Exploring Azerbaijan: Ganja's District And Its Rich History

Azerbaijan is divided into 67 districts, and Ganja is the country's second or third-largest city, with a population of around 332,600-335,600. It is located in the western part of the country, on the Ganja-Gazakh terrain, at the foot of the Small Caucasus. Ganja is divided into two rayons (administrative districts): Kapaz and Nizami.

Ganja is in the western region of Azerbaijan

Ganja is located in the western region of Azerbaijan, sitting at the foot of the Small Caucasus. It is the second or third largest city in Azerbaijan, with a population of around 332,600 to 335,600 people. The city is divided by the Ganjachay River and is known for its distinctive beauty and youthful energy.

Ganja has a rich history, with evidence of ancient habitations dating back to the 2nd century B.C. and archaeological objects from the Bronze Age found in the area. The city has been ruled by various empires, including the Persians, Arabs, Turkish Seljuks, and Russians, and has been a significant cultural and historical centre for Azerbaijan. It was the capital of the Ganja Khanate until 1804 and became part of the Russian Empire in 1813, when it was renamed Elisabethpol. During the Soviet period, it was renamed Kirovabad, but it regained its original name, Ganja, in 1989.

The city is known for its beautiful architecture, including ancient mosques, hammams, and red-brick buildings from the Safavid era, as well as structures from the Ganja Khanate and Russian Empire periods. Ganja is also famous for its culinary specialties, such as pakhlava and dovga, a traditional yoghurt-based soup. It was selected as the European Youth Capital in 2016 and is home to several universities, trendy cafes, and art spaces.

Ganja has a diverse cultural and natural heritage, offering opportunities for intercultural and inter-religious dialogue between different communities and civilizations. The city is an important vehicle for trade, connecting the Eastern and Western worlds through its location on ancient trade routes and caravan ways. It is also known for its silk and silk products, which gained popularity along the Silk Road.

It is the country's second or third-largest city

Azerbaijan's second- or third-largest city, Ganja has a population of around 332,600 to 335,600. It is located in the western part of the country, on the Ganja-Gazakh terrain, at the foot of the Small Caucasus. Ganja is divided by the Ganjachay River and borders the administrative rayons of Goygol to the south, west and north-west, and Samukh to the north-east.

The city's name is derived from the Persian word "ganj", meaning "treasure" or "treasury". It was established more than 1300 years ago when, according to legend, its Arab founder, Muhammad ibn Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Mazyad, discovered treasure buried under one of the three hills surrounding his campsite. The city was originally called "Ganjak" by the Ganjak Tribes that once inhabited the region.

Ganja has a rich history, having been part of various empires and ruled by different civilisations, including the Sassanid Empire, Great Seljuk Empire, Kingdom of Georgia, Atabegs of Azerbaijan, Khwarezmid Empire, Il-Khans, Timurids, and the Safavid, Afsharid, Zand and Qajar empires of Persia/Iran. It was also the capital of the Ganja Khanate until 1804 and was renamed several times during the Russian Empire and Soviet period.

The city is known for its Azerbaijani and Islamic architecture, with towering mosques and houses built from red bricks during the Ganja Khanate period. Ganja is also a cultural hub, being the birthplace of famous poets such as Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, and Mirza Shafi Vazeh. It was selected as the European Youth Capital in 2016 and is home to several universities, trendy cafes, art spaces, and the Ganja State Puppet Theatre.

The city was renamed several times in the 19th and 20th centuries

The city of Ganja in Azerbaijan has been a historic and cultural centre throughout most of its existence. It has been renamed several times in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In 1804, the city came under Russian control and was renamed Yelizavetpol or Elisabethpol in 1813, after the wife of Alexander I of Russia, Elizabeth. It was renamed again in 1924, reverting to its original name of Ganja. However, in 1935, during Joseph Stalin's rule, the name was changed once more to Kirovabad, in honour of the Soviet politician Sergei Kirov.

During perestroika in 1989, the city's name was changed back to its ancient name of Ganja, and this name has been retained since Azerbaijan's independence in 1991.

The renaming of Ganja over the centuries reflects the city's complex history and the influence of various ruling empires, including the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. The name changes also demonstrate the desire of different rulers to impose their cultural and political influence on the city.

Today, Ganja is Azerbaijan's second or third-largest city, with a population of around 330,000-340,000. It is known for its rich history, architecture, and cultural significance, as well as its youthful energy and vibrant tourist attractions.

Ganja has a rich history and is home to many historic buildings

Ganja, Azerbaijan's third-largest city, has been a historic and cultural centre throughout its existence. It was founded in 859–860 by Muhammad ibn Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Mazyad, the Arab governor of the region during the reign of the caliph Al-Mutawakkil. The name Ganja is derived from the Persian word "ganj", meaning "treasure" or "treasury".

Ganja has played a significant role in the history and culture of Azerbaijan. In 1918, it became the temporary capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic and secular state in the Turkic and Islamic world. The city has a rich architectural heritage, with many historic buildings that showcase its diverse cultural and religious background.

One of the most prominent historic buildings in Ganja is the Shah Abbas Mosque, also known as the Juma Mosque. Built in 1606, it is considered one of the best masterpieces of 17th-century Azerbaijani architecture. The mosque features two minarets constructed in 1776 and is located in the centre of the city, next to the Chokek Hamam.

The Chokek Hamam, or Shah Abbas Hamam, is another notable historic structure in Ganja. This large domed bathhouse was built in 1606 by order of the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I. It is known for its unique "chokek" structure, which means "shallow", as it was built in a shallow depression to ensure adequate water pressure. The bathhouse consists of two interconnected halls: the main hall for relaxation and a smaller hall for washing.

Other historic buildings in Ganja include the Nizami Mausoleum, Ancient Gates, Imamzadeh, Tomb of Javad Khan, Ugurlu Bay Caravanserai, and the Bottle House. The city also boasts well-maintained parks, such as the Khan's Garden, where remnants of the Ganja Fortress walls can be found.

Ganja's urban landscape has been shaped by various communities over the centuries, including Persians, Turks, Armenians, Slavs, Jews, and Germans. The religious diversity has decreased in recent decades due to the emigration of many communities, with Islam now being the dominant religion.

The city is divided by the Ganjachay River

The Ganjachay River, on which Ganja sits, divides the city in two. The river is dammed, so the upstream part is completely dry while the lower part still has water. The river is small, but it has a huge riverbed. The 12th-century Great and Small Bridges that cross the river are known for their architectural particularities.

The Ganjachay River is also a place of leisure for Ganja's residents. Along the riverbank, there is a small amusement park, and the river makes for a leisurely walk. The river is also a good place to smoke nargilah with a group of local students.

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