REFLECTIONS OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF GANJA CITY (9TH–17TH CENTURIES) IN HISTORICAL SOURCES

Abstract

Ganja, considered one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan with a history of nearly three millennia, has repeatedly been destroyed and rebuilt as a result of earthquakes and devastations caused by foreign invaders. On several occasions, the city was even relocated and re-established. Despite these displacements, Ganja has mainly remained situated in the western region of Azerbaijan, in a picturesque area – the Ganja–Gazakh plain that connects the northwestern foothills of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains with the vast Kura–Araz lowland. Archaeological research plays a crucial role in the study of Ganja’s history. Taking into account that a considerable portion of the written records about the ancient history of our country in different languages does not accurately reflect historical reality, cultural monuments and archaeological materials undoubtedly serve as more reliable historical sources. Located on the Great Caravan Route, Ganja was not only a center of international trade but also a hub of highly developed craftsmanship and architecture. According to written sources, in this period the city contained many monumental structures, including the ruler’s palace, mosques, madrasas, markets, bathhouses, caravanserais, as well as well-planned residential quarters and numerous gardens. The remains of Old Ganja and the archaeological excavations conducted in its territory confirm the authenticity of these accounts to a significant extent.