Sabunchu

About the district

Sabunchu lies in north-east Baku; it was called Lenin district until 1992 and has more than 230,000 residents. Its administrative centre is Bakikhanov. The district includes the settlements of Balakhani, Bilgah, Kurdakhani, Mashtaga, Nardaran, Pirshagi, Ramana, Sabunchu and Zabrat. The Baku–Sabunchu suburban railway links it with the centre, and the Airport (Boyuk Shor) Highway runs past Bakikhanov. The district borders Lake Boyukshor, with Lake Bulbula east of Bakikhanov. The south holds historic oil fields, while the north has seaside dacha settlements such as Bilgah, Nardaran and Pirshagi. Housing ranges from Soviet blocks to new complexes and private houses. It suits families seeking affordable options and people after suburban life or a summer home. Oil-field areas and older infrastructure in parts are worth keeping in mind.

Bakikhanov

Bakikhanov is the administrative centre of Sabunchu district and its largest settlement, with over 70,000 residents. It is named after Abbasgulu agha Bakikhanov and was called Stepan Razin until 1992. The Airport (Boyuk Shor) Highway runs past it, Bakikhanov station is on the Baku suburban railway, and a metro station is planned for the future. Lake Bulbula lies on its eastern side, and the settlement has a mosque and a public park. Housing ranges from Soviet-era blocks and private houses to many residential complexes built in recent years. It suits families, including young families, seeking more affordable homes in a suburban setting not far from the centre, with easy access to the airport and eastern settlements. With no metro yet, the centre is reached by bus, train or car, and the highway is busy at rush hour.

Bilgah

Bilgah is a seaside settlement in Sabunchu district on the northern coast of the Absheron Peninsula. Like neighbouring Nardaran and Pirshagi, it has long been a favourite summer escape for Baku residents, with beaches, holiday centres and hotels along the shore. Housing is mainly dachas, villas and private houses with gardens, and new complexes and cottage projects near the sea have appeared in recent years. The centre is reached by car or bus; there is no metro. Bilgah suits families looking for a summer house by the sea or a home with a garden for year-round living, and investors offering short-term summer rentals. Distance from the city centre, a quieter off-season and busy coastal roads in summer are worth considering.