Balaken (Azerbaijani Balakən, Avar. Bilkan) is a city, the administrative center of the Balakan region of Azerbaijan, located at the foot of the mountains of the Greater Caucasus Range on the Belokanchay River (a tributary of the Alazan River), along the Yevlakh-Lagodekhi highway, 178 km north-west of the railway Yevlakh node. Population – 47,800 people (2017).

History
Belokans are mentioned in historical chronicles as early as the 12th century, in connection with the activities of the Georgian missionaries Pimen the Blessed.

Sights
In the city of Balaken, a magnificent mosque of the 15th century has been preserved. with a 45-meter minaret built in 1867-1877.
A local history museum has been created, which contains archaeological finds, ethnographic household items, traditional crafts, as well as other exhibits and historical documents.
The city has a large park of culture and recreation with a cable car.
In 2010, a multifunctional Olympic complex was put into operation in Balakan.

Transport
Balakan is a very important transport hub in the region.
The city has an intercity bus station.
In 1985, a railway station was put into operation, the terminal station on the Yevlakh-Belokan line.
The airport was built in 2004.