40°25′13″N50°00′17″E / 40.42028°N 50.00472°E /40.42028; 50.00472
Surakhany | |
|---|---|
Raion | |
 Surakhani district executive authority building | |
  Surakhany | |
| Coordinates:40°25′13″N50°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 andraion ofBaku, Azerbaijan. It has a population of 210,500.
The region is best known for theFire Temple of Baku on the northern edge of town, a castle-like temple and monastery complex known locally as theAteşgah orAteshgyakh.[2] It was aZoroastrian temple. The complex was built on a pocket of natural gas that once produced a flame from natural gas seepage.
The localTat 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 theParsi 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."[3]
The township itself is poor and surrounded by thepetrochemical industry facilities that are endemic to theAbsheron Peninsula.
Aygün Beyler – Azerbaijani actress and singer
