How to Pronounce Lənkəran

Meaning and Context

Lənkəran is a historic port city situated in southern Azerbaijan, nestled between the Caspian Sea and the Talysh Mountains. Founded in the 10th century, it serves as the administrative center of the Lənkəran District and is a vital cultural and economic hub of the Talysh region. Renowned for its subtropical climate and fertile soil, the area is famously the heart of Azerbaijan's tea production, with sprawling plantations defining its landscape. Key historical sites include the 18th-century Lankaran Fortress, a remnant of the Talysh Khanate, and the ancient brick tomb of Seyid Khalifa. As a center of Talysh culture, the city offers unique traditions, cuisine—such as the signature Lənkəran plov and smoked fish—and the annual Nar Bayrami (Pomegranate Festival), making it a significant destination for cultural tourism in Azerbaijan and a gateway to the natural wonders of the Hirkan National Park.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling variance arises from the Azerbaijani language's use of the schwa vowel "ə". The correct Azerbaijani spelling is Lənkəran, which is often anglicized to Lankaran in English-language texts and maps. Common misspellings and typos include "Lenkaran," "Lankaran," "Lankəran," and "Lenkoran." The latter, "Lenkoran," is an older transliteration from Russian (Ленкорань) that was more prevalent during the Soviet era but is now considered dated, though it still appears in some historical contexts. Travelers and writers should also be mindful of the diacritical mark in "Lənkəran," which is frequently omitted due to keyboard limitations, leading to the simplified but generally accepted "Lankaran."

Example Sentences

After touring the bustling tea plantations, we spent the afternoon exploring the ancient walls of the Lankaran Fortress.

The subtropical climate of Lənkəran is ideal for growing citrus fruits, complementing its fame as Azerbaijan's tea capital.

To truly understand Talysh culture, a visit to the historical museums in Lənkəran is essential.

Many tourists plan their trip to coincide with the Nar Bayrami festival to experience the city's vibrant traditions.

The distinctive flavor of Lənkəran plov, cooked with chestnuts and smoked fish, is a culinary highlight of the region.

Research into the Talysh Khanate often focuses on Lənkəran as its political and economic center in the 18th century.

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