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{{other uses|Ganja (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Gəncə|the village in Goygol rayon|Gəncə, Goygol}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{{redirect|Ganjak|places in Iran|Ganjak, Iran (disambiguation){{!}}Ganjak, Iran}}
{{redirect|Gandzha|the village in Iran|Gandzha, Iran}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Ganja | official_name = Ganja
|native_name = Gəncə | گنجه | native_name = {{lang|az|Gəncə}}
|nickname = Red City | nickname = ''Qırmızı Şəhər'' (Red City)
| type = City
|settlement_type = City & Municipality
|image_skyline = File:Montage of Ganja city 2016.jpg | image_skyline = Montage of Ganja 2019.jpg
|imagesize = 250px | imagesize = 280px
| image_caption = | image_caption =
|image = | image =
|image_seal = Ganja coa.PNG | image_seal = File:Coat of arms of Ganja.png
|seal_size = 80px | seal_size = 80px
|image_map = | image_map = Ganja City in Azerbaijan.svg
| image_map1 = {{Infobox mapframe |shape-fill-opacity=.۱|wikidata=yes |zoom=10 |frame-height=300 | stroke-width=1 |coord={{WikidataCoord|display=i}}}}
|mapsize =
|map_caption = | mapsize =
|pushpin_map=Azerbaijan | map_caption = Ganja in ]
|coordinates_region = AZ | pushpin_map =
| pushpin_relief = 1
|subdivision_type = ]
| subdivision_type = ]
|subdivision_name = {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Azerbaijan}}
|established_title =
| subdivision_type1 = ]
|established_date =
| subdivision_name1 = ]
|leader_title = Mayor
| established_title =
|leader_name = ]
| established_date =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 170 | leader_title = ]
|area_land_km2 = | leader_name = Niyazi Bayramov
|area_water_km2 = | area_magnitude =
|population_as_of = 2015 | area_total_km2 = 110
|population_total = 821,700 | area_land_km2 =
| area_water_km2 =
|population_density_km2 = 2848
| population_as_of = ]
|population_metro = 1,000,000
| population_footnotes = <ref name="statgov">{{cite web |url=https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/ap/az/population_2020.zip |title=Population of Azerbaijan |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=stat.gov.az |publisher=] |access-date=22 February 2021 |quote=}}</ref>
| population_total = 335600
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_blank1_title = Population Rank in Azerbaijan | population_blank1_title = Population Rank in Azerbaijan
| population_blank1 = ] | population_blank1 = ]
|population_demonym =Ağali,Lələ,Küçəli | population_demonym = Ganjaly (Gəncəli)
|timezone = ] | timezone = ]
|utc_offset = +4 | utc_offset = +4
| coordinates = {{coord|40|40|58|N|46|21|38|E|region:AZ|display=inline}}
|timezone_DST = ]
|utc_offset_DST = +5 | elevation_m = 408
| postal_code = 2000
|latd=40 |latm=40 |lats=58|latNS=N
| registration_plate = 20 AZ
|longd=46 |longm=21 |longs=38|longEW=E
|elevation_m = 408 | website = {{URL|ganja-ih.gov.az}}
|postal_code=AZ2000
|area_code=(+994) 22
|registration_plate = 20 AZ
|website =
|footnotes =
}} }}
'''Ganja''' ({{lang-fa|گنجه}}; in {{lang-az|Gəncə}}, ''Ҝәнҹә'') is ]'s second largest city with a population close of about 821,700.<ref name="ib66">Azərbaycan Respublikası. — 2. Azərbaycan Respublikasının iqtisadi və inzibati rayonları. — 2.4. Azərbaycan Respublikasının iqtisadi və inzibati rayonlarının ərazisi, əhalisinin sayı və sıxlığı, səhifə 66. // . Müəllifi: ]. Buraxılışa məsul şəxs: Rza Allahverdiyev. ] — 2015, 134 səhifə.</ref><ref>Bölmə 2: Demoqrafik göstəricilər, səhifə 89. // . Müəllifi: ]. Məcmuənin ümumi rəhbəri: Həmid Bağırov; Məcmuənin hazırlanması üçün məsul şəxs: Rafael Süleymanov. Bakı — 2015, 814 səhifə.</ref> It was named '''Elisabethpol''' ({{lang-rus|Елизаветпо́ль|r=Yelizavetpol|p=jɪlʲɪzəvʲɪtˈpolʲ}}) in the ] period. The city regained its original name Ganja in 1920 during the first part of its incorporation into the ]. However, its name was changed again in 1935 to '''Kirovabad''' ({{lang-rus|Кироваба́д|p=kʲɪrəvɐˈbat}}) and retained it throughout the later Soviet period from 1935. Finally in 1989, during ], the city regained the original name.


'''Ganja''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|g|æ|n|dʒ|ə}}; {{langx|az|Gəncə}} {{IPA|az|ɟænˈdʒæ||Az-Ganja.ogg}}) is ]'s ], with a population of around 335,600.<ref>State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ''Official Publication: Statistical Yearbook of Azerbaijan 2018,'' Baku</ref><ref name="ib66">Azərbaycan Respublikası. — 2. Azərbaycan Respublikasının iqtisadi və inzibati rayonları. — 2.4. Azərbaycan Respublikasının iqtisadi və inzibati rayonlarının ərazisi, əhalisinin sayı və sıxlığı, səhifə 66. // . Müəllifi: ]. Buraxılışa məsul şəxs: Rza Allahverdiyev. ] — 2015, 134 səhifə.</ref><ref>Bölmə 2: Demoqrafik göstəricilər, səhifə 89. // . Müəllifi: Azərbaycan Respublikası Dövlət Statistika Komitəsi. Məcmuənin ümumi rəhbəri: Həmid Bağırov; Məcmuənin hazırlanması üçün məsul şəxs: Rafael Süleymanov. Bakı – 2015, 814 səhifə.</ref> The city has been a historic and cultural center throughout most of its existence. It was the capital of the ] until 1804; after ] ceded it to the ] following the ] in 1813, it became part of the administrative divisions of the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bournoutian |first1=George |author1-link=George Bournoutian |title=Armenia and Imperial Decline: The Yerevan Province, 1900-1914 |date=2018 |publisher=Routledge |pages=6–7}}</ref><ref>{{Encyclopaedia Iranica|last=Bosworth|first=C. Edmund|authorlink=Clifford Edmund Bosworth|title=Ganja|volume=10|fascicle=3|pages=282-283|url=https://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/ganja-}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Tucker |editor1-first=Spencer C. |editor1-link=Spencer C. Tucker |title=Middle East Conflicts from Ancient Egypt to the 21st Century: An Encyclopedia and Document Collection |date=2019 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1440853524 |page=489}}</ref> Following the dissolution of the ] and the ], it became a part of the ], followed by ], and, since 1991, the Republic of ].
==Etymology==

== Etymology ==
{{see also|Arran (Caucasus)}} {{see also|Arran (Caucasus)}}
The name Ganja derives from the ] word ''ganj'' ({{langx|pal-Latn|ganj}}), meaning "treasure" or "treasury".<ref name=":4">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ganja |encyclopedia=] |url=https://iranicaonline.org/articles/ganja- |last=Bosworth |first=C. Edmund |date=December 15, 2000 |author-link=Clifford Edmund Bosworth |volume=X, Fasc. 3 |pages=282–283}}</ref> It was called ''Janza'' in ] sources<ref name=":4" /> and ''Gandzak'' in ] sources.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dorfmann-Lazarev |first=Igor |title=Monuments and Identities in the Caucasus: Karabagh, Nakhichevan and Azerbaijan in Contemporary Geopolitical Conflict |date=2023 |publisher=Brill |isbn=978-90-04-67738-8 |editor-last=Dorfmann-Lazarev |editor-first=Igor |location=Leiden ; Boston |page=243, n. 16 |chapter=Stalin’s Legacy in the Post-Soviet Nations and the Genesis of Nationalist Extremism in Azerbaijan |quote=The city known from the Armenian sources as Gandzak is named Gand̲j̲a in Arabic sources. |editor-last2=Khatchadourian |editor-first2=Haroutioun}}</ref> The explanation that the city was named this after its founder discovered treasure nearby (]) is considered a ].<ref name=":4" /> According to one view, the city may have been named after ], the pre-Muslim capital of ].<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal |last1=Barthold |first1=W. |author-link=Vasily Bartold |last2=Boyle |first2=J. A. |date=2012 |editor-last=Bearman |editor-first=P. |title=Gand̲j̲a |url=https://doi.org/10.1163/1573-3912_islam_SIM_2419 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=Encyclopaedia of Islam New Edition Online (EI-2 English) |publisher=]|doi=10.1163/1573-3912_islam_SIM_2419 }}</ref> The city was renamed ''Yelizavetpol'' ({{lang-rus|Елизаветпо́ль|r=Yelizavetpól'|p=jɪlʲɪzəvʲɪtˈpolʲ}}) in 1813, when it was part of the ].<ref name=":4" /> After its incorporation into the ], it was initially renamed back to Ganja (''Gyandzha'') in 1924, but in 1935 the name was changed again to ''Kirovabad'' ({{lang-rus|Кироваба́д|r=Kirovabád|p=kʲɪrəvɐˈbat}}) in honor of the Soviet politician ],<ref name=":6" /> a name which the city retained throughout most of the rest of the Soviet period.<ref name=":4" /> In 1989, during ], the city regained its original name of Ganja ({{langx|az|Gəncə}}), which is known as ''Gyandzha'' ({{lang|ru|Гянджа}}, {{IPA|ru|ɡʲɪnˈdʑa|}}) in Russian,<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Arapov |first1=D. Yu. |last2=Skakov |first2=A. V. |display-authors=etal |date=2016 |title=Гянджа |url=https://old.bigenc.ru/geography/text/1937480 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403213546/https://old.bigenc.ru/geography/text/1937480 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |access-date=17 June 2024 |website=] |language=ru}}</ref> ''Gyanja'' ({{lang|hy|Գյանջա}}) or ''Gandzak'' ({{lang|hy|Գանձակ}}) in Armenian,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Barsegհyan |first=Hovhannes |url=https://arar.sci.am/dlibra/publication/396427/edition/366817/content |title= |publisher=9-rd hrashalik |year=2006 |edition=6th |location=Yerevan |pages=48 |language=hy |script-title=hy:Տերմինաբանական և ուղղագրական տեղեկատու |trans-title=''Terminological and orthographic reference book'' |access-date=17 June 2024}}</ref> and ''Ganjeh'' ({{lang|fa|گنجه}}) in ].
Even though some sources from medieval Islamic time attribute the building of the town to a Muslim Arab ruler, modern historians believe that the fact that the name ''Ganja'' derives from the ] ''ganj'' ("treasure") and in Arabic source the name is recorded as ''Janza'' (from the ] ''ganza'') suggests that the city existed in pre-Islamic times and was likely founded in the 5th century.<ref> {{WebCite|url=http://www.webcitation.org/619MoxW7e|date =2011-08-23}}</ref> The area in which Ganja is located was known as '']'' from the 9th to 12th century; its urban population spoke mainly in the ].<ref>{{cite book| author = Ростислав Борисовч Рыбаков| title = Восток в средние века| url = https://books.google.com/?id=un36ewEACAAJ| year = 1995| publisher = | isbn = 978-5-02-017711-6 }}</ref><ref>. - ISBN 978-5-85733-042-5. cтр. 730-731 ]. The book of memoirs.</ref>


==History== == History ==

===Feudal era===

{{EB1911 poster|Elisavetpol (town)}}
According to medieval Arabic sources, the city of Ganja was founded in 859-60 by ], the Arab governor of the region in the reign of the caliph ], and so-called because of a treasure unearthed there. According to the legend, the Arab governor had a dream where a voice told him that there was a treasure hidden under one of the three hills around the area where he camped. The voice told him to unearth it and use the money to found a city. He did so and informed the caliph about the money and the city. Caliph made Muhammad the hereditary governor of the city on a condition that he would give the money he found to the caliph.<ref></ref>


===Medieval era===
Foundation of the city by Arabs is confirmed by the medieval ] historian ], who mentions that the city of Ganja was founded in 846-47 in the canton of Arshakashen by the son of Khazr Patgos, "a furious and merciless man".<ref>History of the Caucasian Albanians by Movses Dasxuranci, C.J.F. Dowsett trans. (London 1961), chapter 21.</ref>
], ], ]]]
]]]
According to the anonymous medieval Arabic history ''Tarikh Bab al-abwab'', the city of Ganja was founded in 859–60 by ], the Arab governor of the region during the reign of the caliph ], and so-called because of a treasure unearthed there. According to the legend, the Arab governor had a dream where a voice told him that there was a treasure hidden under one of the three hills around the area where he camped. The voice told him to unearth it and use the money to found a city. He did so and informed the caliph about the money and the city. The caliph made Muhammad the hereditary governor of the city on the condition that he would give the money he found to the caliph.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Minorsky|first=Vladimir |author-link=Vladimir Minorsky|url=http://www.vostlit.info/Texts/rus13/Sirvan_Derbend/primtext.phtml |script-title=ru:История Ширвана и Дербенда|trans-title=A History of Shirvan and Derbent |language=ru|access-date=10 September 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926212322/http://www.vostlit.info/Texts/rus13/Sirvan_Derbend/primtext.phtml |archive-date=26 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> The foundation of the city by the Arabs in the 9th century is supported by the medieval ] historian ], who mentions that the city of Ganja was founded in 846–47 in the canton of Arshakashen by "Mahmed son of Xałtʿ" (i.e., Muhammad ibn Khalid).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Movsēs Dasxuranci |author-link=Movses Kaghankatvatsi |title=The History of the Caucasian Albanians |publisher=] |year=1961 |location=London |page=218, notes 2–3 (book 3, chapter 20) |translator-last=Dowsett |translator-first=C. J. F. |quote=When another two years had passed after this, Xazr Patgos, a furious and merciless man, came and was slain in the same year his son came, however, and took our land by the sword and enslaved us and burned down many churches and went to Baghdad. Returning thence at the king's command and expense, he built the city of Ganjak in the canton of Aršakašēn. ''Xazr'' (to be amended to ''Xałd'' despite Markwart's hesitance) Patgos is Ḵh̲alīd b. Yazīd; His son Muhammad is correctly called Mahmet son of Xałtʿ below. |translator-link=Charles Dowsett}}</ref> The 14th-century Persian historian ] instead claims that the city was founded in 659–60, when the Arab armies first arrived in the ].<ref name=":4" />


However, the Persian origin of Ganja's name suggests that there was an older pre-Islamic town there.<ref name=":4" /> According to some sources, it changed hands between Persians, ] and Arabs even in the 7th century.<ref name="EB1911">{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Elisavetpol (town)|display=Elisavetpol|volume=9|page=280}}</ref> The area in which Ganja is located was known as '']'' from the 9th to 12th century; its urban population spoke mainly in the ].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=un36ewEACAAJ |year=1995 |isbn=978-5-02-017711-6 |editor-last=Rybakov |editor-first=Rostislav |editor-link=Rostislav Rybakov |volume=2 |language=ru |script-title=ru:История Востока. Восток в средние века |trans-title=History of the East. East in the Middle Ages }}{{Dead link|date=October 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{page needed|date=October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Diakonov |first=Igor |url=http://uni-persona.srcc.msu.su/site/authors/djakonov/posl_gl.htm |publisher=Yevropeyskiy Dom |year=1995 |isbn=978-5-85733-042-5 |place=Saint Petersburg |pages=730–731 |language=ru |script-title=ru:Книга воспоминаний |trans-title=The Book of Memoirs |author-link=Igor M. Diakonoff}}</ref>
Historically an important city of the ], Ganja has been part of the ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref> ],<ref></ref><ref></ref> the ], the ], the ] and the ] empires of ]/]. Prior to the Iranian Zand and ] rule, following ]'s death, it was ruled locally for a few decades by the khans/dukes of the ], who themselves were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were a branch of the Iranian Qajar family.<ref name="Tadeusz Swietochowski 2004">Tadeusz Swietochowski. ''Russian Azerbaijan, 1905-1920: The Shaping of National Identity in a Muslim Community''. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press, 2004. ISBN 0-521-52245-5</ref><ref name="History of Azerbaijan"> ''Encyclopædia Britannica'' Online</ref> Ganja is also the birthplace of the famous poet ] Ganjavi.


