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| A part of Ganja Fortress |
Two centuries ago, the city of Ganja stood firm against one of the mightiest armies of its time. In 1804, under the command of General Tsitsianov, the Tsar’s forces bombarded the city, expecting a swift surrender. But Ganja, unarmed and outmatched, resisted fiercely. The siege dragged on for days.
Tsitsianov eventually cut off the city’s water supply, and Ganja was captured. The Tsar’s flag was raised, and the city was renamed Elisavetpol. Nearly 7,000 people were killed in the battle, including Javad Khan, the city’s last ruler, who died defending his homeland.
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| Adolf Charlemagne "Battle of Ganja". |
For 200 years, Ganja lived under foreign names and rule. But with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the city reclaimed its identity. The sound of the Independence March once again echoed through its streets.
Today, two centuries after that dark chapter, Ganja stands not as a symbol of defeat, but of revival and pride. In 2016, it was named the European Youth Capital — a city now recognized for its vibrant spirit, deep historical roots, and dynamic future.
Ganja is not just a city — it's a name that revives a once-trampled pride.