Nizami Ganjavi Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum
| Nizami Gəncəvi adına Tarix-Diyarşünaslıq Muzeyi | |
 | |
| Established | 1924 |
|---|---|
| Location | Ganja, Azerbaijan |
| Type | History museum |
Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum named after Nizami Ganjavi (Azerbaijani: Nizami Gəncəvi adına Tarix-Diyarşünaslıq Muzeyi) is the largest museum in Ganja,
Overview
The museum is currently located in the former mansion of descendants of the last independent khan of Ganja. It was founded in 1924 and includes more than 30000 exhibits[1] – the history of Ganja from ancient period till modern times, archaeological finds, and material-cultural monuments, ethnographic, epigraphic, and numismatic collections displayed in 18 halls.[2]
History
Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum was established in 1924. An active group of professors and students of Ganja Seminary Jafarzada I., Seyidov S., Rafibeyov J., Malikov F. and others played an important role in the foundation process. In the early years, the museum had two departments, ethnography and agriculture, with more than 500 exhibits.[2]
In 1954, Ganja Museum was moved to the address of Azizbeyov 260, when the museum consisted of seven large halls, and three departments: natural science, pre-revolution, and Soviet period.[1][2]
In 1961, Goygol and Ganja museums were consolidated.The current building of the museum was put into use as a museum in 1972. [1]
Building
This building was the private property of the last independent khan of Ganja khanate Javad khan’s descendants Ismail khan Ziyadkhanov and Adil khan Ziyadkhanov. Adil and Ismail were the sons of Javad khan’s grandson Abulfat khan Ziyadkhanov. The property was built in XIX century[3] and was confiscated by Soviet authorities like other properties after the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic fell. Different offices and organizations located in this building during the Soviet period.
The building retains its grandeur as a living history of Ganja Khanate and Azerbaijan Democratic Republic period (1918–1920).
Exhibits
The main foundation of the museum contains 24,785 exhibits, divided as follows: 4,483 in archaeology, 1,648 in numerical ethnography, 392 in artistry, 9 sculptures, 2,753 photographs, 9,59 documents, 3441 numismatic collection, 1984 books, 816 exhibits related to patriotism.[1]
The area of the museum is 972 m2, consisting of two departments, currently ancient period and modern period.[2]
Ganja Fortress Gates
The museum is located in the Ganja Fortress Gates. In 1063, local master Ibrahim Osman oglu raised the gates focusing on the sketches of ancient Ganja gates. In 1139, Georgian king Demetre took the gates to Georgia when the earthquake led to the destruction of Ganja. Since that time, the gates have been kept in the Gelati Monastery of Kutaisi.
In 2014, the monumental complex Ganja Fortress Gates – the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography were constructed in accordance with the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s order.
On the 1st floor, a portrait gallery consisting of portraits of predecessors and successors of great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi were placed. Furthermore, monuments were raised in honor of 26 outstanding personalities from Ganja.
On the 2nd floor, there is a museum of the military history of Ganja. This museum chronologically characterizes the military history of Ganja from ancient times to 1918–1920. In addition, arms and ammunition of the time and a picture of a 1919 fighter of the Ganja garrison were displayed in the section called "Military History of Ganja in 1918-1920". Moreover, photos of fighters and the "Eternal Flame" for the people who died for their country were exhibited in a different section.
An ethnographic museum depicting the life and culture of the people of Ganja is on the 3rd floor. The exposition gives information about the craftsmanship history of Ganja which had more than 30 craft industries. Rugs, the traditional oriental tea table, pottery, copper products and other ethnographic objects are displayed in this section.
The 4th floor of the exhibition highlights Ganja’s ancient and rich cooking culture and the traditions of hospitality. Additionally, paintings and photos of first ancient state important buildings can be found here. Besides, it is possible to enter the fortress bastions from the 4th floor. Clothes and jewelry from a variety of Azerbaijan’s regions are displayed in the "Azerbaijani national costumes" exhibition. In addition, more than 120 valuable archaeological artifacts from various regions of the country are shown in the exhibition "Azerbaijan – the land of ancient civilization". [4]
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 MInistry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan Republic (16 May 2017). "History of Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum named after Nizami Ganjavi". azkurs.org (in Azerbaijani).
- 1 2 3 4 "Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum named after Nizami Ganjavi". Ganja Regional Culture and Tourism Office (in Azerbaijani). 15 May 2017.
- ↑ Sariyeva, Irada (16 May 2017). "History and Ethnography Museums – the unique address of our living history". anl.az (in Azerbaijani).
- ↑ "Official website of President of Azerbaijan Republic – Photos: Ilham Aliyev reviewed the monumental complex Ganja Fortress Gates – the Museum of Archeology and Ethnography". en.president.az. Retrieved 2017-06-01.