Historically an important city of the South Caucasus, Ganja has been part of the ], ], ], ], ], ],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32174/Iran |title=Iran |year=2007 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219073312/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-32174/Iran |archive-date=19 February 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9072546/Timurid-Dynasty |title=Timurid Dynasty |year=2007 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070902034855/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9072546/Timurid-Dynasty |archive-date=2 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9044666/Kara-Koyunlu#87928.hook |title=Kara Koyunlu |year=2007 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029193950/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9044666/Kara-Koyunlu#87928.hook |archive-date=29 October 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9005255/Ak-Koyunlu#209750.hook |title=Ak Koyunlu |year=2007 |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930012716/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9005255/Ak-Koyunlu#209750.hook |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://azerbaijan.aznet.org/azerbaijan/ganja.html |title=Ganja's History |work=Aznet.org |access-date=17 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329022153/http://azerbaijan.aznet.org/azerbaijan/ganja.html |archive-date=29 March 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> the ], the ], the ] and the ] empires of ]/]. Prior to the Iranian Zand and Qajar rule, following ]'s death, it was ruled locally for a few decades by the khans of the ], who themselves were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were a branch of the Iranian Qajar family.<ref name="Tadeusz Swietochowski 2004">{{cite book|last=Swietochowski|first=Tadeusz |author-link=Tadeusz Swietochowski |title=Russian Azerbaijan 1905–1920: The Shaping of National Identity in a Muslim Community |place=Cambridge, UK |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2004 |isbn=0-521-52245-5}}{{page needed|date=October 2020}}</ref><ref name="History of Azerbaijan">{{cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-129462/Azerbaijan |title=History of Azerbaijan |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118105319/https://www.britannica.com/eb/article-129462/Azerbaijan |archive-date=18 November 2008 }}</ref> Ganja is also the birthplace of the famous Persian poet ].
]]]
] ({{reign}}1642–1666), minted in Ganja, dated 1658/9 (left = obverse; right = reverse)]]
The people of Ganja experienced a temporary cultural decline after an ] in 1139, when the city was taken by king ] and its gates taken as trophies which is still kept in ], and again after the ] invasion in 1231. The city was revived after the ] came to power in 1501, and incorporated all of Azerbaijan and beyond into their territories. The city came under brief occupation by the ] between 1578–1606 and 1723-1735 during the prolonged ], but nevertheless stayed under intermittent ] suzerainty from the earliest 16th century up to the course of the 19th century, when it was forcefully ] to neighbouring Imperial Russia.<ref name="books.google.nl">Timothy C. Dowling p 728 ABC-CLIO, 2 dec. 2014 ISBN 1598849484</ref>
] ({{reign}}1751–1779), minted in Ganja, dated 1763/4 (left = obverse; right = reverse)]]
The people of Ganja experienced a temporary cultural decline after an ], when the city was taken by king ] and its gates taken as trophies which is still kept in ], and again after the ] invasion in 1231. The city was revived after the Safavids came to power in 1501 and incorporated all of Azerbaijan and beyond into their territories. The city came under brief occupation by the ] between 1578–1606 and 1723–1735 during the prolonged ], but nevertheless stayed under intermittent Iranian suzerainty from the earliest 16th century up to the course of the 19th century, when it was forcefully ] to neighbouring Imperial Russia.<ref name="books.google.nl">{{cite book|last=Dowling|first=Timothy C. |title=Russia at War: From the Mongol Conquest to Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Beyond|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTq2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA728|year=2014|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-948-6|page=728}}</ref>


===16th-19th centuries and Iran's ceding to Russia=== ===16th–19th centuries and Russian conquest===
] ({{reign}}1797–1834), minted in Ganja, dated 1802/3 (left = obverse; right = reverse)]]
For a short period, Ganja was renamed Abbasabad by ] after war against the Ottomans. He built a new city {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=off}} to the southwest of the old one, but the name changed back to Ganja during the time<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gitc.aznet.org/GenceDovletQorugu/knanates.htm |title=The Monuments of Ganja Khanate of the Period form 1606 - 1804 |accessdate = 2007-02-16 |author=Seyyaf Sednik oqli Pashayev}}</ref> During the ] rule, it was the capital of the Karabakh (Ganja) ],<ref></ref> one of the four such administrative units and principalities.<ref>I.Petrushevskiy. Ocherki po istorii feodal'nikh otnosheniy d Azerbaijane i Armenii v XVI - nach. XIX vv., Leningrad, 1949, p. 122, in Russian</ref> In 1747, Ganja became the center of the ] for a few decades following the death of ], until the advent of the Iranian ] and ]. The khans/dukes who de facto self-ruled the khanate, were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were from a branch of the Iranian Qajar family.<ref name="Tadeusz Swietochowski 2004"/><ref name="History of Azerbaijan"/>
For a short period, Ganja was renamed Abbasabad by ] after war against the Ottomans. He built a new city {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=off}} to the southwest of the old one, but the name changed back to Ganja during the time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gitc.aznet.org/GenceDovletQorugu/knanates.htm |title=The Monuments of Ganja Khanate of the Period form 1606–1804 |access-date=16 February 2007 |last=Pashayev|first=Seyyaf Sednik oqli |translator-last=Remizova|translator-first=Yelena |website=gitc.aznet.org |date=2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703153155/http://www.gitc.aznet.org/GenceDovletQorugu/knanates.htm |archive-date=3 July 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the ] rule, it was the capital of the ] province. In 1747, Ganja became the center of the ] for a few decades following the death of ], until the advent of the Iranian ] and ]. The khans/dukes who de facto self-ruled the khanate, were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were from a branch of the Iranian Qajar family.<ref name="Tadeusz Swietochowski 2004"/><ref name="History of Azerbaijan"/>
] during the ] by the Russian forces under leadership of general ].]]
] in 1804 during the ] by the Russian forces under leadership of general ].]]
From the late 18th century, Russia actively started to increase its enroachments into Iranian and Turkish territory to the south. Following the events that happened through the ] and its ] in 1801, Russia was now keen to conquer the rest of the Iranian possessions in the ]. Russian expansion into the South Caucasus met particularly strong opposition in Ganja. In contrast with spreading suzerainty over Christian Georgia and ] ], ] led by ] was seen as a direct challenge to Iran being an incursion into a mainly Shia-populated territory. Some western sources assert that "the capture of the city was followed by a massacre of up to 3,000 inhabitants of Ganja by the Russians".<ref>{{cite book| author = Peter Avery|author2=William Bayne Fisher |author3=Gavin Hambly |author4=Charles Melville | title = The Cambridge history of Iran: From Nadir Shah to the Islamic Republic| url = https://books.google.com/?id=H20Xt157iYUC&pg=PA332| date = 1991-10-25| publisher = Cambridge University Press| isbn = 978-0-521-20095-0| page = 332 }}</ref> They also claim that "500 of them were slaughtered in a mosque where they had taken refuge, after an ] told the Russian soldiers that there might have been "Daghestani robbers" among them".<ref>John F. Baddeley, ''The Russian Conquest of the Caucasus'', London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1908, p. 67, citing "Tsitsianoff's report to the Emperor: Akti, ix (supplement), p. 920".</ref> Thosaunds of Azeris left Ganja and fled to Iran following the capture.<ref>{{cite web|last=Oberling|first=P.|title=ĀYRĪMLŪ|url=http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/ayrimlun|work=Encyclopædia Iranica Online Edition|accessdate=14 April 2012|quote=Following the treaty of Torkamāṇčāy, in 1828 through which Iran lost the provinces of Īravān (Erevan) and Naḵjavān, ʿAbbās Mīrzā, the crown prince, who valued the fighting ability of Turkic tribesmen, encouraged several Turkic tribes which dwelled in the ceded provinces to settle down south of the Aras (Araxes) river, offering them fertile lands and lush pastures as a reward. One of these was the Āyrīmlū tribe, which moved from its holdings in the vicinity of ] (later Alexandropol, and later still ]) to Āvājīq, a district to the west of Mākū}}</ref>
From the late 18th century, Russia actively started to increase its encroachments into Iranian and Turkish territory to the south. Following the ] in 1801, Russia was now keen to conquer the rest of the Iranian possessions in the ]. Russian expansion into the South Caucasus met particularly strong opposition in Ganja. In 1804, the Russians, led by General ], ], sparking the ].<ref>{{cite book|editor-last=Tucker|editor-first=Spencer C.|editor-link=Spencer C. Tucker|title=A Global Chronology of Conflict: From the Ancient World to the Modern Middle East|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|page=1035|isbn=978-1-85109-672-5|quote=January 1804. (...) Russo-Persian War. Russian invasion of Persia. (...) In January 1804 Russian forces under General Paul Tsitsianov (Sisianoff) invade Persia and storm the citadel of Ganjeh, beginning the Russo-Persian War (1804-1813).}}</ref> Some western sources assert that "the capture of the city was followed by a massacre of up to 3,000 inhabitants of Ganja by the Russians".<ref>{{cite book| author = Peter Avery|author2=William Bayne Fisher |author3=Gavin Hambly |author4=Charles Melville | title = The Cambridge history of Iran: From Nadir Shah to the Islamic Republic| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=H20Xt157iYUC&pg=PA332| date = 25 October 1991| publisher = Cambridge University Press| isbn = 978-0-521-20095-0| page = 332 }}</ref> They also claim that "500 of them were slaughtered in a mosque where they had taken refuge, after an ] apprised the Russians that there might have been 'Daghestani robbers' among them".<ref>{{cite book|last=Baddeley|first=John F. |author-link=John F. Baddeley |title=The Russian Conquest of the Caucasus |place=London |publisher=Longmans, Green and Co. |year=1908 |page=67}} Citing "Tsitsianoff's report to the Emperor: Akti, ix (supplement), p. 920".</ref>


According to the October 1813 ], the Ganja Khanate, together with most of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and ], were forcefully ceded by ] to Russia following ] defeat in the ].<ref name="books.google.nl"/> A brief Iranian recapture of its territories happened between 1826-1827 during the ],<ref>John F. Baddeley, "The Russian conquest of the Caucasus", London: Longmans, Green and Co., 1908, p. 67, citing "Tsitsianoff's report to the Emperor: Akti, ix (supplement), p. 920".</ref> but the resulting ] made its inclusion into the Russian Empire definite.<ref>Timothy C. Dowling p 728-729 ABC-CLIO, 2 dec. 2014 ISBN 1598849484</ref> It was renamed Elisabethpol (Russian: Елизаветполь) after the wife of ], ], and in 1868 became the capital of ].<ref> (Elizavetpol Governorate) in ] {{ru icon}}</ref> Elizavetpol was an ] of ] before 1868.{{Citation needed|date=April 2011}} The Russian name was not accepted by Azerbaijanis who continued to call the city ''Ganja''.<ref>{{cite book| author = Tadeusz Swietochowski| title = Russian Azerbaijan, 1905-1920: The Shaping of a National Identity in a Muslim Community| url = https://books.google.com/?id=cozSOSsv7ZsC| year = 2004| publisher = Cambridge University Press| isbn = 978-0-521-52245-8 }}</ref> With their military superiority, the Russians were victorious in the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813. By the ] that followed, Iran was forced to cede the Ganja Khanate to Russia.<ref name="books.google.nl"/> The Iranians briefly managed to oust the Russians from Ganja during the 1826 offensive during the ], but the resulting ] made its inclusion into the Russian Empire permanent.<ref>{{cite book|author=Timothy C. Dowling|title=Russia at War: From the Mongol Conquest to Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Beyond|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTq2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA728|year=2014|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-1-59884-948-6|pages=728–729}}</ref> It was renamed ''Yelizavetpol'' ({{Lang|ru|Елизаветполь}}) after the wife of ], ], and in 1840 became the capital of the ] and later in 1868, the Elizavetpol Governorate.<ref>{{cite wikisource|last=Massalski|first=Władysław |chapter=Елизаветпольская губерния|wslink=s:ru:ЭСБЕ |plaintitle=]|year=1894|volume=XIa|pages=618–621|language=ru}}</ref> The Russian name of the city was rejected by the local Azerbaijanis, who continued call it ''Ganja''.<ref>{{cite book| last=Swietochowski|first=Tadeusz | title = Russian Azerbaijan, 1905–1920: The Shaping of a National Identity in a Muslim Community| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=cozSOSsv7ZsC| year = 2004| publisher = Cambridge University Press| isbn = 978-0-521-52245-8 }}{{page needed|date=October 2020}}</ref>


===20th century=== ===20th century===
In 1918, Ganja became the temporary capital of the ], at which point it was renamed Ganja again, until ] was recaptured from the ] backed ]. In April 1920, the ] occupied Azerbaijan. In May 1920, Ganja was the scene of an abortive ], during which the city was heavily damaged by fighting between the insurgents and the Red Army.<ref>{{cite book| author = Charles van der Leeuw| title = Azerbaijan: a quest for identity : a short history| url = https://books.google.com/?id=sNoP1zphWf8C| date = 2000-07-04| publisher = Palgrave Macmillan| isbn = 978-0-312-21903-1| page = 124 }}</ref> In 1935, ] renamed the city Kirovabad after ].<ref> {{az icon}}</ref> In 1991, Azerbaijan re-established its independence, and the ancient name of the city was given back. For many years the ] of the ] was based in the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=31-я гвардейская отдельная воздушно-десантная ордена Кутузова II степени бригада|url=http://www.bratishka.ru/specnaz/vdv/5.php|website=www.bratishka.ru|accessdate=17 November 2014|language=Russian}}</ref> Ganja—known then as Yelizavetpol—was one of the main sites of the ]. In 1918, Ganja became the temporary capital of the ], at which point it was renamed Ganja again, until ] was recaptured from the ]-backed ]. In April 1920, the ] occupied Azerbaijan. In May 1920, Ganja was the scene of an abortive ], during which the city was heavily damaged by fighting between the insurgents and the Red Army.<ref>{{cite book| author = Charles van der Leeuw| title = Azerbaijan: a quest for identity : a short history| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=sNoP1zphWf8C| date = 4 July 2000| publisher = Palgrave Macmillan| isbn = 978-0-312-21903-1| page = 124 }}</ref> In 1935, ] renamed the city Kirovabad after ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ganca.net/aze/history.html |title=Gəncənin tarixi... |website=ganca.net |language=az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716212844/http://www.ganca.net/aze/history.html |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref> In 1991, Azerbaijan re-established its independence, and the ancient name of the city was given back. For many years the ] of the ] was based in the town.<ref>{{cite web|title=31-я гвардейская отдельная воздушно-десантная ордена Кутузова II степени бригада|url=http://www.bratishka.ru/specnaz/vdv/5.php|website=bratishka.ru|access-date=17 November 2014|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024313/http://www.bratishka.ru/specnaz/vdv/5.php|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


In November 1988, the ] forced many Armenians to leave the city.<ref>{{cite book | title = Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia | pages = Page 131 | author = Imogen Gladman | publisher = Taylor & Francis Group | year = 2004 | isbn = 1-85743-316-5 }}</ref><ref>Stuart J. Kaufman, ''Modern Hatreds: The Symbolic Politics of Ethnic War'', ], 2001, </ref> In November 1988, the ] forced the local Armenian population to leave the city.<ref>{{cite book | title = Eastern Europe, Russia and Central Asia | page = 131 | last=Gladman |first=Imogen | publisher = Taylor & Francis Group | year = 2004 | isbn = 1-85743-316-5 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Kaufman|first=Stuart J. |title=Modern Hatreds: The Symbolic Politics of Ethnic War|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2Plw98pTk5wC&pg=PA77|year=2001|publisher=Cornell University Press|isbn=0-8014-8736-6|page=77}}</ref>


===21st century=== ===21st century===
{{See also|2020 Ganja ballistic missile attacks}}


]
Reconstruction in the 21st century has led to dramatic changes in the city's urban development, transforming the old Soviet city into a hub of high-rise, mixed-use buildings.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:На дороге Баку-Газах возводятся грандиозные "Гянджинские ворота" - ФОТО|url=http://news.day.az/society/378162.html|work=Day.az|accessdate=15 April 2013|language=Russian}}</ref>


Reconstruction in the 21st century has led to dramatic changes in the city's urban development, transforming the old Soviet city into a hub of high-rise, mixed-use buildings.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:На дороге Баку-Газах возводятся грандиозные "Гянджинские ворота" – ФОТО|url=http://news.day.az/society/378162.html|work=Day.az|access-date=15 April 2013|language=ru|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123034002/http://news.day.az/society/378162.html|archive-date=23 January 2013|url-status=live|date=17 January 2013}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=August 2024}}<!--The text is just talking about the building of some kind of memorial complex, not about a 'transformation of the city into a hub of high-rise, mixed-use buildings'.-->
In 2008, ] were built on the basis of sketches of ancient Ganja gates made by local master Ibrahim Osman oglu in 1063.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ilham Aliyev reviewed the monumental complex Ganja Fortress Gates - the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography|url=http://en.president.az/articles/10855|website=en.president.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncə qapıları|url=http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/az/content/view/136/2234/G%C9%99nc%C9%99-qap%C4%B1lar%C4%B1|website=www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref>

