Ganja history

Ganja is one of the oldest and most significant cities in Azerbaijan, with a history rooted in the early Middle Ages. The first mentions of the city appear in Arab sources, which date its foundation to the 9th century. According to one version, the city was founded by the Arab governor Muhammad ibn Khalid in 859 AD. The name "Ganja" is believed to derive from a Pahlavi word meaning "treasure" or "hoard," which is possibly linked to a legend about the discovery of immense riches here.

The rise of Ganja as a major centre was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its advantageous geographical location on the Great Silk Road turned the city into an important hub for international trade. Secondly, the fertile lands and its location at the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus range fostered the development of agriculture. Thirdly, Ganja repeatedly became a political centre, notably serving as the capital of the Shaddadid dynasty in the 10th-11th centuries and one of the residences of the rulers of the Eldiguzid state in the 12th-13th centuries.

During its golden age, particularly in the 11th–13th centuries, Ganja was known as a thriving city of artisans and merchants. High-quality silk, jewellery, ceramics, and weaponry were produced here. The city also became one of the most important cultural centres of the region. It was here that the great poet Nizami Ganjavi (12th century) lived and created his works, his legacy forever inscribing Ganja into the history of world literature. Science and education flourished, and madrasahs operated, attracting scholars and thinkers to the city.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Ganja is a kaleidoscope of eras and events, reflecting the rich past of one of Azerbaijan's main cities. From its foundation in the early Middle Ages to the present day, the city has experienced periods of prosperity, destruction, and revival, each time leaving its mark on history.

• Circa 859 — Foundation of the city by the Arab governor Muhammad ibn Khalid.
• 970s — Ganja becomes the capital of the Kurdish Shaddadid dynasty, strengthening its political status in the region.
• 30 September 1139 — A devastating earthquake practically wipes the city off the face of the earth, leading to its temporary decline and capture.
• XII–XIII centuries — A period of cultural and economic flourishing; Ganja becomes the second capital of the Eldiguzid state and the home of the great poet Nizami Ganjavi.
• 1235 — The city is captured and ravaged by Mongol troops, causing serious damage to its development.
• 1606 — Ganja becomes part of the Safavid Empire under Shah Abbas I, who relocates the city to a new site and begins its active restoration.
• 1747 — Following the weakening of central power in Persia, the city becomes the centre of the semi-independent Ganja Khanate.
• 1804 — The city is incorporated into the Russian Empire and renamed Elisabethpol in honour of the spouse of Emperor Alexander I.
• 1918 — For several months, Ganja serves as the temporary capital of the proclaimed Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
• 1935 — During the Soviet period, the city receives a new name — Kirovabad — and actively develops as an industrial centre.
• 1989 — The city's historical name, Ganja, is officially restored.

Stages of Ganja's Development

The history of Ganja is a succession of eras, each contributing to the city's appearance and character. Key milestones in its development reflect its transformation from an ancient trading post into a modern industrial and cultural centre.

• XII–XIII Centuries: Cultural and Scientific Flourishing. This period became a "Golden Age" for Ganja. As one of the capitals of the Atabeg (Eldiguzid) state, the city turned into a major centre of science, poetry, and crafts. It was during this time that the great poet Nizami Ganjavi lived and worked here, and his legacy has brought eternal fame to the city.
• Early XVII Century: Reconstruction and New Urban Planning. After destructive wars and the relocation of the city, Ganja was rebuilt under the rule of Shah Abbas I. The central element of the new urban plan was the Juma Mosque, erected by the architect Sheikh Baha ad-Din, which remains one of the city's main symbols today.
• XIX Century: Development within the Russian Empire. After joining the Russian Empire in 1804, the city, renamed Elisabethpol, received a new impulse for development. Construction in European style began, administrative buildings appeared, and a railway was laid, which promoted economic growth.
• 1918: Temporary Capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. For a short but historically significant period, Ganja became the first capital of the ADR, playing a key role in the establishment of national statehood.
• Soviet Period: Industrialisation. In the 20th century, the city, bearing the name Kirovabad, turned into one of the largest industrial centres of Azerbaijan. An aluminium plant, textile and carpet combines, and food and light industry enterprises were built here, which fundamentally changed its economy and led to population growth.
• Modern Stage: Revival and Modernisation. After the return of its historical name in 1989, a new phase began in Ganja. It is characterised by the restoration of historical monuments, modernisation of urban infrastructure, and the development of Ganja as an important cultural, educational, and tourism centre of the country.

The architectural appearance of Ganja is a living chronicle of its centuries-old history. Each era has left its mark on the urban fabric, creating a unique blend of Eastern and European styles.

