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Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum: A Cultural Tapestry

Explore Azerbaijan's second-largest city through ancient artifacts, ethnographic displays, and historical insights at Ganja's premier museum.

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The Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum, housed in the former mansion of a Ganja Khanate descendant, showcases the city's history from ancient times to the present. With over 30,000 exhibits, it offers a deep dive into the region's archaeology, ethnography, and cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum

  • 244 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ganja, AZ

Local tips

  • Allocate at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collection.
  • Photography is generally allowed, but check for any restrictions upon entry.
  • The museum is closed on Mondays; plan your visit accordingly.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum is located at 244 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Avenue. From the city center, head east on the main avenue. The museum is located on the left side of the street, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the central square.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation in Ganja includes buses and minibuses. Several bus routes serve the city center and surrounding areas. Look for buses displaying signs indicating 'Stansiya' or 'Vokzal'. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.30 AZN. From the bus station, the museum is a short ride away.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Ganja. A taxi ride from the city center to the museum typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app for a fixed price. The estimated cost for a short taxi ride within the city center is around 3-5 AZN.

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Discover more about Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum

The Ganja State History and Ethnography Museum, the largest museum in Ganja, provides a comprehensive exploration of the city's captivating past and vibrant cultural heritage. The museum is located at 244 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ganja. Housed in the 19th-century mansion of the Ziyadkhanov family, descendants of Javad Khan, the last independent ruler of the Ganja Khanate, the building itself is a historical landmark. Confiscated by Soviet authorities after the fall of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the mansion served various purposes before becoming a museum in 1972. Founded in 1924, the museum has expanded to include over 30,000 exhibits displayed across 18 halls. These collections illustrate Ganja's history from ancient times to the present, featuring archaeological finds, cultural monuments, ethnographic displays, and numismatic collections. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to archaeology, revealing artifacts from ancient settlements and civilizations. The ethnographic section offers a glimpse into the traditional life of the Ganja region, showcasing costumes, textiles, carpets, and household items. Exhibits also highlight Ganja's craftsmanship history, once a center for rug weaving, pottery, and metalworking. The museum's collection includes historical documents, photographs, and artifacts related to significant events and figures in Ganja's past. The museum also features a Military History Museum, which chronologically characterizes the military history of Ganja from ancient times to 1918–1920. Arms and ammunition from the time are displayed, along with a picture of a 1919 fighter of the Ganja garrison. On the 3rd floor, an ethnographic museum depicts the life and culture of the people of Ganja, highlighting the city's more than 30 craft industries. Rugs, traditional oriental tea tables, pottery, copper products, and other ethnographic objects are displayed. The 4th floor highlights Ganja's ancient and rich cooking culture and traditions of hospitality. Paintings and photos of important ancient state buildings can also be found here.

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