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History and culture in Lankaran

Housed in the former residence of the last direct descendant of the Talysh khans, Mir Ahmad, the regional history museum collection documents his eventful life through sepia photos and former belongings, as well as exhibiting plenty of local art alongside items and implements dating back as far as the Bronze Age. Built in 1913 in a style mixing modern and national elements, the house is the main attraction and used to be the tallest building in the city, occupying an important  position with views of the Caspian and the Talysh Mountains. 

Within walking distance from here, the House Museum of World War II Hezi Aslanov lies in a quiet residential street and recounts the life and mysterious death of the only Azerbaijani to twice be awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. Lankaran was once surrounded by impressive fortress walls which were demolished after the Russians seized the city in 1813. However, keep an eye out for the two remaining towers, one of which now is a lighthouse and the other, currently inoperative, was previously a prison whose most famous inmate was a young Josef Stalin. Those interested in seeing these sites should check their accessibility by contacting the Lankaran Destination Management Office.