Gates of Ganja, Medieval door at Gelati Monastery, Georgia
The Gates of Ganja is a medieval metal door made from cast iron with stamped patterns and ornaments created through precise metalworking techniques. The remaining half is now integrated into the monastery wall and displays intricate handcrafted details across its surface.
The gate originally came from Azerbaijan and was brought to Georgia in 1139 by King Demetrius I after an earthquake destroyed Ganja. This acquisition marked a significant military and cultural conquest in the region.
The gate displays Kufi inscriptions that honor Allah and credit Sayyid Shawur ibn Al-Fazl for commissioning it. These Arabic texts reveal the religious and artistic connections between the Caucasus and the medieval Islamic world.
Visitors can see the remaining half of the gate integrated into the monastery wall, positioned directly across from King David IV's tomb. The location within the monastery grounds makes it straightforward to find and examine.
The gate was one of six original entrances commissioned by Shavur I of the Shaddadids dynasty to protect the city of Ganja. This detail is often overlooked, though it shows how important this specific gate was within the original defensive system of the city.
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