Renovation work has commenced on the Zindan Fortress, a historically significant architectural structure in Lankaran, Azerbaijan, where Joseph Stalin—who led the USSR for nearly 30 years—was once held. This was reported by the Oxu.az news outlet.
It is reported that the reconstruction work is being carried out by order of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, under the supervision of the cultural heritage protection service.
The renovation was prompted by the collapse of the building's roof several years ago, which had rendered the fortress unusable.
The fortress stands 20 meters high with a diameter of 72 meters. It has served various purposes throughout different eras. Specifically, from 1869 to 1959, it functioned as a prison and became known as the "Zindan Fortress."
According to historical sources, Joseph Stalin was held at this location in the early 20th century. He was arrested in connection with a 1903–1904 train robbery involving government funds and later escaped with the help of his comrades.
Although the prison was originally designed for 140 people, it is said that up to 310 prisoners were actually held there. They were brought into the fortress via an underground passage; however, over time, this passage became unusable due to the effects of groundwater.
Additionally, the building was used as a garment factory between 1970 and 1990.
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