Khazar

About the district

Khazar district lies in the north-east of the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, covering about 337 km² with more than 200,000 residents. It includes the settlements of Bina, Buzovna, Mardakan, Qala, Shagan, Shuvalan, Turkan and Zira. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is within the district near Bina, and the Airport Highway is the main road linking the settlements with the city. Known spots include Mardakan Arboretum, Shuvalan Park (the largest shopping centre in eastern Absheron), Zira Ecopark and Dreamland Golf Club. Sandy beaches, dachas and villas make Khazar the hub of summer and suburban living. There is no metro; the centre is reached by car and express buses. It suits families wanting a house with a yard, the sea and fresh air, and investors targeting rentals and seasonal demand. Coastal roads get busier in summer.

Mardakan

Mardakan is an ancient settlement in Khazar district on Absheron's eastern coast, about 30 km from central Baku and 10 km from Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Home to around 32,000 people, it has grown quickly in recent years. It is known as a seaside resort, with sandy beaches, an aquapark and a lively summer season. Historic sights include a 13th-century round fortress, a 14th-century quadrangular fortress and the Tuba Shahi Mosque, along with Mardakan Arboretum, the Sergei Yesenin house museum and the summer house of oil magnate Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. Wealthy families have built dachas here since the 19th century, so villas and houses with gardens dominate. The Airport Highway links it to the city, and an express bus runs from Koroglu metro. It suits families wanting a house with a yard by the sea and investors targeting seasonal rentals; the commute to the centre is long.

Shuvalan

Shuvalan is a seaside settlement in Khazar district on Absheron's eastern coast, next to Mardakan. It was historically pasture for residents of nearby Qala, and later became a permanent settlement thanks to its greenery and mild climate. Known spots include the Shuvalan lighthouse, the Jirtdan recreation and wellness centre and Shuvalan Park, the largest shopping centre in eastern Absheron. Bronze Age petroglyphs found here are held by the Museum of History of Azerbaijan. Housing is mainly dachas, villas and private houses with gardens. The Airport Highway links it with the city; there is no metro. Shuvalan suits families wanting quiet suburban life by the sea or a summer home, and investors looking at seasonal rentals. Commuting time to the centre and busy coastal roads in summer are worth factoring in.