Mardakan (Azerbaijani: Mərdəkan, pronounced [mæɾdæˈkɑn]) is a settlement and municipality in Khazar Rayon of Baku, Azerbaijan with a population of 32,084.

[6][7] It occupies a portion of the northern part of the Khazar Rayon, although the municipality's territory was adjusted multiple times throughout its history.

Archaeological discoveries near Mardakan, including bows, tools, and other artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age (3rd-2nd millennia BC), provide further evidence of early human settlement in the area.

Some scholars link it to the Mard tribe, while others argue that it originates from the term "Mardi place," a phrase derived from the linguistic traditions of the local population.

In antiquity, the territory of Mardakan was part of Caucasian Albania, a state established around 2nd century BC, home to the Albanian tribes, whose presence in the region left a lasting cultural impact.

In the 4th century AD, following the decline of Caucasian Albania, Mardakan and its surroundings came under the control of the Sasanian Empire, which dominated much of the Caucasus, influencing the region with Zoroastrianism.

[15][16] By the 7th century, the Arab Caliphates expanded into the region, ushering in the Islamic era and leaving a profound imprint on the religious and cultural landscape.

[24] Mardakan Fortress was built in the mid-12th to 14th centuries, according to various sources, by the order of Shirvanshah Akhsitan I in commemoration of a victory over a defeated enemy.

[29] In addition to these fortifications, several other historical structures remain, including mosques, bathhouses, and residential buildings, which offer insights into the social, religious, and architectural practices of the time.

This period contributed to the area's growing role as a retreat location, introducing modern infrastructure while maintaining its historical character.

Mardakan was visited by a Russian poet Sergei Yesenin in 1924-1925 as a part of his trip to Azerbaijan, where he stayed in the settlement for an extended period of time, from where he published poems.

Ongoing efforts to preserve its cultural and architectural heritage ensure that it remains an important location for both residents and visitors.

The area continues to serve as a place that blends its past with modern amenities, reflecting its historical significance and its role in current-day life.

The settlement became one of the most desirable locations for many Bakuvians to settle in, and to this day, remains as one of the most prosperous and developed municipalities not only in Khazar Rayon, but also in the Absheron Peninsula as a whole.

According to the survey conducted by ACT Azerbaijan, 18% of Baku residents (majority) wish to own a suburban mansion/villa in Mardakan, with Novkhani, Bilgah, Buzovna, Shuvalan and Pirshagi coming after.

[37] Additionally, Mardakan benefits from its proximity to Baku, providing residents with access to a broader range of educational opportunities, including specialized schools, universities, and vocational training centers.

[41] The town is known for its extensive beaches along the Caspian Sea, offering sandy shorelines and clear waters that are suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and walking.

One of the main attractions is Dalga Beach, an aquapark that features water slides, pools, and various aquatic activities, along with cafes, restaurants, and sun loungers.

[44] In addition to studying the biological characteristics of trees and shrubs from various countries, researchers focus on their adaptation to the Absheron Peninsula’s dry subtropical climate, their introduction, and their contribution to enriching the region’s flora.

The settlement's sky is very busy, as majority of the time it serves as a passageway for many airplanes which fly over the territory of Azerbaijan into the Caspian Sea.

Public bus services are the primary mode of transit, including the 140E BakuBus route, which links Mardakan to Baku's Nizami municipal district.

[46] Several other bus routes connect Mardakan to nearby settlements on the Absheron Peninsula, such as Qala, Bilgah, Pirshagi, and Zira.

Mardakan usually experiences its hottest weather during July and August, while the settlement's coldest days are usually felt in January to February.

[51] The arena with a seating capacity of 6,500 was one of the venues for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and has since become a key facility for both local and international sporting events.

During the opening ceremony, FIFA, UEFA, and AFFA representatives toured the stadium and watched a training session involving youth national teams.

[51] Beyond the arena, the region supports various sports and activities, with facilities designed to foster local talent and host national and international events.