In 2008, ] were built on the basis of sketches of ancient Ganja gates made by local master Ibrahim Osmanoğlu in 1063.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ilham Aliyev reviewed the monumental complex Ganja Fortress Gates – the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography|url=http://en.president.az/articles/10855|website=president.az|date=21 January 2014|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112082817/http://en.president.az/articles/10855|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja Gate|url=http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/en/content/view/136/2234/Gəncə-qapıları/|website=heydar-aliyev-foundation.org|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112112035/http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/en/content/view/136/2234/G%C9%99nc%C9%99-qap%C4%B1lar%C4%B1/|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, during the ], Ganja came under ] by Armenian armed forces several times, killing 32 civilians and injuring dozens more.<ref name="hrw">{{cite news |title=Armenia: Unlawful Rocket, Missile Strikes on Azerbaijan |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/12/11/armenia-unlawful-rocket-missile-strikes-azerbaijan |access-date=20 June 2021 |agency=Human Rights Watch |date=11 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-10-04|title=Nagorno-Karabakh conflict: Major cities hit as heavy fighting continues|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54407436|access-date=2020-10-04|archive-date=2020-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004100202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54407436|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 October, a residential apartment block in Azerbaijan's city of Ganja was destroyed overnight in an Armenian missile strike, killing 10 civilians and wounding 34 others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/9687931 |title=Хрупкое перемирие в Карабахе. Азербайджанский город Гянджа вновь попал под ракетный удар |date=11 October 2020|agency=TASS|language=ru|access-date=2020-10-17}}</ref><ref name="hrw"/> The ] denied that this came from its territory,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://ria.ru/20201004/karabakh-1578171671.html |title=Армения заявила, что не ведет обстрел населенных пунктов Азербайджана |agency=] |date=4 October 2020 |access-date=4 October 2020 |language=ru |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004082433/https://ria.ru/20201004/karabakh-1578171671.html |url-status=live }}</ref> while Artsakh stated that Armenian forces had targeted and destroyed the Ganja military airbase on ], which they alleged was used to bombard Artsakh's capital ] and also stated that the Azerbaijani population were given warning to move away from military facilities to avoid collateral damage.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1030235.html |title=Ganja military airbase is 'no more' – Artsakh says |agency=] |date=4 October 2020 |access-date=4 October 2020 |archive-date=4 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004220054/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1030235.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, both a correspondent reporting from the scene for a Russian media outlet and the airport director denied that the airport, which had not been operational since March due to the ], had been shelled.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Война в Карабахе: Азербайджан заявил о гибели 13 человек от удара по Гяндже|url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944|access-date=2020-10-04|newspaper=BBC News Русская Служба|language=ru|archive-date=2020-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006141402/https://www.bbc.com/russian/live/news-54317944|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 October, 21 civilians were killed and more than 50 injured when an Armenian ] ballistic missile hit a residential area in Ganja.<ref>{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan/Armenia: Scores of civilians killed by indiscriminate use of weapons in conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2021/01/azerbaijan-armenia-scores-of-civilians-killed-by-indiscriminate-use-of-weapons-in-conflict-over-nagorno-karabakh/ |access-date=20 June 2021 |agency=Amnesty International |date=14 January 2021}}</ref>

]


==Geography== ==Geography==

]

=== Location ===
Ganja, located 400–450 meters (1312 to 1476&nbsp;ft) above the sea level, lies on the Ganja-Dashkasan plain in the Kur-Araz lowland in the west of Azerbaijan, 375&nbsp;km (233&nbsp;mi) away from Baku. It is situated at the north-eastern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges on the Ganjachay river.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/13.html|title=Location|website=Executive Power of Ganja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160445/http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/13.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/364/5/Gence|title=Location|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191849/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/364/5/Gence|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

The city borders on the administrative rayons of Goygol to the south, west and north-west and Samukh to the north-east.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mfa.gov.az/files/file/Siyasi.jpg|title=Political-administrative Map of Azerbaijan|website=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510084341/http://www.mfa.gov.az/files/file/Siyasi.jpg|archive-date=10 May 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>


===Climate=== ===Climate===
Ganja has a ] (]: ''BSk''), with an average annual precipitation of {{Convert|241|mm|inches}}, though annual precipitation varies in different years, ranging from {{Convert|160|mm|inches|abbr=on}} in 1932 to {{Convert|1133|mm|inches|abbr=on}} in 1988.<ref name=pogoda/> Winters are cold and may see snow, with 5 days per year in which snow cover is observed. Blizzard is seen in 0.2 days annually.<ref name=pogoda/>
{{Weather box {{Weather box
|location = Ganja |width = auto
|location = Ganja (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1890–present)
|metric first = Y |metric first = Y
|single line = Y |single line = Y

|Jan high C = 6.5
|Feb high C = 6.8 |Jan record high C = 22.8
|Mar high C = 11.9 |Feb record high C = 25.0
|Mar record high C = 28.0
|Apr record high C = 35.6
|May record high C = 39.5
|Jun record high C = 39.2
|Jul record high C = 42.0
|Aug record high C = 41.7
|Sep record high C = 38.8
|Oct record high C = 33.4
|Nov record high C = 29.0
|Dec record high C = 23.3
|year record high C = 42.0

|Jan high C = 7.8
|Feb high C = 8.6
|Mar high C = 13.8
|Apr high C = 19.2 |Apr high C = 19.2
|May high C = 23.4 |May high C = 25.0
|Jun high C = 27.9 |Jun high C = 30.4
|Jul high C = 31.7 |Jul high C = 32.4
|Aug high C = 29.9 |Aug high C = 31.8
|Sep high C = 26.0 |Sep high C = 26.7
|Oct high C = 19.3 |Oct high C = 20.3
|Nov high C = 12.6 |Nov high C = 13.0
|Dec high C = 8.3 |Dec high C = 9.2
|year high C = 18.6 |year high C =

|Jan mean C = 1.4
|Feb mean C = 2.2 |Jan mean C = 3.3
|Mar mean C = 6.2 |Feb mean C = 4.3
|Mar mean C = 8.2
|Apr mean C = 13.1 |Apr mean C = 13.1
|May mean C = 17.8 |May mean C = 18.7
|Jun mean C = 21.9 |Jun mean C = 23.8
|Jul mean C = 25.4 |Jul mean C = 26.3
|Aug mean C = 24.3 |Aug mean C = 26.1
|Sep mean C = 20.6 |Sep mean C = 21.1
|Oct mean C = 13.8 |Oct mean C = 15.3
|Nov mean C = 8.3 |Nov mean C = 8.8
|Dec mean C = 4.1 |Dec mean C = 4.6
|year mean C = 13.3 |year mean C =

|Jan low C = -2.3
|Feb low C = -1.2 |Jan low C = 0.8
|Mar low C = 2.2 |Feb low C = 1.1
|Apr low C = 7.7 |Mar low C = 4.0
|May low C = 12.2 |Apr low C = 9.2
|Jun low C = 16.3 |May low C = 14.3
|Jul low C = 19.5 |Jun low C = 18.6
|Aug low C = 18.3 |Jul low C = 21.2
|Sep low C = 15.2 |Aug low C = 20.9
|Oct low C = 9.2 |Sep low C = 16.5
|Nov low C = 4.5 |Oct low C = 11.5
|Dec low C = 0.0 |Nov low C = 5.5
|year low C = 8.5 |Dec low C = 2.2
|Jan precipitation mm = 10 |year low C =

|Feb precipitation mm = 17
|Jan record low C = -17.8
|Mar precipitation mm = 32
|Feb record low C = -15.2
|Apr precipitation mm = 30
|Mar record low C = -12.0
|May precipitation mm = 42
|Apr record low C = -4.4
|Jun precipitation mm = 46
|May record low C = 1.5
|Jul precipitation mm = 23
|Jun record low C = 5.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 18
|Jul record low C = 10.4
|Sep precipitation mm = 16
|Aug record low C = 10.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 32
|Sep record low C = 2.8
|Nov precipitation mm = 14
|Oct record low C = -0.6
|Dec precipitation mm = 18
|Nov record low C = -7.9
|Jan precipitation days = 4
|Dec record low C = -13.0
|Feb precipitation days = 5
|year record low C = -17.8
|Mar precipitation days = 5

|Apr precipitation days = 6
|May precipitation days = 9 |precipitation colour = green
|Jun precipitation days = 7 |Jan precipitation mm = 12.5
|Jul precipitation days = 3 |Feb precipitation mm = 13.2
|Aug precipitation days = 4 |Mar precipitation mm = 24.1
|Sep precipitation days = 3 |Apr precipitation mm = 27.9
|Oct precipitation days = 6 |May precipitation mm = 35.6
|Nov precipitation days = 3 |Jun precipitation mm = 32.6
|Dec precipitation days = 4 |Jul precipitation mm = 17.3
|Aug precipitation mm = 15.1
|source 1 = ] (UN) <ref name="WMO ">{{cite web
|Sep precipitation mm = 23.6
| url = http://www.worldweather.org/007/c00019.htm
|Oct precipitation mm = 25.4
| title = World Weather Information Service – Ganja
|Nov precipitation mm = 19.4
| accessdate = 19 January 2011
|Dec precipitation mm = 9.7
| publisher = United Nations }}</ref>
|year precipitation mm =
|source 2 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/TABLES/REG_VI/AJ/00000001.TXT
| Jan precipitation days = 4
| title = Ganca Climate Normals 1961–1990
| Feb precipitation days = 5
| publisher = ]
| Mar precipitation days = 5
| accessdate = March 22, 2015}}</ref>
| Apr precipitation days = 6
| May precipitation days = 9
| Jun precipitation days = 7
| Jul precipitation days = 3
| Aug precipitation days = 4
| Sep precipitation days = 3
| Oct precipitation days = 6
| Nov precipitation days = 3
| Dec precipitation days = 4
| year precipitation days =59

|Jan snow days = 3
|Feb snow days = 5
|Mar snow days = 2
|Apr snow days = 0.2
|May snow days = 0
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0.4
|Nov snow days = 1
|Dec snow days = 2
|year snow days = 14

|Jan humidity = 71
|Feb humidity = 71
|Mar humidity = 68
|Apr humidity = 70
|May humidity = 68
|Jun humidity = 61
|Jul humidity = 59
|Aug humidity = 61
|Sep humidity = 65
|Oct humidity = 74
|Nov humidity = 76
|Dec humidity = 74
|year humidity = 68

|Jan sun = 120
|Feb sun = 113
|Mar sun = 141
|Apr sun = 182
|May sun = 229
|Jun sun = 267
|Jul sun = 278
|Aug sun = 252
|Sep sun = 212
|Oct sun = 168
|Nov sun = 123
|Dec sun = 115
|year sun = 2200

|source 1 = ] (precipitation days 1971–1990, sun 1961–1990)<ref name = DWD>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_377350_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Gjandscha (Kirowabad/Elisawetpol) / Aserbaidschan
| work = Baseline climate means (1961–1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = 29 September 2016}}</ref><ref name = DWDsun>{{cite web
| url = ftp://ftp-cdc.dwd.de/pub/CDC/observations_global/CLIMAT/multi_annual/sunshine_duration/1961_1990.txt
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171017195327/ftp://ftp-cdc.dwd.de/pub/CDC/observations_global/CLIMAT/multi_annual/sunshine_duration/1961_1990.txt
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 2017-10-17
| title = Station 37735 Gandja
| work = Global station data 1961-1990 — Sunshine Duration
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| access-date = 29 September 2016
| df = dmy-all
}}</ref>{{efn| Use this station ID to locate the sunshine duration}}Starlings Roost Weather<ref>{{cite web |url=http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/worldclimate/graphs.php?climate=9120&code=37735
|title= GANDJA Climate: 1991–2020
|publisher=Starlings Roost Weather
|access-date= 25 December 2024}}</ref>
|source 2 = Pogoda.ru.net<ref name= pogoda>
{{cite web
| url = http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/37735.htm
| title = Климат Гянджи
| website = pogodaiklimat.ru
| language = ru
| access-date = 9 October 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161010211948/http://www.pogodaiklimat.ru/climate/37735.htm
| archive-date = 10 October 2016
| url-status = live
| df = dmy-all
}}
</ref>
|date=January 2011 |date=January 2011
}} }}
Line 171: Line 289:
==Administrative divisions== ==Administrative divisions==


Today, Ganja is divided into 2 ''rayons'' (administrative districts).<ref>{{cite web|title=Üfüqdən boylanan şəhər|url=http://anl.az/down/meqale/xalqqazeti/xalqqazeti_dekabr2009/101253.htm|website=anl.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref> The mayor, presently ], embodies the executive power of the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elmar Valiyev's Biography|url=http://www.nizamiganjavi-ic.org/43-elmar-valiyev.html|website=www.nizamiganjavi-ic.org|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja mayor reassigned to Sumgayit|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/30002.html|website=www.azernews.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> Today, Ganja is divided into 2 ''rayons'' (administrative districts).<ref>{{cite news|last=Mammadov|first=Ramiz |title=Üfüqdən boylanan şəhər|newspaper=Xalq Qazeti|date=27 December 2009|page=5|via=anl.az |url=http://anl.az/down/meqale/xalqqazeti/xalqqazeti_dekabr2009/101253.htm|access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112064417/http://anl.az/down/meqale/xalqqazeti/xalqqazeti_dekabr2009/101253.htm|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The mayor, presently Niyazi Bayramov<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja-ih.gov.az/page/20.html|title=İcra hakimiyyətinin başçısı – GƏNCƏ ŞƏHƏR Icra Hakimiyyəti|website=ganja-ih.gov.az|access-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071612/http://ganja-ih.gov.az/page/20.html|archive-date=30 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> embodies the executive power of the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elmar Valiyev|url=http://www.nizamiganjavi-ic.org/43-elmar-valiyev.html|website=nizamiganjavi-ic.org|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112070807/http://www.nizamiganjavi-ic.org/43-elmar-valiyev.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja mayor reassigned to Sumgayit|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/30002.html|website=AzerNews|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112085754/http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/30002.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live|date=19 February 2011}}</ref> Ganja includes 6 administrative settlements, namely ], Javadkhan, Shikhzamanli, Natavan, Mahsati and Sadilli.<ref name=":0" />


=== Kapaz rayon ===
{|
Kapaz District (''Kəpəz rayonu'') was established on 21 November 1980 according to the decision of Supreme Soviet of ]. The district consists of 2 administrative territorial units and 6 administrative settlements. It has an area of approximately 70 square kilometers (27 sq mi) with the population of 178,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|title=About Kapaz raion of Ganja|website=Kapaz District Executive Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223138/http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>
|-
|valign="top" |
* ] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Kəpəz rayonu}}}})
* ] ({{lang|az|{{linktext|Nizami rayonu}}}})
|valign="top" |
|}


=== Nizami rayon ===
==Demographics==
Nizami District (''Nizami rayonu'') was also established on 21 November 1980 according to the decision of Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR as Ganja raion of Kirovabad city. When Ganja's historic name was restored and the city was renamed as Ganja instead of Kirovabad in 1989, the district was also renamed as ]. The district consists of 2 administrative territorial units. The area of the district is roughly 39 square kilometers (15 sq mi) and population is 148,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nizami.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|title=About Nizami raion of Ganja|website=Nizami District Executive Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223149/http://nizami.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>
{| class="infobox"

