Old Ganja archeological complex, Archaeological hillfort in Ganja, Azerbaijan
Old Ganja is a fortified settlement built with brick and clay walls that stretch across several kilometers with sections rising several meters high. The visible remains reveal the layout of a defensive structure with towers positioned at intervals along the perimeter.
Construction began at the end of the 16th century under Farhad Pasha, following a regional power shift in the area. The structure was built as a defensive response to new territorial conditions that emerged during that period.
The fortress design reflects Arran School principles, showing how its layout controlled movement through the city and its surroundings. Visitors can observe how the walls shaped both defense and daily life in the settlement.
The remaining walls are visible in Khan's Garden, the oldest park in the city, easily accessible from the downtown area. The location offers good vantage points to understand the layout, though only sections of the original structure have survived.
The walls featured strategic openings from which defenders could pour or drop substances onto attackers below, a refined tactic beyond simple defensive positions. These technical details reveal the sophisticated planning of the defensive system for its era.
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