Innovative Significance of Research of Traditional Architectural Features of Ganja

Abstract

Ganja - an ancient center of urban culture with old history, that  situated on the old Great Silk way, is rich with many  historical and material-cultural monuments, which have their typical, unique trade and architectural characteristics. This city has more than 4000 years old and here there is one of the main and ancient historical monuments of Muslim East civilization – Imamzadeh tomb, Jomard Gassab mausoleum. This important monument is situated 7 kilometers from the city of Ganja, on the right shore of Ganjachai river. Imamzadeh complex is one the main symbols of Ganja city and important example of medieval architecture of Azerbaijan. At the present time, as one of the most valued places of pilgrimage of the Islamic world, Imamzadeh tomb-complex in Ganja is a sacred place for local population, as well as pilgrims that come from different foreign countries. Imamzadeh mausoleum, situated in one of the ancient scientific and cultural centers - Ganja State History-Culture Reserve, was built in 739, on site of the grave of mevlana Ibrahim. The historic monument of Ganja - Imamzadeh tomb-complex attracts the attention of a number of features from the point of multiculturalism view. Ganja Imamzadeh is an important pilgrimage shrine. This place is visited by thousands of people every year. It should be noted that the number of visitors is increasing every year as well as foreign countries. Interesting fact is that non-Muslims are also among that memorial. The mausoleum, built around the grave of mevlana Ibrahim in the VIII century, was enlarged in the XIV-XVI centuries, and subsidiary buildings around it were erected in the XVII-XVIII centuries. The tomb is the most important part of the Imamzadeh complex. The area of Imamzade complex was included in the property of the Sheykhzamanlis – the descendants of Nizami Ganjavi, the great Azerbaijani poet and philosopher. During several centuries the city grew, flourished and finally turned into one of the key regional centers of economy and culture. At different stages of the history of the capital city of Ganja status while maintaining the traditions of the ancient statehood and independence was of great importance. In spite of numerous destructions suffered through the history, Ganja remains a beautiful city with many ancient sites. Among them are the Big and Small Bridges (XII century), towers, the Friday Mosque, the madrasah, hamams and caravanserais, as well as Imamzadeh complex-a picturesque building with blue domes, constructed as a Mausoleum of Imam Bagir ibn Ibrahim. The historical and architectural complex, built in the XVII century by Sheikh Bahaaddin, is also worth mentioning. It includes Juma Mosque (called Friday or Shah Abbas Mosque), Chekak-Hamam (medieval bath) and a caravanserai.Ganja - an ancient center of urban culture with more than 4000 years history, that situated on the old Great Silk way, is rich with many historical and material-cultural monuments, which have their typical, unique trade and architectural characteristics.