The Middle Ages and the Safavid Era (IX–XVIII Centuries)

The early period of the city's development is linked to the Arran architectural school, characterised by the use of baked brick and stone. Unfortunately, most structures from that time, including fortress walls and bridges, were destroyed by the earthquake of 1139 and subsequent invasions. A key stage in shaping the city's appearance began in the 17th century under Shah Abbas I, when Ganja was rebuilt. The centre of the new city became an architectural ensemble created by the architect Sheikh Baha ad-Din.

• Juma Mosque (Shah Abbas Mosque), built in 1606, is the main symbol of this era. The red brick building in the Safavid style is distinguished by its monumentality and precise astronomical calculation: at noon, the shadow from the wall disappears, indicating the time for prayer.
• Caravanserais and Baths (Hammams), such as the Chekyak-Hammam, were also part of this ensemble, forming a unified commercial and religious space.

Russian Empire Period (1804–1918)

After becoming part of the Russian Empire, the city, renamed Elisabethpol, began to be built up in a new way. Quarters with regular planning appeared, and European styles, primarily Classicism and Art Nouveau, began to dominate the architecture. During this period, numerous administrative buildings, revenue houses, and mansions made of red brick were erected, which still form the look of the historical centre today.

• The former City Duma building (now the Agrarian University) and the Alexander Nevsky Church (1887) are vivid examples of the architecture of that time, combining elements of Byzantine style and Classicism.
• The Ziyadkhanov House, which now houses the Museum of Local History, demonstrates the eclecticism characteristic of the late 19th century.

Soviet Period and Modernity

In the 20th century, when the city bore the name Kirovabad, the architecture reflected the general trends of Soviet urban planning. Buildings in the Stalinist Empire style appeared in the centre, for example, the administrative building on the main square. Later, the city was actively built up with standard residential micro-districts in the spirit of Soviet Modernism. A unique monument of this period is the "Bottle House" — a private house built in the 1960s using 48,000 glass bottles.

In the modern period, great attention is paid to the restoration of historical monuments and the creation of new major facilities, such as the grand Heydar Aliyev Park Complex, which includes a Triumphal Arch, a museum, and other structures.

Prominent Figures Associated with Ganja

Throughout the centuries, Ganja has been the homeland and a centre of attraction for many outstanding poets, rulers, scholars, and artists. These people left a deep imprint not only on the history of the city but also on the cultural heritage of all Azerbaijan and the world.

• Nizami Ganjavi (circa 1141–1209) — The greatest poet and thinker, a classic of Persian poetry, whose name is inextricably linked with the city. His main work, the "Khamsa" ("The Quintet"), is a masterpiece of world literature and had a huge influence on the development of Eastern poetry. Nizami lived his entire life in Ganja, bringing eternal glory to his hometown.
• Mahsati Ganjavi (circa 1089 – mid-XII century) — One of the first outstanding poetesses and chess players in the Islamic world. She became famous for her free-spirited and deeply lyrical rubaiyat, in which she celebrated love and the beauty of life. Her work became a bright symbol of Ganja's cultural flourishing in the 12th century.
• Javad Khan (1748–1804) — The last ruler of the Ganja Khanate, who went down in history as a symbol of courage and the struggle for independence. He died heroically defending the city during the assault by Russian troops in January 1804. His mausoleum, located near the Juma Mosque, is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of national spirit.
• Mirza Shafi Vazeh (1794/1796–1852) — A poet, enlightener, and educator, known by the pseudonym "Vazeh" ("The Clear One"). He wrote in Azerbaijani and Persian, creating exquisite lyrics. His work became known in Europe thanks to the German poet Friedrich Bodenstedt, who published translations of his poems in the book "Songs of Mirza Shafi".
• Fikret Amirov (1922–1984) — An outstanding Soviet and Azerbaijani composer born in Ganja. He is the creator of the unique genre of symphonic mugam, organically combining traditions of national music with forms of European classics. His works, such as "Shur", "Kyurd-Ovshary", and the ballet "One Thousand and One Nights", have received international recognition.
• Nigar Rafibeyli (1913–1981) — A famous Azerbaijani poetess born in Ganja. The daughter of one of the figures of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, she overcame the difficulties of the Soviet period and authored many lyrical poems imbued with love for her homeland.
• Artur Rasizade (born 1935) — A well-known statesman born in Ganja (at that time Kirovabad). He served as Prime Minister of Azerbaijan for a long time (1996–2018) and made a significant contribution to the country's economic development in the modern period.