|-
== Demographics ==
|colspan="10" style="background:#CF4A4A; color:white"|<big><center>'''Ethnic groups in Ganja'''</big>
|- style="background:#95b2c9;" {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|+ Ethnic groups in Ganja
|-
! Year ! Year
! Azerbaijanis ! Azerbaijanis
Line 197: Line 312:
! TOTAL ! TOTAL
|- |-
| 1886 <ref name="ethno-caucasus">{{ ru icon}} </ref> | 1886<ref name="ethno-caucasus">{{cite web|url=http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/rnazerbaijan.html |title=Азербайджан |work=Ethno-Caucasus |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328124618/http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/rnazerbaijan.html |archive-date=28 March 2012 }}</ref>
| <center>11,139 | 11,139
| <center>54.9 | 54.9
| <center>8,914 | 8,914
| <center>43.9 | 43.9
| <center>131 | 131
| <center>0.6 | 0.6
| <center>110 | 110
| <center>0.5 | 0.5
! 20,294 ! 20,294
|- |-
| 1892<ref>{{cite wikisource|last=Massalski|first=Władysław |chapter=Елизаветполь|wslink=s:ru:ЭСБЕ |plaintitle=]|year=1894|volume=XIa|pages=616–618|language=ru}}</ref>
| 1892<ref></ref>
| <center>13,392 | 13,392
| <center>51.8 | 51.8
| <center>10,524 | 10,524
| <center>40.8 | 40.8
| |
| |
| <center>1,842 | 1,842
| <center>7.2 | 7.2
! 25,758 ! 25,758
|- |-
| 1897 <ref>{{ru icon}} г. Елисаветполь</ref> | 1897<ref>{{cite web |title=Елисаветпольский уезд - г. Елисаветполь |url=http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=376 |website=Demoscope Weekly |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107152319/http://demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/emp_lan_97_uezd.php?reg=376 |archive-date=7 January 2016}}</ref>
| <center>17,426 | 17,426
| <center>51.8 | 51.8
| <center>12,055 | 12,055
| <center>35.9 | 35.9
| <center>2,519 | 2,519
| <center>7.5 | 7.5
| <center>1,625 | 1,625
| <center>4.8 | 4.8
! 33,625 ! 33,625
|-
| 1916<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.prlib.ru/item/417322 |title=Кавказский календарь на 1917 год |publisher=Tipografiya kantselyarii Ye.I.V. na Kavkaze, kazenny dom |year=1917 |edition=72nd |publication-place=Tiflis |pages=190–197 |language=Russian |trans-title=Caucasian calendar for 1917 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104233151/https://www.prlib.ru/item/417322 |archive-date=4 November 2021}}</ref>
| 37,619
| 65.2
| 12,125
| 21.0
| 6,091
| 10.6
| 1,896
| 3.3
!57,731
|- |-
| 1926<ref name="ethno-caucasus"/> | 1926<ref name="ethno-caucasus"/>
| <center>30,878 | 30,878
| <center>53.8 | 53.8
| <center>16,148 | 16,148
| <center>28.1 | 28.1
| <center>4,470 | 4,470
| <center>7.8 | 7.8
| <center>5,897 | 5,897
| <center>10.3 | 10.3
! 57,339 ! 57,339
|- |-
| 1939 <ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> | 1939<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja39.html |title=Кировабадский горсовет (1939 г.)|work=Ethno-Caucasus |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328125558/http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja39.html |archive-date=28 March 2012}}</ref>
| <center>49,755 | 49,755
| <center>50.3 | 50.3
| <center>27,121 | 27,121
| <center>27.4 | 27.4
| <center>16,992 | 16,992
| <center>17.2 | 17.2
| <center>4,626 | 4,626
| <center>4.7 | 4.7
! 98,494 ! 98,494
|- |-
| 1959 <ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> | 1959<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja59.html |title=Кировабадский горсовет (1959 г.)|work=Ethno-Caucasus |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425042050/http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja59.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 }}</ref>
| <center>63,258 | 63,258
| <center>54.5 | 54.5
| <center>32,371 | 32,371
| <center>27.9 | 27.9
| <center>16,545 | 16,545
| <center>14.2 | 14.2
| <center>4,039 | 4,039
| <center>3.5 | 3.5
! 116,122 ! 116,122
|- |-
| 1970<ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> | 1970<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja70.html |title=Кировабадский горсовет (1970 г.)|work=Ethno-Caucasus |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527051708/http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja70.html |archive-date=27 May 2012 }}</ref>
| <center>122,973 | 122,973
| <center>64.9 | 64.9
| <center>40,588 | 40,588
| <center>21.4 | 21.4
| <center>22,022 | 22,022
| <center>11.6 | 11.6
| <center>3,929 | 3,929
| <center>2.1 | 2.1
! 189,512 ! 189,512
|- |-
| 1979<ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> | 1979<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja79.html |title=Кировабадский горсовет (1979 г.)|work=Ethno-Caucasus |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609064313/http://www.ethno-kavkaz.narod.ru/ganja79.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 }}</ref>
| <center>167,251 | 167,251
| <center>72.4 | 72.4
| <center>40,354 | 40,354
| <center>17.5 | 17.5
| <center>19,822 | 19,822
| <center>8.6 | 8.6
| <center>3,639 | 3,639
| <center>1.6 | 1.6
! 231,066 ! 231,066
|- |-
| 1999 <ref></ref> | 1999<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic1999.htm |title=Ethnic composition of Azerbaijan 1999 |website=pop-stat.mashke.org|access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729015208/http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic1999.htm |archive-date=29 July 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| <center>294,876 | 294,876
| <center>98.5 | 98.5
| <center>32 | 32
| <center>0.01 | 0.01
| <center>2,814 | 2,814
| <center>0.9 | 0.9
| <center>1,620 | 1,620
| <center>0.5 | 0.5
! 299,342 ! 299,342
|- |-
| 2009<ref></ref> | 2009<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic2009.htm |title=Ethnic composition of Azerbaijan 2009 |website=pop-stat.mashke.org|access-date=4 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207161726/http://pop-stat.mashke.org/azerbaijan-ethnic2009.htm |archive-date=7 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| <center>311,813 | 311,813
| <center>99.5 | 99.5
| <center>6 | 6
| <center>0 | 0
| <center>895 | 895
| <center>0.3 | 0.3
| <center>535 | 535
| <center>0.2 | 0.2
! 313,249 ! 313,249
|-
|- style="background:#dcdcdc;"
|colspan="10"|<big><sup>1</sup></big> ], ], ] etc. <br/> |colspan="10"|<big><sup>1</sup></big> ], ], ] etc.
|} |}


Ganja is the second largest city of Azerbaijan after ] with about 313,300 residents. The city is also inhabited by a large number of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia and ] from the Azerbaijani community of ] and surrounding areas. Their number was estimated to be 33,000 in 2011.<ref></ref> Ganja is the third largest city of Azerbaijan after ] and ] with about 335,600<ref>{{cite web |title=Statistical Yearbook of 2018 |publisher=State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan |url=https://www.stat.gov.az/menu/6/statistical_yearbooks/?lang=en |access-date=5 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015210/https://www.stat.gov.az/menu/6/statistical_yearbooks/?lang=en |archive-date=7 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> residents. The city is also inhabited by a large number of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia and ] from the Azerbaijani community of ] and surrounding areas. Their number was estimated to be more than 33,000 in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/?gn=e |title=Gəncə Şəhər İcra Hakimiyyəti |trans-title=Ganja City Executive Power |website=ganja-ih.gov.az |language=az |access-date=9 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124143817/http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/?gn=e |archive-date=24 January 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

] in Ganja number around 20,000.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Gereykhanov |first1=Gadzhi |last2=Lukyanov|first2=Alexei |last3=Morenov|first3=Igor |script-title=ru:Угрозы национальной безопасности России на Северном Кавказе: этноконфессиональный аспект|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=360iAQAAIAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Granitsa|isbn=9785946911009 |language=ru}}{{page needed|date=October 2020}}</ref>


===Historic Armenian community=== ===Historic Armenian community===
In addition to Persian and Turkic-speaking Muslims, the city had a numerically, economically and culturally significant Christian ] community. The city's traditional Armenian name is Gandzak (]), which derives from ''gandz'' (]), a ] from ], which means treasure or riches.<ref>{{cite book| author = Philological Society (Great Britain)| others = Philological Society (Great Britain) | title = Transactions of the Philological Society| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=w7MUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA100| year = 1956| publisher = Published for the Society by B. Blackwell.| page = 100 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dictionary.hayastan.com/index.php?a=print&d=1&t=1789 |title=Dictionary.Hayastan.com |access-date=24 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080318202747/http://dictionary.hayastan.com/index.php?a=print&d=1&t=1789 |archive-date=18 March 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> The founder of the ], ] was an Armenian '']'' (prince) and lord of a castle near Ganja who fled to ] in 1075 during the Seljuk invasion of Armenia.<ref>{{cite book| last = M. Setton| first = Kenneth| author2 = Robert Lee Wolff| author3 = Harry W. Hazard| title = The later Crusades, 1189–1311 (A History of the Crusades, volume, II)| chapter-url = http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/History.CrusTwo| date = 24 March 2006| publisher = ]| location = Madison, Wisconsin| isbn = 978-0-299-04844-0| page = 633| chapter = XVIII: The Kingdom of Cilician Armenia| access-date = 17 October 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081202055204/http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/History.CrusTwo| archive-date = 2 December 2008| url-status = live| df = dmy-all}}</ref>
In addition to Persian and Turkic-speaking Muslims, the city has had a numerically, economically and, culturally significant ] ] community.<ref>Soviet Census in 1926-1979, Newspaper Pravda Press, Moscow, 1983</ref><ref>According to the 1892 official data, 10524 of 25758 inhabitants of the city were Armenians, there were 6 Armenian Apostolic (Gregorian) churches", </ref> Among the ], the city is known as Gandzak (])<ref></ref><ref></ref><ref>"Gandzak (Ganja)" ]), the ] from ], which means treasure or riches.<ref>{{cite book| author = Philological Society (Great Britain)| others = Philological Society (Great Britain) | title = Transactions of the Philological Society| url = https://books.google.com/?id=w7MUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA100| year = 1956| publisher = Published for the Society by B. Blackwell.| isbn = | page = 100 }}</ref><ref></ref>
The city's historically important Christian figures include ], author of the History of the Armenians<ref>Kirakos, Gandzaketsi, History of the Armenians, New York: Sources of the Armenian Tradition, 1986.</ref>), ]<ref></ref> philosopher ]<ref></ref> author of the Code of Laws that was used in ], ] and Armenian diasporan groups in Europe,<ref>"Despite the code of Gosh not having official standing, it was used in Armenia, as in other countries with Armenian populations."
</ref> 13th century polymath ]<ref>{{hy icon}} Hovhannisyan, P. ''«Վարդան Արևելցի»'' (Vardan Areveltsi). ]. vol. xi. Yerevan, Armenian SSR: ], 1985, pp. 312-313.</ref> and ], Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem. Among the modern time's prominent Armenian person's of the city were Russian-Armenian architect Karo Halabyan,<ref></ref> secretary of the ] Communist Party ],<ref></ref> and the Olympic champion ],<ref></ref> and ] a ]n physicist, and one of the founders and first director of the ]. He is known as the "father of Armenian physics",<ref name="CERN Courier, Vol 2008, p. 41">, ''CERN Courier'', Vol. 48, N. 6, 2008, p. 41</ref> and ] a ]n ], ] of the ].


The city's historically important Armenian figures include:
The founder of the ], ] was an Armenian ] and lord of a castle near Ganja who fled to ] in 1075 during the Seljuk invasion of Armenia.<ref>{{cite book| last = M. Setton| first = Kenneth|author2=Robert Lee Wolff |author3=Harry W. Hazard | title = The later Crusades, 1189-1311 (A History of the Crusades, volume, II)| url = http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/History.CrusTwo| date = 2006-03-24| publisher = ]| location = Madison, Wisconsin| isbn = 978-0-299-04844-0| page = 633| chapter = XVIII: The Kingdom of Cilician Armenia }}</ref>
* ], 12th-century philosopher,<ref name=":5"/> author of the ''Code of Laws'' that was used in ], ] and Armenian diaspora communities in Europe<ref>"Despite the code of Gosh not having official standing, it was used in Armenia, as in other countries with Armenian populations." in , ]</ref>
* ], a 13th-century historian<ref name=":7"/>
* ], 13th-century polymath<ref name=":8"/>
* ], ] in 1613–45
* ], Soviet architect<ref name=":9"/>
* ], secretary of the ]<ref name=":10"/>
* ] and ], physicists<ref name="CERN Courier, Vol 2008, p. 41">{{cite magazine|url=http://cerncourier.com/cws/article/cern/34941/6 |title=Artem Alikhanian: the father of Armenian physics |magazine=CERN Courier |volume=48 |number=6|year=2008 |page=41|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121145714/http://cerncourier.com/cws/article/cern/34941/6 |archive-date=21 January 2015}}</ref>
* ], Soviet mathematician
* ], artistic gymnast and Olympic champion<ref name=":11"/>


===Religion=== ===Religion===
] religious complex in Ganja]]
The urban landscape of Ganja is shaped by many communities. The religion with the largest community of followers is Islam. The majority of the Muslims are ], and the Republic of Azerbaijan has the second highest Shia population percentage in the world after ].<ref>Juan Eduardo Campo,''Encyclopedia of Islam'', p.625</ref> The city's notable mosques include ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Azərbaycanda məscidlərin sayı 40 dəfə artıb|url=http://oxu.az/society/4376|website=oxu.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>
The urban landscape of Ganja is shaped by many communities. Religious diversity has however greatly decreased over the last decades, with the emigration of most Armenians, Slavs, Jews and Germans. The religion with the largest community of followers by far is Islam. The majority of the Muslims are ], and the Republic of Azerbaijan has the second-highest Shia population percentage in the world after ].<ref>{{cite book|last=Campo|first=Juan Eduardo |title=Encyclopedia of Islam |page=625}}</ref> The city's notable mosques include ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Azərbaycanda məscidlərin sayı 40 dəfə artıb|url=http://oxu.az/society/4376|website=oxu.az|access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112071827/http://oxu.az/society/4376|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live|date=12 September 2013}}</ref>
] ]]
There are some other faiths practiced among the different ethnic groups within the country. The other faith worshipping places include ], German ], Saint John Church and Saint Sarkis Church.<ref name="Русские в истории Азербайджана">{{Cite book|script-title =ru:Русские в истории Азербайджана|trans-title=Russians in the History of Azerbaijan|last1=Zapletin|first1=Georgy |last2=Shirinzade|first2=Gyulnara |language=ru|place=Baku| publisher = Ganun| year = 2008 }}{{page needed|date=October 2020}}</ref><ref>''Nor-Dar'', 1889, No. 85, p. 2</ref> Before the ] in 1988 a significant community of ] ] existed.


According to the ], as of 2018, the population of city recorded 332,600 persons, which increased by 31,900 persons (about 10.6 percent) from 300,700 persons in 2000.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|url=https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|title=Political division, population size and structure: Population by towns and regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan|website=The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142620/https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> 162,300 of total population are men, 170,300 are women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|title=Political division, population size and structure: Population by sex, towns and regions, urban settlements of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 2018|website=The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142620/https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> More than 26 percent of the population (about 86,500 persons) consists of young people and teenagers aged 14–29.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|title=Political division, population size and structure: Population at age 14–29 by towns and regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the beginning of the 2018|website=The State Statistical Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827142620/https://www.stat.gov.az/source/demoqraphy/?lang=en|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref>
There are some other faiths practiced among the different ethnic groups within the country. The other faith worshipping places include ], German ], Saint John Church and Saint Sarkis Church.<ref name="Русские в истории Азербайджана">{{Cite book|title = Русские в истории Азербайджана| author = Георгий Заплетин, Гюльнара Ширин-заде| url = | publisher = Ганун|location=| year = 2008 | pages= | isbn= | accessdate= }}</ref><ref>"Nor-Dar," 1889, No. 85, p. 2</ref> Before the ] in 1988 a significant community of ] ] existed.
{| class="wikitable"
|+Population of the district by the year (at the beginning of the year, thsd. persons)<ref name=":02" />
!Region
!2000
!2014
!2015
!2016
!2017
!2018
!2019
!2020
!2021
|-
|Ganja town
|300,7
|324,7
|328,4
|330,1
|331,4
|332,6
|334,0
|335,6
|335,8
|-
|Nizami region
|...
|149,3
|150,4
|151,2
|151,6
|152,0
|152,5
|153,0
|153,0
|-
|Kapaz region
|...
|175,4
|178,0
|178,9
|179,8
|180,6
|181,5
|182,6
|182,8
|}


==Economy== ==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Ganja}}
The economy of Ganja is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation. ] minerals extracted from nearby mines supply Ganja's metallurgical industries, which produces copper and alumina.<ref></ref> There are ], silk and ] industries. Other industries process food, grapes and cotton from the surrounding farmlands.
The economy of Ganja is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation. ] minerals extracted from nearby mines supply Ganja's metallurgical industries, which produces copper and alumina.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cac-biodiversity.org/aze/aze_cities.htm |title=Ganja on Cities & Sites |website=cac-biodiversity.org|access-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716161940/http://www.cac-biodiversity.org/aze/aze_cities.htm |archive-date=16 July 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> There are ], silk and ] industries. Other industries process food, grapes and cotton from the surrounding farmlands.


