Ganja is Azerbaijan's second largest city after Baku with a population of about 325,200. In addition to Persian and Turkic-speaking Muslims, the city has had a numerically, economically and, culturally significant Armenian Christians community. The religion with the largest community of followers 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 is famous for a fabric named Ganja silk and it is known for its famous metal handicrafts industry during the Middle Ages. The most notable works of that period includes Gates of Ganja and Ancient Ganja Gate.
The city's notable mosques include Shah Abbas Mosque, Goy Imam Mosque, Shahsevenler Mosque, Qirikhli Mosque and Qazakhlar Mosque.
Ganja Ethnographic and History Museum is the oldest museum in the city. The city is also home to Nizami Ganjavi Museum, which was built in 2014.
During Ganja Khanate period, the Khans proceeded to make an indelible impression on the skyline of Ganja, building towering mosques and houses from red bricks. Among the oldest surviving examples of Islamic architecture in Ganja are the Nizami Mausoleum and Shah Abbas Caravanserai.
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.
Geography and Climate
Ganja has a semi-arid climate. The best time to visit Ganja will be when the average temperatures are at a comfortable level (between 20°C and 30°C on average) which is during months June, July, August and September. Other great months to visit Ganja are April, May and October when the average temperatures are a little cooler. If you don't mind bringing a coat, you might also enjoy visiting Ganja during January, February, March, November and December but average temperatures are fairly cool (between 0°C and 10°C).