with wide streets, a central square, and a population of around 15,000.

The climate is continental: very hot summers (often exceeding 35 °C), mild winters (0–8 °C), and low annual precipitation. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for travel.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ganja International Airport (GNJ), about 130 km northwest. From Ganja, a taxi to Beylagan costs 80–100 AZN and takes about 1.5 hours.

By Train

The nearest railway station is in Imishli, approximately 35 km south. Trains from Bakı to Imishli run daily; a shared taxi from Imishli to Beylagan costs 5–10 AZN.

By Car / Road

From Bakı, drive southwest via the M2 and M3 highways, passing through Ağcabədi and Imishli — about 250 km and 3 hours. Direct buses from Bakı's Avtovagzal to Beylagan run several times daily, costing 7–10 AZN.

Beylagan is compact and easily explored on foot. The main square, market, and administrative buildings are all within a 15-minute walk. For trips to nearby villages, taxis are available from the town centre, costing 5–15 AZN.

• Ancient Baylakan Site — The archaeological remains of the medieval Silk Road city, located about 5 km southeast of modern Beylagan. Although not extensively excavated, the site covers a large area with visible earthwork fortifications and pottery scattered across the surface.

• Beylagan Local History Museum — A small museum in the town centre displaying artefacts from the Baylakan period, including ceramics, coins, and metalwork.

• Central Square and Soviet-era Architecture — The town hall and surrounding buildings from the Soviet period give Beylagan a distinct mid-20th-century character.

• Explore the Baylakan archaeological site — the expansive, windswept ruins convey the scale of the medieval city. Bring sturdy shoes.

• Shop at the central market for fresh local produce, especially cotton, fruits, and vegetables grown in the surrounding farms.

• Visit the nearby irrigation infrastructure — the district is criss-crossed with Soviet-era canals that sustain the agricultural economy.

Beylagan Plov is a simple restaurant serving Azerbaijani staples — plov, kebabs, dolma, and fresh salads. Several small tea houses (çay evi) near the square offer snacks and pastries. Street vendors sell qutab and fresh lavash.

Azerbaijani black tea is served at every café and tea house. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Small guesthouses and private room rentals in the town centre, 30–50 AZN per night.
• Mid-range: Beylagan Hotel offers basic air-conditioned rooms at 60–80 AZN per night.
• Upscale: The nearest more comfortable accommodation is in Ganja (130 km northwest) or Bakı (250 km northeast).

The central market is the main shopping destination, offering fresh produce, household goods, and textiles. Traditional Azerbaijani carpets are available from private traders, but selection is limited compared to Bakı.

• Imishli (35 km south, ~30 min) — District centre with a local history museum and Kura River access.
• Ağcabədi (40 km northeast, ~40 min) — Neighbouring rayon with the Ağgöl National Park.
• Füzuli (50 km west, ~45 min) — Rayon with historic sites now undergoing post-conflict reconstruction.
• Barda (60 km north, ~1 hr) — Historic Silk Road town with the Gonbek caravanserai.
• Bakı (250 km northeast, ~3 hr) — National capital with UNESCO-listed Old City.