The city has one of the largest textile conglomerates in ] and is famous for a fabric named ''Ganja silk'', which received the highest marks in the markets of neighboring countries and the Middle East.<ref name="genc"></ref><ref> {{az icon}}</ref> The city has one of the largest textile conglomerates in Azerbaijan and is famous for a fabric named ''Ganja silk'', which received the highest marks in the markets of neighboring countries and the ].<ref name="genc">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mct.gov.az/?/en/cities/view/248/ |title=Ganja city |website=mct.gov.az |publisher=Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan |access-date=23 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005005737/http://www.mct.gov.az/?%2Fen%2Fcities%2Fview%2F248%2F |archive-date=5 October 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdu-ri.com/gencenin_tarixi.html |title=Gəncənin tarixi|website=gdu-ri.com|publisher=Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, Ganja State University|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100824015126/http://www.gdu-ri.com/gencenin_tarixi.html |archive-date=24 August 2010}}</ref>

People are mainly employed in manufacturing, education, transportation, service sectors and catering. Det.Al-Aluminium is the largest employer operating in Ganja, followed by ] and Ganja Winery Plant 2.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://ganja-ih.gov.az/page/14.html|title=Economy|website=Executive Power of Ganja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223106/http://ganja-ih.gov.az/page/14.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>


===Tourism and shopping=== ===Tourism and shopping===
{{Main|List of tourist attractions in Ganja}}]
]
]
Traditional shops, modern shops and malls create a mixture of shopping opportunities in Ganja. Javad Khan Street is the traditional shopping street that is located in the old town.<ref>{{cite web|last=Atashova|first=Ganira |title=Beşikdən qəbirədək dəyişən Gəncə (VİDEO)|date=2011-11-21|url=http://www.anspress.com/index.php?a=2&lng=az&nid=126819|website=ANSPress|language=az|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112090703/http://www.anspress.com/index.php?a=2&lng=az&nid=126819|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Constructed between 2014 and 2017,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganjanews.az/2017/11/22/iqtisadiyyat/"gəncə-mall"-ticarət-mərkəzi.html|title="Gəncə Mall" Ticarət Mərkəzi|website=GanjaNews|language=az|date=15 January 2018|access-date=21 August 2018}}{{dead link|date=October 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> ] is considered the city's largest mall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncədə nəhəng ticarət mərkəzi tikilir|url=http://www.regionsesi.az/2014/07/g%C9%99nc%C9%99d%C9%99-n%C9%99h%C9%99ng-ticar%C9%99t-m%C9%99rk%C9%99zi-tikilir/|website=regionsesi.az|access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112092238/http://www.regionsesi.az/2014/07/g%C9%99nc%C9%99d%C9%99-n%C9%99h%C9%99ng-ticar%C9%99t-m%C9%99rk%C9%99zi-tikilir/|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-projects/hpfcz/ganja_mall-project-pages.html|title=Ganja Mall|website=worldarchitecture.org|date=4 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191909/https://worldarchitecture.org/architecture-projects/hpfcz/ganja_mall-project-pages.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref> Other shopping centers include Khamsa Park, Taghiyev Mall and Aura Park.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|title=About the city|website=Executive Power of Ganja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160548/http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/10.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

Ganja is one of the famous tourist destinations in Azerbaijan with its historic buildings such as ], ], ], ], ], ], Shah Abbas Caravanserai and Ugurlu Bay Caravanserai.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/361/Tarixi-abideler|title=Historical monuments|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160534/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/361/Tarixi-abideler|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/360/275/Tabe-teskilatlar|title=Subordinate organizations|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160553/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/360/275/Tabe-teskilatlar|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gencekitab.az/abideler.shtml|title=Cultural Heritage of Ganja|website=Ganja City Central Library|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160502/https://gencekitab.az/abideler.shtml|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>


Other tourist and entertainment spots include Javad khan street, Triumphal Arch near Heydar Aliyev Center, the ], Flag square, ] resort zone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ganja.az/az/m%C9%99d%C9%99niyy%C9%99t/tarixi-abid%C9%99l%C9%99r/yerli-%C9%99h%C9%99miyy%C9%99tli-memarl%C4%B1q-abid%C9%99l%C9%99ri|title=Architectural monuments of local significance|website=ganja.az|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821161330/http://www.ganja.az/az/m%C9%99d%C9%99niyy%C9%99t/tarixi-abid%C9%99l%C9%99r/yerli-%C9%99h%C9%99miyy%C9%99tli-memarl%C4%B1q-abid%C9%99l%C9%99ri|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref> ] with the sceneries of lake ], lake ], ] and Mount Murov are located near Ganja.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.azernews.az/travel/86609.html|title=Goygol Lake opens its natural beauty to tourists|date=11 August 2015|work=AzerNews|access-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160642/https://www.azernews.az/travel/86609.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/city/30|title=About Ganja|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Centre|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821160520/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/city/30|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>
Traditional shops, modern shops and malls create a mixture of shopping opportunities in Ganja. Javad Khan Street is the traditional shopping street that is located in the old town.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beşikdən qəbirədək dəyişən Gəncə|url=http://www.anspress.com/index.php?a=2&lng=az&nid=126819|website=www.anspress.com|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> In 2013, construction work started on the ], which is expected to be the city's largest mall.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncədə nəhəng ticarət mərkəzi tikilir|url=http://www.regionsesi.az/2014/07/g%C9%99nc%C9%99d%C9%99-n%C9%99h%C9%99ng-ticar%C9%99t-m%C9%99rk%C9%99zi-tikilir/|website=www.regionsesi.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>


In 2016, Ganja will be the ], an event with a budget of 5.7 million euros, projected to boost tourism by about one-fifth.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja is European Youth Capital 2016!|url=http://www.yeu-international.org/en/publications/newsmail/small-stories-that-can-change-the-world/ganja-is-european-youth-capital-2016|website=www.yeu-international.org|accessdate=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja, European Youth Capital 2016|url=http://www.youthforum.org/pressrelease/ganja-european-youth-capital-2016/|website=www.youthforum.org|accessdate=17 November 2014}}</ref> In 2016, Ganja was selected as the ] by the final decision of international jury at the General Assembly of the ].<ref name="mfa.gov.az-EYC2016">{{Cite web|url=http://mfa.gov.az/en/content/970|title=Ganja – "European Youth Capital 2016"|website=mfa.gov.az|access-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130071607/http://mfa.gov.az/en/content/970|archive-date=30 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Ganja became the first city to win the title of European Youth Capital among the former Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and non-EU cities.<ref name="mfa.gov.az-EYC2016"/> It was an event with a budget of 5.7 million euros, projected to boost tourism by about one-fifth.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja is European Youth Capital 2016!|url=http://www.yeu-international.org/en/publications/newsmail/small-stories-that-can-change-the-world/ganja-is-european-youth-capital-2016|website=yeu-international.org|date=17 January 2014|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218171001/http://www.yeu-international.org/en/publications/newsmail/small-stories-that-can-change-the-world/ganja-is-european-youth-capital-2016|archive-date=18 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Ganja, European Youth Capital 2016|url=http://www.youthforum.org/pressrelease/ganja-european-youth-capital-2016/|website=youthforum.org|date=November 21, 2013|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225010354/http://www.youthforum.org/pressrelease/ganja-european-youth-capital-2016/|archive-date=25 December 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Culture== ==Culture==


The city has many amenities that offer a wide range of cultural activities, drawing both from a rich local dramatic portfolio and an international repertoire. The city is known for its famous metal handicrafts industry during the Middle Ages. The most notable works of that period includes ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncə darvazası|url=http://www.gencekitab.az/darvaza.shtml|website=www.gencekitab.az|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref><ref name=eurotourism>{{cite web|title=Ganja gates|url=http://eurotourism.az/content.php?page=633&lang=en&country=334|website=eurotourism.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = Ворота древней Гянджи|url=http://www.advantour.com/rus/azerbaijan/ganja/old-gate.htm| publisher=advantour| accessdate = }}</ref> Some of the city landmarks include ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncə darvazası|url=http://www.gencekitab.az/darvaza.shtml|website=gencekitab.az|language=az|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112080741/http://www.gencekitab.az/darvaza.shtml|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=eurotourism>{{cite web|title=Ganja gates |url=http://eurotourism.az/content.php?page=633&lang=en&country=334 |website=eurotourism.az |access-date=12 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112083347/http://eurotourism.az/content.php?page=633&lang=en&country=334 |archive-date=12 November 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = Ворота древней Гянджи, Гянджа|url = http://www.advantour.com/rus/azerbaijan/ganja/old-gate.htm|website= Advantour|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141112093325/http://www.advantour.com/rus/azerbaijan/ganja/old-gate.htm|archive-date = 12 November 2014|url-status = live|df = dmy-all}}</ref>


{{As of|2012}}, the city along with ] and ] participates in ] movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.az/articles/57316|title=Azerbaijan to join Earth Hour|website=News.Az|date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129231717/http://www.news.az/articles/57316|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2008366.html|title=IDEA campaign to hold Earth Hour action|website=trend.az|access-date=17 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040113/http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2008366.html|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live|date=30 March 2012}}</ref>
] is the oldest museum in the city, with over 30,000 artifacts.<ref>, gence.az</ref> The city is also home to ], which was built in 2014.<ref name=nizamuzey>{{cite web|title=Nizami Ganjavi Museum in Ganja|url=http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/en/content/view/136/3380/Nizami-Ganjavi-Museum-in-Ganja-|website=www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> The museum contains a research section, a library, a conference room, and corners for guests and tourists’ relaxation.<ref name=nizamuzey/>


=== Museums ===
{{As of|2012}}, the city along with ] and ] participates in ] movement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijan to join Earth Hour|url=http://www.news.az/articles/57316|website=www.news.az|accessdate=17 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IDEA campaign to hold Earth Hour action|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/society/2008366.html|website=en.trend.az|accessdate=17 November 2014}}</ref>
]]]
]
] is the oldest museum in the city, with over 30,000 artifacts.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gence.az/az/mədəniyyət/muzeylər/ngəncəvi-adına-gəncə-dövlət-tarix-diyarşünaslıq-muzeyi |title=N.Gəncəvi adına Gəncə Dövlət Tarix-Diyarşünaslıq Muzeyi |website=gence.az |language=az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207034642/http://www.gence.az/az/m%C9%99d%C9%99niyy%C9%99t/muzeyl%C9%99r/ng%C9%99nc%C9%99vi-ad%C4%B1na-g%C9%99nc%C9%99-d%C3%B6vl%C9%99t-tarix-diyar%C5%9F%C3%BCnasl%C4%B1q-muzeyi |archive-date=7 December 2016 |access-date=23 April 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The city is also home to ], which was built in 2014.<ref name="nizamuzey">{{cite web|title=Nizami Ganjavi Museum in Ganja|url=http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/en/content/view/136/3380/Nizami-Ganjavi-Museum-in-Ganja-|website=heydar-aliyev-foundation.org|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112122626/http://www.heydar-aliyev-foundation.org/en/content/view/136/3380/Nizami-Ganjavi-Museum-in-Ganja-|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The museum contains a research section, a library, a conference room, and corners for guests and tourists' relaxation.<ref name="nizamuzey" />

Other museums include Heydar Aliyev Museum, House Museum of Mir Jalal Pashayev, Memorial House-Museum of Nizami Ganjavi, Memorial-House Museum of İsrafil Mammadov, Ganja branch of Museum of Miniature Books, "Ganja Castle Gates – Archaeology and Ethnography Museum" monument complex, Cultural Center named after Mahsati Ganjavi, Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Mirza Shafi Vazeh.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://azertag.az/en/muzeyler|title=Muzeylər|agency=Azerbaijan State News Agency|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821193436/https://azertag.az/en/muzeyler|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/367/5/Gence|title=Culture|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191933/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/367/5/Gence|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://azertag.az/xeber/Miniatur_Kitab_Muzeyinin_Gence_filiali_achilib-953694|title=Miniatür Kitab Muzeyinin Gəncə filialı açılıb|agency=Azerbaijan State News Agency|date=2016-05-21|access-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523050318/http://azertag.az/xeber/Miniatur_kitab_muzeyinin_Gence_filiali_achilib-953694|archive-date=23 May 2016|language=az|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.president.az/articles/10855|title=Ilham Aliyev reviewed the monumental complex Ganja Fortress Gates – the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography|website=Official website of the President of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827203101/https://en.president.az/articles/10855|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.president.az/articles/25812|title=lham Aliyev attended inauguration of Mirza Shafi Vazeh Museum in Ganja|date=10 November 2017|website=president.az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115193632/http://en.president.az/articles/25812|archive-date=15 November 2017|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

=== Galleries ===
Ganja State Art Gallery was established in April 1984 according to the decision of Council of Ministers of ]. The Gallery is headed by the carpet-artist Faig Osmanov.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.azculture.az/g-nc-s-h-r-dovl-t-r-sm-qalereyasi/|title=Ganja State Art Gallery|website=Culture portal of the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131155/http://www.azculture.az/g-nc-s-h-r-dovl-t-r-sm-qalereyasi/|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/60/Gence-Dovlet-Resm-Qalereyasi|title=Ganja State Art Gallery|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131036/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/60/Gence-Dovlet-Resm-Qalereyasi|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref>


===Architecture=== ===Architecture===
] and ]'s tomb]]
Ganja is primarily known for its Azerbaijani and Islamic architecture, but its buildings reflect the various peoples and empires that have previously ruled the city. During ] period, the Khans proceeded to make an indelible impression on the skyline of Ganja, building towering mosques and houses from red bricks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja's Touristic Outlook|url=http://discoverazerbaijan.az/en/ganja/|website=discoverazerbaijan.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref>
Ganja is primarily known for its Azerbaijani and ], but its buildings reflect the various peoples and empires that have previously ruled the city. During the ] period, the Khans proceeded to make an indelible impression on the skyline of Ganja, building towering mosques and houses from red bricks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja's Touristic Outlook|url=http://discoverazerbaijan.az/en/ganja/|website=discoverazerbaijan.az|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023063426/http://discoverazerbaijan.az/en/ganja/|archive-date=23 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
] in Ganja]]
Among the oldest surviving examples of Islamic architecture in Ganja are the ] and ], which assisted the Shahs during their siege of the city.<ref>{{cite book|last=Chelkowski|first=Peter J. |title=Mirror of the invisible world: Tales from the Khamseh of Nizami |publisher=Metropolitan Museum of Art |year=1975 |page=3 |isbn=0-87099-142-6}} {{ISBN|978-0-87099-142-4}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja writes history|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/06/09/ganja-writes-history/|website=euronews.com|date=2013-06-09|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112064111/http://www.euronews.com/2013/06/09/ganja-writes-history/|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The area around and inside the mosques, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture like ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rafiqqizi|first1=Gulnur|title=Gəncədə 400 yaşlı "Çökək hamam" sauna olacaq, yoxsa muzey...|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/25029431.html|newspaper=Azadlıq Radiosu|date=27 June 2013 |access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112065715/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/25029431.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>


Another interesting building is the ].
Among the oldest surviving examples of ] in Ganja are the ] and ], which assisted the Shahs during their siege of the city.<ref>Peter J. Chelkowski. Mirror of the invisible world: Tales from the Khamseh of Nizami. Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1975. ISBN 0-87099-142-6, ISBN 978-0-87099-142-4, p. 3</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ganja writes history|url=http://www.euronews.com/2013/06/09/ganja-writes-history/|website=www.euronews.com|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> The area around and inside the mosques, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture like ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rafiqqizi|first1=Gulnur|title=Gəncədə 400 yaşlı "Çökək hamam" sauna olacaq, yoxsa muzey...|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/25029431.html|website=www.azadliq.org|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>
]


===Music and media=== ===Music and media===
On 21 January 2012, president ] laid the foundation of ].<ref name=filarmon>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani president reviews progress of construction at Ganja State Philharmonic (PHOTO)|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2323480.html|website=en.trend.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> The facility will include a 1,200 concert hall, an open-air cinema theatre, a drawing gallery, an urban center and an observation tower.<ref name=filarmon/> The ] was established in August 1990 according to the decision of the Ministry of Culture of the ].<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/52/Fikret-Emirov-adina-Gence-Dovlet-Filarmoniyasi|title=Fikrat Amirov Ganja State Philharmonic|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924185810/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/52/Fikret-Emirov-adina-Gence-Dovlet-Filarmoniyasi|archive-date=24 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref> On 21 January 2012, president ] laid the foundation of the Ganja State Philharmonic.<ref name=filarmon>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani president reviews progress of construction at Ganja State Philharmonic (PHOTO)|url=http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2323480.html|website=trend.az|date=19 October 2014|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112044501/http://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/politics/2323480.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The facility includes a 1,200 concert hall, an open-air cinema theatre, a drawing gallery, an urban center and an observation tower.<ref name=filarmon/> The new building of the Philharmonic Hall was put into use in 2017. The Goygol State Song and Dance Ensemble, the Orchestra of Folk Instruments and the Ganja State Chamber Orchestra operate under the Ganja State Philharmonic.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":1" /><gallery>
File:Bottle House in Ganja.jpg|Bottle house in Ganja, a local icon entirely made of glass bottles<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bottle-house-ganja|title=Bottle House of Ganja|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=29 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130030419/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/bottle-house-ganja|archive-date=30 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
</gallery>Two regional channels, Kapaz TV and Alternativ TV, are headquartered in Ganja.<ref>{{cite web|title=Radio-TV yayımı|website=mincom.gov.az|url=http://www.mincom.gov.az/fealiyyet/radio-tv-yayimi/|access-date=13 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027130212/http://www.mincom.gov.az/fealiyyet/radio-tv-yayimi/|archive-date=27 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Two newspapers are published in Ganja (''Gəncənin səsi'' and ''Novosti Qyandji'').<ref name=":1" />


=== Theaters ===
The two regional channels ''Kapaz TV'' and ''Alternativ TV'' are headquartered in Ganja.<ref>{{cite web|title=Radio-TV yayımı|url=http://www.mincom.gov.az/fealiyyet/radio-tv-yayimi/|accessdate=13 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>


===Parks and gardens=== ==== Ganja State Drama Theater ====
{{main|Ganja State Drama Theater}}
The building of the Ganja State Drama Theater was built by the German entrepreneur Christofor Forer in the 1880s. Ganja Drama Theater was established in 1921 in Baku as "Tənqid-təbliğ" (literally means "Criticism-propaganda"). In 1935 the theater moved to Ganja with its staff and continues its activity here under different names until 1990. The theater has been called the Ganja State Drama Theater since 1990.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/51/Gence-Dovlet-Dram-Teatri|title=Ganja State Drama Theater|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926130956/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/51/Gence-Dovlet-Dram-Teatri|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref>


