40°25′13″N 50°00′17″E / 40.42028°N 50.00472°E / 40.42028; 50.00472
Raion in Baku, Azerbaijan| Surakhany | |
|---|---|
| Raion | |
 Surakhani district executive authority building | |
  Surakhany | |
| Coordinates: 40°25′13″N 50°00′17″E / 40.42028°N 50.00472°E / 40.42028; 50.00472 | |
| Country |  Azerbaijan |
| City | Baku |
| Population | |
| • Total | 210,500 |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (AZT) |
Suraxanı (Surakhany) is a settlement and raion of Baku, Azerbaijan. It has a population of 210,500.
The region is best known for the Fire Temple of Baku on the northern edge of town, a castle-like temple and monastery complex known locally as the Ateşgah or Ateshgyakh. It was a Zoroastrian temple. The complex was built on a pocket of natural gas that once produced a flame from natural gas seepage.
The local Tat name of the raion is said to related to "the Persian words 'Surakh' (hole) or Surkh/ Sorkh (red) and 'khani' (source or fountain). According to historical sources, before the construction of the Parsi Temple Of Fire (Atashgah) in Surakhany at the end of the 18th century, the local people also worshipped at this site because of the 'seven holes with burning flame'. And thus the name 'Surakhany' – holes with burning fountains."
The township itself is poor and surrounded by the petrochemical industry facilities that are endemic to the Absheron Peninsula.
Gallery
Notable natives
Aygün Baylar – Azerbaijani actress and singer
References
- "Rayon haqqında". Archived from the original on 2020-01-30.
- "Ateshgahs and Zoroastrians in Azerbaijan: Good thoughts, good words, good deeds". Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- Alakbarov, Farid (2003). "Azerbaijan - Land of Fire". azeri.org.
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