==== Ganja State Puppet Theater ====
Ganja has many well-maintained parks and gardens, with the Khan's garden being one of the most scenic parks, and one of the city's most known landmarks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncədə bağı kim salıb: xan, yoxsa sərdar?|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/2108399.html|website=www.azadliq.org|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref> It features interesting landscaping, and consists of a wide variety of trees and plants in an open concept.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sadigov|first1=Hasanbala|title=The Khan's Garden in Ganja|url=http://www.visions.az/culture,389/|website=www.visions.az|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref>
{{Main|Ganja State Puppet Theatre}}
]]]
Ganja State Puppet Theater was established according to Decree No. 299 of the Council of Ministers of the ] in September 1986. Before receiving "state theater" status in 1986, it was functioning as public theater. Ganja Puppet Theater operates in the building of ] constructed in 1885 by German settlers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/50/Gence-Dovlet-Kukla-Teatri|title=Ganja State Puppet Theater|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131054/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/360/50/Gence-Dovlet-Kukla-Teatri|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=26 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://azteatr.musigi-dunya.az/file?id=88&dt=1742|title=State Theatres|website=Theatre of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926130714/http://azteatr.musigi-dunya.az/file?id=88&dt=1742|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live|access-date=22 May 2017}}</ref>

===Parks and gardens===
]
Ganja has many well-maintained parks and gardens, with the Khan's garden being one of the most scenic parks, and one of the city's most known landmarks.<ref>{{cite news|last=Raqifqızı|first=Gülnur |title=Gəncədə bağı kim salıb: xan, yoxsa sərdar?|url=http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/2108399.html|website=azadliq.org|date=24 July 2010|access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112080338/http://www.azadliq.org/content/article/2108399.html|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> It features interesting landscaping, and consists of a wide variety of trees and plants in an open concept.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sadigov|first=Hasanbala|date=March–June 2012|title=The Khan's Garden in Ganja|url=http://www.visions.az/culture,389/|website=Visions of Azerbaijan|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920023905/http://www.visions.az/culture,389/|archive-date=20 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
]
Other prominent parks and gardens include Heydar Aliyev Park Complex, "Ganja 2016 European Youth Capital Park", "Ganja river" park-boulevard complex, Istiglal Avenue, Fikrat Amirov Park, Fuzuli Park, and Narimanov Park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/360/268/Tabe-teskilatlar|title=Subordinate organizations – parks|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191913/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/page/360/268/Tabe-teskilatlar|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref> ] includes an Amphitheater considered for organizing large outdoor events for up to 5000 people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.yenigence.com/q%C9%99dim-g%C9%99nc%C9%99y%C9%99-s%C9%99yah%C9%99t-amfiteatr/|title=Amphitheater in Ganja|date=11 July 2017|work=Yeni Gəncə|access-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131125/https://www.yenigence.com/q%C9%99dim-g%C9%99nc%C9%99y%C9%99-s%C9%99yah%C9%99t-amfiteatr/|archive-date=26 September 2018|language=az-AZ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://heydaraliyevcenterganja.com/amphiteater/231-amphitheater.html|title=Amphitheater in Heydar Aliyev park-complex|work=Ganja Heydar Aliyev Center|access-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926131034/http://heydaraliyevcenterganja.com/amphiteater/231-amphitheater.html|archive-date=26 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Sports=== ===Sports===
]]]
The city has one professional ] team, ], currently competing in the second-flight of ]i football, the ].<ref> {{ru icon}}</ref> The club has three Azerbaijani league and four cup titles.
The city has one professional ] team, ], currently competing in the second-flight of Azerbaijani football, the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ganca.net/rus/presentr3.html |title=Гянджа сегодня |website=ganca.net |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906123959/http://www.ganca.net/rus/presentr3.html |archive-date=6 September 2008}}</ref> The club has three Azerbaijani league and four cup titles.

There are Olympic Sports Complex with 2 buildings (put into operation in 2002 and 2006 respectively),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mys.gov.az/en/institutions/olympic-facilities/2/ganja-olympic-sport-complex|title=Olympic Facilities|website=Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223311/http://www.mys.gov.az/en/institutions/olympic-facilities/2/ganja-olympic-sport-complex|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref> ] with a capacity of 27,000<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thefootballstadiums.com/ganja-city-stadium|title=Ganja City Stadium|website=thefootballstadiums.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223105/http://www.thefootballstadiums.com/ganja-city-stadium|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.football-lineups.com/stadium/4017/Videos/|title=Ganja City Stadium – Football Stadium|website=Football-Lineups|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223102/http://www.football-lineups.com/stadium/4017/Videos/|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref> put into use in 1964 and other sporting facilities in Ganja.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/18.html|title=Sport|website=Executive Power of Ganja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223121/http://www.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/18.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/18.html|title=Sports|website=Kapaz District Executive Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223205/http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/18.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>

In September 2017 "Ganja Marathon 2017" was organized involving 11,000 people from different regions of Azerbaijan, as well as foreigners under the slogan "Be with us in the Marathon". The race started from Triumphal Arch and finished at the Heydar Aliyev Park Complex covering a distance of 17 kilometers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.marathon.az/articles/view/gence-marafonu-2017-de-qadinlar-arasinda-finis-xettini-kecen-ilk-10-istirakcinin-siyahisi|title=Ganja Marathon 2017|website=Ganja Marathon 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705161158/http://ganja.marathon.az/articles/view/gence-marafonu-2017-de-qadinlar-arasinda-finis-xettini-kecen-ilk-10-istirakcinin-siyahisi|archive-date=5 July 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.aspx?storyid=1095868481&title=Ganja-Marathon2017-organized-at-the-initiative-of-the-Heydar-Aliyev-Foundation-to-kick-off-today&src=RSS|title=Ganja Marathon-2017|work=MENAFN News|access-date=21 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191932/https://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.aspx?storyid=1095868481&title=Ganja-Marathon2017-organized-at-the-initiative-of-the-Heydar-Aliyev-Foundation-to-kick-off-today&src=RSS|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Transportation==


]
==Transport==


===Public transport=== ===Public transport===
Ganja has a large urban transport system, mostly managed by the ]. In 2013, ] stated that city, along with ] and ] will have new ] line within the framework of the 20-year subway program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Subway to be constructed in Sumgayit, Nakhchivan and Ganja|url=http://en.apa.az/news_subway_to_be_constructed_in_sumgayit__na_192507.html|website=en.apa.az|accessdate=10 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Subways to open in major Azerbaijani cities|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/53594.html|website=www.azernews.az|accessdate=10 November 2014}}</ref> The city had ], functioning from 1955 to 2004.<ref name=electrotrans>{{cite web|title=13. Гянджа (Кировабад) (троллейбус) |trans_title=Vândža (Kirovabad) (trolleybus)|url=http://transit.parovoz.com/masstransit/index.php?ID=13|work=Горэлектротранс (Electrotrans) website|publisher=Дмитрий Зиновьев (Dmitry Zinoviev)|accessdate=24 September 2012|language=ru}}</ref> Ganja has a large urban transport system, mostly managed by the ]. In 2013, ] stated that the city, along with ] and ] will have a new ] line within the framework of the 20-year subway program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Subway to be constructed in Sumgayit, Nakhchivan and Ganja|url=http://en.apa.az/news_subway_to_be_constructed_in_sumgayit__na_192507.html|website=apa.az|date=8 May 2013|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107152319/http://en.apa.az/news_subway_to_be_constructed_in_sumgayit__na_192507.html|archive-date=7 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Subways to open in major Azerbaijani cities|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/53594.html|website=AzerNews|date=9 May 2013|access-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110042628/http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/53594.html|archive-date=10 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The city had a ], functioning from 1955 to 2004.<ref name=electrotrans>{{cite web|title=13. Гянджа (Кировабад) (троллейбус)|trans-title=Vândža (Kirovabad) (trolleybus)|url=http://transit.parovoz.com/masstransit/index.php?ID=13|work=Горэлектротранс (Electrotrans) website|publisher=Дмитрий Зиновьев (Dmitry Zinoviev)|access-date=24 September 2012|language=ru|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131021743/http://transit.parovoz.com/masstransit/index.php?ID=13|archive-date=31 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>


The Ganja trams is expected to become operational in 2015. The city had been without a tram system since ] ceased in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tramways to be laid in Azerbaijan's Ganja|url=http://news.az/articles/economy/90490|website=news.az|accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> ] is expected to participate in the reconstruction of the tram-line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tram line to appear in Ganja|url=http://www.today.az/news/society/118455.html|website=www.today.az|accessdate=9 November 2014}}</ref> Ganja is without a tram system since ] ceased in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tramways to be laid in Azerbaijan's Ganja|url=http://news.az/articles/economy/90490|website=News.Az|date=21 July 2014|access-date=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109073019/http://news.az/articles/economy/90490|archive-date=9 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Air=== ===Air===
] is the only airport in the city.<ref> {{az icon}}</ref> The airport is connected by bus to the city center. There are domestic flights to ] and international service to Russia and Turkey. ] is the only airport in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intranslaw.com/jurnal-147.html |title=Gəncə Beynəlxalq hava limanının açılış mərasimi |website=intranslaw.com |language=az |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113063922/http://www.intranslaw.com/jurnal-147.html |archive-date=13 November 2017}}</ref> The airport is connected by bus to the city center. There are domestic flights to ] and international service to Russia and Turkey.


===Rail=== ===Rail===
] will directly connect the city with Turkey and Georgia.]] ] directly connects the city with Turkey and Georgia.]]
Ganja sits on one of the Azerbaijani primary rail lines running East-West connecting the capital, ], with the rest of the country. The ] will run along the line through the city. The railway provides both human transportation and transport of goods and commodities such as oil and gravel. Ganja sits on one of the Azerbaijani primary rail lines running east–west connecting the capital, ], with the rest of the country. The ] runs along the line through the city. The railway provides both human transportation and transport of goods and commodities such as oil and gravel.


Ganja's Central Railway Station is the terminus for national and international rail links to the city. The ], which will directly connect ], Georgia and ], began to be constructed in 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani FM: Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad to be built in 2012|url=http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1767013.html|publisher=trend.az|accessdate=26 January 2011}}</ref> The completed branch will connect Ganja with ] in Georgia, and from there trains will continue to ], and ] in Turkey.<ref>] February 2009 p54 with map</ref> Ganja's Central Railway Station is the terminus for national and international rail links to the city. The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, which directly connects ], Georgia and Azerbaijan, began to be constructed in 2007 and completed in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=Azerbaijani FM: Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad to be built in 2012|url=http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1767013.html|website=trend.az|date=15 October 2010|access-date=26 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101018053243/http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1767013.html|archive-date=18 October 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The completed branch connects Ganja with ] in Georgia, and from there trains continue to ], and ] in Turkey.<ref>] February 2009 p54 with map</ref>


==Education== ==Education==
The first seminary in Azerbaijan aimed at professional training of school teachers was opened in Ganja in 1914 which was united with Girls Seminary in 1927 and renamed as Ganja Pedagogical Technical School ({{Langx|az|Gəncə Pedoqoji Texnikumu}}).<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://anl.az/el/Kitab/254489.pdf|title=The history of Azerbaijan (1900–1920) in 7 volumes|last=Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences|publisher=Elm|year=2008|isbn=978-9952-448-41-2|editor-last=Mahmud Ismayilov, Nigar Maksvel|volume=5|location=Baku|pages=165|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180517025227/http://www.anl.az/el/Kitab/254489.pdf|archive-date=17 May 2018|access-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
Ganja is home to four major institutes for post-secondary education. ] was founded as Ganja Teachers Institute after ] in 1939.<ref name=GSU>{{cite web|title=Ganja State University|url=https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/otlas-partner-finding/organisation/ganja-state-university.1788/|website=www.salto-youth.net|accessdate=12 November 2014}}</ref> In 2000, the ] renamed the institute to Ganja State University.<ref name=GSU/> The university includes 8 faculty departments and 10 offices.<ref name=GSU/> The city also includes ], ] and local branch of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ali təhsil müəssisələrinin siyahısı|url=http://www.edu.gov.az/view.php?lang=az&menu=339&id=613|website=www.edu.gov.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>


Ganja is home to four major institutes for post-secondary education. ] was founded as Ganja Teachers Institute after ] in 1939.<ref name="GSU">{{cite web|title=Ganja State University|url=https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/otlas-partner-finding/organisation/ganja-state-university.1788/|website=salto-youth.net|access-date=12 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112101224/https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/otlas-partner-finding/organisation/ganja-state-university.1788/|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2000, the ] renamed the institute to Ganja State University.<ref name="GSU" /> The university includes 8 faculty departments and 10 offices.<ref name="GSU" /> The city also includes ], ] and a local branch of the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ali təhsil müəssisələrinin siyahısı|url=http://www.edu.gov.az/view.php?lang=az&menu=339&id=613|website=edu.gov.az|access-date=12 November 2014|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112081921/http://www.edu.gov.az/view.php?lang=az&menu=339&id=613|archive-date=12 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Famous native==
{{details|:Category:People from Ganja, Azerbaijan}}
Because of its intermittent periods of great prosperity as well as being one of the largest cities in Azerbaijan and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse in the Caucasus, Ganja prides itself on having produced a disproportionate number of notable figures in the sciences, arts and other fields. Some of the houses they resided in display commemorative plaques. Some of the many prestigious residents include: poet ], Olympic champion ], ruler of ] ], poets ], ], ], composer ], philosopher ] and prime minister of Azerbaijan ].
<center>
<gallery perrow=5>
File:Amirov.jpg|], prominent Azerbaijani composer of the Soviet period.
File:Nizami Rug Crop.jpg|], considered as one of Middle East's greatest poets.
File:Nesib bey Yusifbeyli (Mucadile. Birinci Hisse. Istiqlalin Beshiyi (2006)).JPG|], was major political figure in ].
File:Kashkay.jpg|], was an eminent Azerbaijani geologist, author of multitude works in the sphere of ] and ].
File:Mirza Shafi Vazeh.jpg|], continued the classical traditions of Azerbaijani poetry from the 14th century.
File:Hasan bay Agayev.jpg|], served as the Deputy Speaker of National Assembly of ].
File:Shaxmati 125.jpg|], known as ] of chess and television ] of weekly ''Chess Club'' programme.
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2013-1106.jpg|], persecuted for her courageous poetry condemning religious fanaticism and dogmas.
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2013-1088.jpg|], writer and the Chairman of the Writers' Union in ].
File:Mahmud.Qurbanov.jpg|], won ] record 12 times with six different clubs.<ref></ref>
</gallery>
</center>


There are also schools offering secondary specialized education like Ganja Music College, Ganja Medicine College, Ganja State Regional College (established by combining Ganja Humanitarian College and Ganja Technical College in 2010).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/366/5/Gence|title=Education|website=Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan – Ganja Regional Culture Office|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821191921/http://ganja.mctgov.az/az/view/366/5/Gence|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://edu.gov.az/az/page/451/12008|title=Decision of Cabinet of Ministers dated 15 July 2011|website=Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan|language=az|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223138/http://edu.gov.az/az/page/451/12008|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>
==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Asia#Azerbaijan|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan}}


There are a total of 7 schools offering vocational education in Ganja, being located as 3 vocational lyceums and a vocational school in ], a vocational lyceum and 2 vocational schools in ].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nizami.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/15.html|title=Education|website=Nizami District Executive Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223205/http://nizami.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/15.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/15.html|title=Education|website=Kapaz District Executive Power|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821223135/http://kapaz.ganja-ih.gov.az/page/15.html|archive-date=21 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref>
===Twin towns — Sister cities===
Ganja is ] with various cities.<ref name="Azerbaijan twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.azerbaijans.com/content_1719_en.html|title=Twin-cities of Azerbaijan|accessdate=2013-08-09|work=Azerbaijans.com}}</ref>


==Notable residents==
{{Colbegin|3}}
{{further|:Category:People from Ganja, Azerbaijan}}
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey, <small>(since 1994)</small><ref>{{cite web|title=BAKÜ-İZMİR DOSTLUK KÖPRÜSÜNE BİR TUĞLA DAHA|url=http://www.izmir.bel.tr/HaberDetay/2436/tr|website=www.izmir.bel.tr|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Turkish}}</ref>
The city's notable residents include: poet ], scientist ], Olympic champion ], ruler of ] ], poets ], ], ], writer ], composer ], historian ], major political figure ], deputy speaker of ], ], geologist ], prime minister of Azerbaijan ], chess player ], footballer ], ]er ], and Supreme Court Justice ]. There were also several notable Armenian residents of Ganja, including ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=":5">, ]</ref><ref name=":7">{{cite book|last=Kirakos |first=Gandzaketsi |title=History of the Armenians |place=New York |publisher=Sources of the Armenian Tradition |year=1986}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{cite encyclopedia|last=Hovhannisyan |first=P. |script-title=hy:Վարդան Արևելցի|trans-title=Vardan Areveltsi |language=hy|encyclopedia=]|volume=XI |place=Yerevan, Armenian SSR |publisher=] |year=1985 |pages=312–313}}</ref><ref name=":9">, ]</ref><ref name=":10">, ]</ref><ref name="CERN Courier, Vol 2008, p. 41" /><ref name=":11">{{Cite web|url=http://slovari.yandex.ru/dict/olympic/article/olymp/ol11/ol1-0057.htm?text=%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B4|title=Azarian at BSE}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey, <small>(since 2001)</small><ref>{{cite web|title=Kars-Gence kardeş şehir|url=http://arsiv.zaman.com.tr//2001/05/20/dogu/dogudevam.htm|website=arsiv.zaman.com.tr|language=Turkish}}</ref>

*{{flagicon|USA}} ], ], United States, <small>(since 2004)</small><ref>{{cite web|title=НЬЮ-АРК И ГЯНДЖА СТАЛИ ГОРОДАМИ-ПОБРАТИМАМИ |url=http://azertag.az/ru/xeber/NYU_ARK_I_GYANDZHA_STALI_GORODAMI_POBRATIMAMI-627190|language=Russian}}</ref>
<gallery class="center" perrow="5">
*{{flagicon|UKR}} ], Ukraine, <small>(since 2005)</small><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Гянджа и Днепропетровск станут городами-побратимами|url=http://www.regnum.by/news/505471.html|website=www.regnum.by|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Russian}}</ref>
File:Nizami Rug Crop.jpg|], the author of ''Khamsa'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bl.uk/collection-items/khamsah-of-nizami|title=Khamsah of Nizami|website=The British Library|access-date=2018-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029155621/http://www.bl.uk/collection-items/khamsah-of-nizami|archive-date=29 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> considered one of the Middle East's greatest poets.
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey, <small>(since 2012)</small><ref>{{cite web|title=Gaziantep'in 4 kardeşi daha oldu |url=http://www.gaziantepgundem.com/gaziantep/gaziantepin-4-kardesi-daha-oldu-h3350.html |website=www.gaziantepgundem.com |accessdate=12 November 2014 |language=Turkish |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/20121113090022/http://www.gaziantepgundem.com:80/gaziantep/gaziantepin-4-kardesi-daha-oldu-h3350.html |archivedate=13 November 2012 }}</ref>
File:Nesib bey Yusifbeyli.jpg|], was a major political figure in the ].
*{{flagicon|CZE}} ], Czech Republic, <small>(since 2012)</small><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Гянджа и Оломоуц стали городами-побратимами - ФОТО|url=http://www.1news.az/society/20120427041422551.html|website=www.1news.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Russian}}</ref>
File:Toghrul Asgarov at the 2016 Summer Olympics awarding ceremony (cropped).jpg|], Azerbaijani Olympic and European champion in ].
*{{flagicon|TJK}} ], Tajikistan, <small>(since 2012)</small><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ru:Худжанд и Гянджа стали городами побратимами|url=http://www.avesta.tj/sociaty/14485-hudzhand-i-gyandzha-stali-gorodami-pobratimami.html|website=www.avesta.tj|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Russian}}</ref>
File:Kashkay.jpg|], was an eminent Azerbaijani geologist, author of multitude works in the sphere of ] and ].
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey, <small>(since 2013)</small><ref>{{cite web|title=Gəncə ilə Eskişehir qardaş oldu|url=http://az.azvision.az/Gence_ile_Eskishehir_qardash_-3002-xeber.html|website=az.azvision.az|accessdate=12 November 2014|language=Azerbaijani}}</ref>
File:Mirza Shafi Vazeh.jpg|], continued the classical traditions of Azerbaijani poetry from the 14th century.
*{{flagicon|GEO}} ], Georgia
File:Hasan bay Agayev.jpg|], served as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
*{{flagicon|IRN}} ], Iran, <small>(since 2015)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.azernews.az/azerbaijan/76127.html|title=Ganja Tabriz Sister Cities|accessdate=14 February 2015}}</ref>
File:Ilham Aliyev attended a ceremony dedicated to sport results of 2015 (Hasanov).jpg|], known as ] of chess and ] of weekly ''Chess Club'' programme.
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2013-1106.jpg|], a 12th-century woman poet persecuted for her courageous poetry condemning religious fanaticism and dogmas.
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
File:Stamps of Azerbaijan, 2013-1088.jpg|], writer and the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan.
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
File:Mahmud.Qurbanov.jpg|], won ] record 12 times with six different clubs.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://azerisport.com/articles.php?item_id=20090518121828064&sec_id=2 |script-title=ru:Махмуд Гурбанов: Это словно первое чемпионство |language=ru |website=azerisport.com |date=18 May 2009|access-date=11 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111072601/http://azerisport.com/articles.php?item_id=20090518121828064&sec_id=2 |archive-date=11 November 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
</gallery>
*{{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia

*{{flagicon|GEO}} ], Georgia
==Twin towns – sister cities==
*{{flagicon|TJK}} ], Tajikistan
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan}}
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
Ganja is ] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=Gədəbəy şəhəri ilə ABŞ-ın Oklahoma şatatının Stilluater (Stillwater) şəhəri arasında qardaşlaşma memorandumu imzalanıb|url=https://anews.az/az/gedebey-seheri-ile-amerika-birlesmis-statlarinin-oklahoma-seheri-arasinda-qardaslasma-memorandumu-imzalanib-fotolar/|website=anews.az|publisher=Azerbaijan News|language=az|date=2019-11-09|access-date=2021-01-19}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*{{flagicon|VIE}} ], Vietnam
* {{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
{{Colend}}
* {{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey (2001)
* {{flagicon|GEO}} ], Georgia (1996)
* {{flagicon|RUS}} ], Russia
* {{flagicon|USA}} ], United States (2004)
* {{flagicon|CZE}} ], Czech Republic (2012)
* {{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
* {{flagicon|TUR}} ], Turkey
* {{flagicon|IRN}} ], Iran (2015)
<!--rest - not twinning-->
{{div col end}}


==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]


==References== ==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist|30em}}


==External links== == External links ==
{{EB9 Poster|Elizabethpol}}
{{commons category|Ganja}}
{{EB1911 poster|Elisavetpol (town)}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Ganja}}
* {{commons-inline|Gəncə}}
* *
* at the * at the
*{{GEOnet2|32FA881514203774E0440003BA962ED3|Ganja (as Gəncə)}} * {{GEOnet2|32FA881514203774E0440003BA962ED3|Ganja (as Gəncə)}}


{{coord|40|40|58|N|46|21|38|E|display=title}} {{coord|40|40|58|N|46|21|38|E|display=title}}
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{{European Youth Capital}} {{European Youth Capital}}
{{Iranian architecture}} {{Iranian architecture}}

{{use dmy dates|date=December 2010}}

{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


]
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Latest revision as of 05:05, 27 December 2024

For other uses, see Ganja (disambiguation).

City in Ganja-Dashkasan, Azerbaijan
Ganja Gəncə
City
Official seal of GanjaSeal
Nickname: Qırmızı Şəhər (Red City)
Ganja in AzerbaijanGanja in Azerbaijan
Coordinates: 40°40′58″N 46°21′38″E / 40.68278°N 46.36056°E / 40.68278; 46.36056
Country Azerbaijan
RegionGanja-Dashkasan
Government
 • MayorNiyazi Bayramov
Area
 • Total110 km (40 sq mi)
Elevation408 m (1,339 ft)
Population
 • Total335,600
 • Density3,100/km (7,900/sq mi)
 • Population Rank in Azerbaijan3rd
DemonymGanjaly (Gəncəli)
Time zoneUTC+4 (AZT)
Vehicle registration20 AZ
Websiteganja-ih.gov.az

Ganja (/ˈɡændʒə/; Azerbaijani: Gəncə [ɟænˈdʒæ] ) is Azerbaijan's third largest city, with a population of around 335,600. The city has been a historic and cultural center throughout most of its existence. It was the capital of the Ganja Khanate until 1804; after Qajar Iran ceded it to the Russian Empire following the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813, it became part of the administrative divisions of the Georgia Governorate, Georgia-Imeretia Governorate, Tiflis Governorate, and Elizavetpol Governorate. Following the dissolution of the Russian Empire and the Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic, it became a part of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, followed by Azerbaijan SSR, and, since 1991, the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Etymology

See also: Arran (Caucasus)

The name Ganja derives from the Persian word ganj (Middle Persian: ganj), meaning "treasure" or "treasury". It was called Janza in Arabic sources and Gandzak in Armenian sources. The explanation that the city was named this after its founder discovered treasure nearby (see below) is considered a folk etymology. According to one view, the city may have been named after Ganzak, the pre-Muslim capital of Adurbadagan. The city was renamed Yelizavetpol (Russian: Елизаветпо́ль, romanized: Yelizavetpól', IPA: [jɪlʲɪzəvʲɪtˈpolʲ]) in 1813, when it was part of the Russian Empire. After its incorporation into the Soviet Union, it was initially renamed back to Ganja (Gyandzha) in 1924, but in 1935 the name was changed again to Kirovabad (Russian: Кироваба́д, romanized: Kirovabád, IPA: [kʲɪrəvɐˈbat]) in honor of the Soviet politician Sergei Kirov, a name which the city retained throughout most of the rest of the Soviet period. In 1989, during perestroika, the city regained its original name of Ganja (Azerbaijani: Gəncə), which is known as Gyandzha (Гянджа, [ɡʲɪnˈdʑa]) in Russian, Gyanja (Գյանջա) or Gandzak (Գանձակ) in Armenian, and Ganjeh (گنجه) in Persian.

History

Medieval era

Gate of Ganja, now in Gelati Monastery, Imereti, Georgia
Ancient Ganja's necropolises and burial mounds

According to the anonymous medieval Arabic history Tarikh Bab al-abwab, the city of Ganja was founded in 859–60 by Muhammad ibn Khalid ibn Yazid ibn Mazyad, the Arab governor of the region during the reign of the caliph Al-Mutawakkil, and so-called because of a treasure unearthed there. According to the legend, the Arab governor had a dream where a voice told him that there was a treasure hidden under one of the three hills around the area where he camped. The voice told him to unearth it and use the money to found a city. He did so and informed the caliph about the money and the city. The caliph made Muhammad the hereditary governor of the city on the condition that he would give the money he found to the caliph. The foundation of the city by the Arabs in the 9th century is supported by the medieval Armenian historian Movses Kaghankatvatsi, who mentions that the city of Ganja was founded in 846–47 in the canton of Arshakashen by "Mahmed son of Xałtʿ" (i.e., Muhammad ibn Khalid). The 14th-century Persian historian Hamdallah Mustawfi instead claims that the city was founded in 659–60, when the Arab armies first arrived in the South Caucasus.

However, the Persian origin of Ganja's name suggests that there was an older pre-Islamic town there. According to some sources, it changed hands between Persians, Khazars and Arabs even in the 7th century. The area in which Ganja is located was known as Arran from the 9th to 12th century; its urban population spoke mainly in the Persian language.

Historically an important city of the South Caucasus, Ganja has been part of the Sassanid Empire, Great Seljuk Empire, Kingdom of Georgia, Atabegs of Azerbaijan, Khwarezmid Empire, Il-Khans, Timurids, Qara Qoyunlu, Ak Koyunlu, the Safavid, the Afsharid, the Zand and the Qajar empires of Persia/Iran. Prior to the Iranian Zand and Qajar rule, following Nader Shah's death, it was ruled locally for a few decades by the khans of the Ganja Khanate, who themselves were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were a branch of the Iranian Qajar family. Ganja is also the birthplace of the famous Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi.

Silver coin of Abbas II (r. 1642–1666), minted in Ganja, dated 1658/9 (left = obverse; right = reverse)
Silver coin of Karim Khan Zand (r. 1751–1779), minted in Ganja, dated 1763/4 (left = obverse; right = reverse)

The people of Ganja experienced a temporary cultural decline after an earthquake in 1139, when the city was taken by king Demetrius I of Georgia and its gates taken as trophies which is still kept in Georgia, and again after the Mongol invasion in 1231. The city was revived after the Safavids came to power in 1501 and incorporated all of Azerbaijan and beyond into their territories. The city came under brief occupation by the Ottomans between 1578–1606 and 1723–1735 during the prolonged Ottoman-Persian Wars, but nevertheless stayed under intermittent Iranian suzerainty from the earliest 16th century up to the course of the 19th century, when it was forcefully ceded to neighbouring Imperial Russia.

16th–19th centuries and Russian conquest

Silver coin of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar (r. 1797–1834), minted in Ganja, dated 1802/3 (left = obverse; right = reverse)

For a short period, Ganja was renamed Abbasabad by Shah Abbas after war against the Ottomans. He built a new city 8 kilometres (5 miles) to the southwest of the old one, but the name changed back to Ganja during the time. During the Safavid rule, it was the capital of the Karabakh province. In 1747, Ganja became the center of the Ganja Khanate for a few decades following the death of Nader Shah, until the advent of the Iranian Zand and Qajar dynasties. The khans/dukes who de facto self-ruled the khanate, were subordinate to the central rule in mainland Iran and were from a branch of the Iranian Qajar family.

The siege of Ganja Fortress in 1804 during the Russo-Persian War (1804–1813) by the Russian forces under leadership of general Pavel Tsitsianov.

From the late 18th century, Russia actively started to increase its encroachments into Iranian and Turkish territory to the south. Following the annexation of eastern Georgia in 1801, Russia was now keen to conquer the rest of the Iranian possessions in the Caucasus. Russian expansion into the South Caucasus met particularly strong opposition in Ganja. In 1804, the Russians, led by General Pavel Tsitsianov, invaded and sacked Ganja, sparking the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813. Some western sources assert that "the capture of the city was followed by a massacre of up to 3,000 inhabitants of Ganja by the Russians". They also claim that "500 of them were slaughtered in a mosque where they had taken refuge, after an Armenian apprised the Russians that there might have been 'Daghestani robbers' among them".

With their military superiority, the Russians were victorious in the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813. By the Treaty of Gulistan that followed, Iran was forced to cede the Ganja Khanate to Russia. The Iranians briefly managed to oust the Russians from Ganja during the 1826 offensive during the Russo-Persian War of 1826–1828, but the resulting Treaty of Turkmenchay made its inclusion into the Russian Empire permanent. It was renamed Yelizavetpol (Елизаветполь) after the wife of Alexander I of Russia, Elizabeth, and in 1840 became the capital of the Elizavetpol uezd and later in 1868, the Elizavetpol Governorate. The Russian name of the city was rejected by the local Azerbaijanis, who continued call it Ganja.

20th century

Ganja—known then as Yelizavetpol—was one of the main sites of the Armenian–Tatar massacres of 1905–07. In 1918, Ganja became the temporary capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, at which point it was renamed Ganja again, until Baku was recaptured from the British-backed Centrocaspian Dictatorship. In April 1920, the Red Army occupied Azerbaijan. In May 1920, Ganja was the scene of an abortive anti-Soviet rebellion, during which the city was heavily damaged by fighting between the insurgents and the Red Army. In 1935, Joseph Stalin renamed the city Kirovabad after Sergei Kirov. In 1991, Azerbaijan re-established its independence, and the ancient name of the city was given back. For many years the 104th Guards Airborne Division of the Soviet Airborne Troops was based in the town.

In November 1988, the Kirovabad pogrom forced the local Armenian population to leave the city.

21st century

See also: 2020 Ganja ballistic missile attacks
View of the city of Ganja

Reconstruction in the 21st century has led to dramatic changes in the city's urban development, transforming the old Soviet city into a hub of high-rise, mixed-use buildings.

In 2008, Ganja Mausoleum Gates were built on the basis of sketches of ancient Ganja gates made by local master Ibrahim Osmanoğlu in 1063.

In 2020, during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ganja came under bombardment by Armenian armed forces several times, killing 32 civilians and injuring dozens more. On 11 October, a residential apartment block in Azerbaijan's city of Ganja was destroyed overnight in an Armenian missile strike, killing 10 civilians and wounding 34 others. The Armenian MoD denied that this came from its territory, while Artsakh stated that Armenian forces had targeted and destroyed the Ganja military airbase on Ganja International Airport, which they alleged was used to bombard Artsakh's capital Stepanakert and also stated that the Azerbaijani population were given warning to move away from military facilities to avoid collateral damage. Subsequently, both a correspondent reporting from the scene for a Russian media outlet and the airport director denied that the airport, which had not been operational since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had been shelled. On 17 October, 21 civilians were killed and more than 50 injured when an Armenian SCUD B ballistic missile hit a residential area in Ganja.

Ganja city in April 2018.

Geography

City of Ganja, Azerbaijan and Javadkhan mount

Location

Ganja, located 400–450 meters (1312 to 1476 ft) above the sea level, lies on the Ganja-Dashkasan plain in the Kur-Araz lowland in the west of Azerbaijan, 375 km (233 mi) away from Baku. It is situated at the north-eastern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus mountain ranges on the Ganjachay river.

The city borders on the administrative rayons of Goygol to the south, west and north-west and Samukh to the north-east.

Climate

Ganja has a cool semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification: BSk), with an average annual precipitation of 241 millimetres (9.5 in), though annual precipitation varies in different years, ranging from 160 mm (6.3 in) in 1932 to 1,133 mm (44.6 in) in 1988. Winters are cold and may see snow, with 5 days per year in which snow cover is observed. Blizzard is seen in 0.2 days annually.

Climate data for Ganja (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1890–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 22.8
(73.0)
25.0
(77.0)
28.0
(82.4)
35.6
(96.1)
39.5
(103.1)
39.2
(102.6)
42.0
(107.6)
41.7
(107.1)
38.8
(101.8)
33.4
(92.1)
29.0
(84.2)
23.3
(73.9)
42.0
(107.6)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.8
(46.0)
8.6
(47.5)
13.8
(56.8)
19.2
(66.6)
25.0
(77.0)
30.4
(86.7)
32.4
(90.3)
31.8
(89.2)
26.7
(80.1)
20.3
(68.5)
13.0
(55.4)
9.2
(48.6)
19.9
(67.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 3.3
(37.9)
4.3
(39.7)
8.2
(46.8)
13.1
(55.6)
18.7
(65.7)
23.8
(74.8)
26.3
(79.3)
26.1
(79.0)
21.1
(70.0)
15.3
(59.5)
8.8
(47.8)
4.6
(40.3)
14.5
(58.0)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.8
(33.4)
1.1
(34.0)
4.0
(39.2)
9.2
(48.6)
14.3
(57.7)
18.6
(65.5)
21.2
(70.2)
20.9
(69.6)
16.5
(61.7)
11.5
(52.7)
5.5
(41.9)
2.2
(36.0)
10.5
(50.9)
Record low °C (°F) −17.8
(0.0)
−15.2
(4.6)
−12.0
(10.4)
−4.4
(24.1)
1.5
(34.7)
5.8
(42.4)
10.4
(50.7)
10.5
(50.9)
2.8
(37.0)
−0.6
(30.9)
−7.9
(17.8)
−13.0
(8.6)
−17.8
(0.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 12.5
(0.49)
13.2
(0.52)
24.1
(0.95)
27.9
(1.10)
35.6
(1.40)
32.6
(1.28)
17.3
(0.68)
15.1
(0.59)
23.6
(0.93)
25.4
(1.00)
19.4
(0.76)
9.7
(0.38)
256.4
(10.08)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 4 5 5 6 9 7 3 4 3 6 3 4 59
Average snowy days 3 5 2 0.2 0 0 0 0 0 0.4 1 2 14
Average relative humidity (%) 71 71 68 70 68 61 59 61 65 74 76 74 68
Mean monthly sunshine hours 120 113 141 182 229 267 278 252 212 168 123 115 2,200
Source 1: Deutscher Wetterdienst (precipitation days 1971–1990, sun 1961–1990)Starlings Roost Weather
Source 2: Pogoda.ru.net

Administrative divisions

Today, Ganja is divided into 2 rayons (administrative districts). The mayor, presently Niyazi Bayramov embodies the executive power of the city. Ganja includes 6 administrative settlements, namely Hajikend, Javadkhan, Shikhzamanli, Natavan, Mahsati and Sadilli.

Kapaz rayon

Kapaz District (Kəpəz rayonu) was established on 21 November 1980 according to the decision of Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR. The district consists of 2 administrative territorial units and 6 administrative settlements. It has an area of approximately 70 square kilometers (27 sq mi) with the population of 178,000.

Nizami rayon

Nizami District (Nizami rayonu) was also established on 21 November 1980 according to the decision of Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan SSR as Ganja raion of Kirovabad city. When Ganja's historic name was restored and the city was renamed as Ganja instead of Kirovabad in 1989, the district was also renamed as Nizami rayon. The district consists of 2 administrative territorial units. The area of the district is roughly 39 square kilometers (15 sq mi) and population is 148,000.

Demographics

Ethnic groups in Ganja
Year Azerbaijanis % Armenians % Russians % Others % TOTAL
1886 11,139 54.9 8,914 43.9 131 0.6 110 0.5 20,294
1892 13,392 51.8 10,524 40.8 1,842 7.2 25,758
1897 17,426 51.8 12,055 35.9 2,519 7.5 1,625 4.8 33,625
1916 37,619 65.2 12,125 21.0 6,091 10.6 1,896 3.3 57,731
1926 30,878 53.8 16,148 28.1 4,470 7.8 5,897 10.3 57,339
1939 49,755 50.3 27,121 27.4 16,992 17.2 4,626 4.7 98,494
1959 63,258 54.5 32,371 27.9 16,545 14.2 4,039 3.5 116,122
1970 122,973 64.9 40,588 21.4 22,022 11.6 3,929 2.1 189,512
1979 167,251 72.4 40,354 17.5 19,822 8.6 3,639 1.6 231,066
1999 294,876 98.5 32 0.01 2,814 0.9 1,620 0.5 299,342
2009 311,813 99.5 6 0 895 0.3 535 0.2 313,249
Georgians, Jews, Ukrainians etc.

Ganja is the third largest city of Azerbaijan after Baku and Sumqayit with about 335,600 residents. The city is also inhabited by a large number of Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia and IDPs from the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas. Their number was estimated to be more than 33,000 in 2011.

Lezgi people in Ganja number around 20,000.

Historic Armenian community

In addition to Persian and Turkic-speaking Muslims, the city had a numerically, economically and culturally significant Christian Armenian community. The city's traditional Armenian name is Gandzak (Գանձակ), which derives from gandz (գանձ), a loan word from Old Iranian, which means treasure or riches. The founder of the Hethumid dynasty, Oshin of Lampron was an Armenian nakharar (prince) and lord of a castle near Ganja who fled to Cilicia in 1075 during the Seljuk invasion of Armenia.

The city's historically important Armenian figures include:

Religion

Imamzadeh religious complex in Ganja

The urban landscape of Ganja is shaped by many communities. Religious diversity has however greatly decreased over the last decades, with the emigration of most Armenians, Slavs, Jews and Germans. The religion with the largest community of followers by far is Islam. The majority of the Muslims are Shia Muslims, and the Republic of Azerbaijan has the second-highest Shia population percentage in the world after Iran. The city's notable mosques include Shah Abbas Mosque, Goy Imam Mosque, Shahsevenler Mosque, Qirikhli Mosque and Qazakhlar Mosque.

Alexander Nevsky church in Ganja

There are some other faiths practiced among the different ethnic groups within the country. The other faith worshipping places include Alexander Nevsky Church, German Lutheran Church, Saint John Church and Saint Sarkis Church. Before the Kirovabad pogrom in 1988 a significant community of Armenian Christians existed.

According to the State Statistics Committee, as of 2018, the population of city recorded 332,600 persons, which increased by 31,900 persons (about 10.6 percent) from 300,700 persons in 2000. 162,300 of total population are men, 170,300 are women. More than 26 percent of the population (about 86,500 persons) consists of young people and teenagers aged 14–29.

Population of the district by the year (at the beginning of the year, thsd. persons)
Region 2000 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Ganja town 300,7 324,7 328,4 330,1 331,4 332,6 334,0 335,6 335,8
Nizami region ... 149,3 150,4 151,2 151,6 152,0 152,5 153,0 153,0
Kapaz region ... 175,4 178,0 178,9 179,8 180,6 181,5 182,6 182,8

Economy

Main article: Economy of Ganja

The economy of Ganja is partially agricultural, partially tourist based, with some industries in operation. Ore minerals extracted from nearby mines supply Ganja's metallurgical industries, which produces copper and alumina. There are porcelain, silk and footwear industries. Other industries process food, grapes and cotton from the surrounding farmlands.

The city has one of the largest textile conglomerates in Azerbaijan and is famous for a fabric named Ganja silk, which received the highest marks in the markets of neighboring countries and the Middle East.

People are mainly employed in manufacturing, education, transportation, service sectors and catering. Det.Al-Aluminium is the largest employer operating in Ganja, followed by Ganja Auto Plant and Ganja Winery Plant 2.

Tourism and shopping

Main article: List of tourist attractions in Ganja
Ganja Mall
Javad khan street in Ganja
Vego Hotel, Ganja

Traditional shops, modern shops and malls create a mixture of shopping opportunities in Ganja. Javad Khan Street is the traditional shopping street that is located in the old town. Constructed between 2014 and 2017, Ganja Mall is considered the city's largest mall. Other shopping centers include Khamsa Park, Taghiyev Mall and Aura Park.

Ganja is one of the famous tourist destinations in Azerbaijan with its historic buildings such as Nizami Mausoleum, Ancient gates, Juma Mosque, Imamzadeh, Tomb of Javad Khan, Chokak Hamam, Shah Abbas Caravanserai and Ugurlu Bay Caravanserai.

Other tourist and entertainment spots include Javad khan street, Triumphal Arch near Heydar Aliyev Center, the Bottle House, Flag square, Hajikend resort zone. Goygol National Park with the sceneries of lake Goygol, lake Maralgol, Mount Kapaz and Mount Murov are located near Ganja.

In 2016, Ganja was selected as the European Youth Capital by the final decision of international jury at the General Assembly of the European Youth Forum. Ganja became the first city to win the title of European Youth Capital among the former Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) and non-EU cities. It was an event with a budget of 5.7 million euros, projected to boost tourism by about one-fifth.

Culture

Some of the city landmarks include Gates of Ganja.

As of 2012, the city along with Baku and Lankaran participates in Earth Hour movement.

Museums

Ganja History Ethnography Museum
Ganja Fortress Gates – the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography

Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum is the oldest museum in the city, with over 30,000 artifacts. The city is also home to Nizami Ganjavi Museum, which was built in 2014. The museum contains a research section, a library, a conference room, and corners for guests and tourists' relaxation.

Other museums include Heydar Aliyev Museum, House Museum of Mir Jalal Pashayev, Memorial House-Museum of Nizami Ganjavi, Memorial-House Museum of İsrafil Mammadov, Ganja branch of Museum of Miniature Books, "Ganja Castle Gates – Archaeology and Ethnography Museum" monument complex, Cultural Center named after Mahsati Ganjavi, Museum of Modern Art and Museum of Mirza Shafi Vazeh.

Galleries

Ganja State Art Gallery was established in April 1984 according to the decision of Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan SSR. The Gallery is headed by the carpet-artist Faig Osmanov.

Architecture

Chokak Bath and Javad Khan's tomb

Ganja is primarily known for its Azerbaijani and Islamic architecture, but its buildings reflect the various peoples and empires that have previously ruled the city. During the Ganja Khanate period, the Khans proceeded to make an indelible impression on the skyline of Ganja, building towering mosques and houses from red bricks.

Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum in Ganja

Among the oldest surviving examples of Islamic architecture in Ganja are the Nizami Mausoleum and Shah Abbas Caravanserai, which assisted the Shahs during their siege of the city. The area around and inside the mosques, contains many fine examples of traditional architecture like Chokak Bath.

Another interesting building is the Bottle house of Ganja.

New building of Ganja State Philharmonic Hall

Music and media

The Ganja State Philharmonic was established in August 1990 according to the decision of the Ministry of Culture of the Azerbaijan SSR. On 21 January 2012, president Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation of the Ganja State Philharmonic. The facility includes a 1,200 concert hall, an open-air cinema theatre, a drawing gallery, an urban center and an observation tower. The new building of the Philharmonic Hall was put into use in 2017. The Goygol State Song and Dance Ensemble, the Orchestra of Folk Instruments and the Ganja State Chamber Orchestra operate under the Ganja State Philharmonic.

  • Bottle house in Ganja, a local icon entirely made of glass bottles Bottle house in Ganja, a local icon entirely made of glass bottles

Two regional channels, Kapaz TV and Alternativ TV, are headquartered in Ganja. Two newspapers are published in Ganja (Gəncənin səsi and Novosti Qyandji).

Theaters

Ganja State Drama Theater

Main article: Ganja State Drama Theater

The building of the Ganja State Drama Theater was built by the German entrepreneur Christofor Forer in the 1880s. Ganja Drama Theater was established in 1921 in Baku as "Tənqid-təbliğ" (literally means "Criticism-propaganda"). In 1935 the theater moved to Ganja with its staff and continues its activity here under different names until 1990. The theater has been called the Ganja State Drama Theater since 1990.

Ganja State Puppet Theater

Main article: Ganja State Puppet Theatre
Ganja State Puppet Theater

Ganja State Puppet Theater was established according to Decree No. 299 of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan SSR in September 1986. Before receiving "state theater" status in 1986, it was functioning as public theater. Ganja Puppet Theater operates in the building of Lutheran church constructed in 1885 by German settlers.

Parks and gardens

Ganjachay rpark-boulevard complex

Ganja has many well-maintained parks and gardens, with the Khan's garden being one of the most scenic parks, and one of the city's most known landmarks. It features interesting landscaping, and consists of a wide variety of trees and plants in an open concept.

Amphitheater in Ganja (2014)

Other prominent parks and gardens include Heydar Aliyev Park Complex, "Ganja 2016 European Youth Capital Park", "Ganja river" park-boulevard complex, Istiglal Avenue, Fikrat Amirov Park, Fuzuli Park, and Narimanov Park. Heydar Aliyev Park Complex includes an Amphitheater considered for organizing large outdoor events for up to 5000 people.

Sports

Ganja City Stadium

The city has one professional football team, Kapaz, currently competing in the second-flight of Azerbaijani football, the Azerbaijan First Division. The club has three Azerbaijani league and four cup titles.

There are Olympic Sports Complex with 2 buildings (put into operation in 2002 and 2006 respectively), Ganja City Stadium with a capacity of 27,000 put into use in 1964 and other sporting facilities in Ganja.

In September 2017 "Ganja Marathon 2017" was organized involving 11,000 people from different regions of Azerbaijan, as well as foreigners under the slogan "Be with us in the Marathon". The race started from Triumphal Arch and finished at the Heydar Aliyev Park Complex covering a distance of 17 kilometers.

Transportation

City of Ganja, Azerbaijan

Public transport

Ganja has a large urban transport system, mostly managed by the Ministry of Transportation. In 2013, Ministry of Transportation stated that the city, along with Nakhchivan and Sumqayit will have a new subway line within the framework of the 20-year subway program. The city had a trolleybus system, functioning from 1955 to 2004.

Ganja is without a tram system since Ganja tramway network ceased in the 1980s.

Air

Ganja International Airport is the only airport in the city. The airport is connected by bus to the city center. There are domestic flights to Baku and international service to Russia and Turkey.

Rail

Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway directly connects the city with Turkey and Georgia.

Ganja sits on one of the Azerbaijani primary rail lines running east–west connecting the capital, Baku, with the rest of the country. The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway runs along the line through the city. The railway provides both human transportation and transport of goods and commodities such as oil and gravel.

Ganja's Central Railway Station is the terminus for national and international rail links to the city. The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, which directly connects Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, began to be constructed in 2007 and completed in 2017. The completed branch connects Ganja with Tbilisi in Georgia, and from there trains continue to Akhalkalaki, and Kars in Turkey.

Education

The first seminary in Azerbaijan aimed at professional training of school teachers was opened in Ganja in 1914 which was united with Girls Seminary in 1927 and renamed as Ganja Pedagogical Technical School (Azerbaijani: Gəncə Pedoqoji Texnikumu).

Ganja is home to four major institutes for post-secondary education. Ganja State University was founded as Ganja Teachers Institute after Hasan bey Zardabi in 1939. In 2000, the President of Azerbaijan renamed the institute to Ganja State University. The university includes 8 faculty departments and 10 offices. The city also includes Azerbaijan State Agricultural University, Azerbaijan Technological University and a local branch of the Azerbaijan Teachers' Institute.

There are also schools offering secondary specialized education like Ganja Music College, Ganja Medicine College, Ganja State Regional College (established by combining Ganja Humanitarian College and Ganja Technical College in 2010).

There are a total of 7 schools offering vocational education in Ganja, being located as 3 vocational lyceums and a vocational school in Kapaz raion, a vocational lyceum and 2 vocational schools in Nizami raion.

Notable residents

Further information: Category:People from Ganja, Azerbaijan

The city's notable residents include: poet Nizami Ganjavi, scientist Firuddin Babayev, Olympic champion Toghrul Asgarov, ruler of Ganja Khanate Javad Khan, poets Mirza Shafi Vazeh, Mahsati Ganjavi, Nigar Rafibeyli, writer Ibn Khosrov al-Ustad, composer Fikrat Amirov, historian Farid Alakbarli, major political figure Nasib Yusifbeyli, deputy speaker of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Hasan bey Aghayev, geologist Mirali Qashqai, prime minister of Azerbaijan Artur Rasizade, chess player Faiq Hasanov, footballer Mahmud Qurbanov, automotive designer Samir Sadikhov, and Supreme Court Justice Aziz Seyidov. There were also several notable Armenian residents of Ganja, including Mkhitar Gosh, Kirakos Gandzaketsi, Vardan Areveltsi, Grigor Paron-Ter, Karo Halabyan, Askanaz Mravyan and Albert Azaryan.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Azerbaijan

Ganja is twinned with:

See also

Notes

  1. Station ID for Gandja is 37735 Use this station ID to locate the sunshine duration

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40°40′58″N 46°21′38″E / 40.68278°N 46.36056°E / 40.68278; 46.36056

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