Ancient Ganja Gate

In 1063 a smith named Ibrahim ibn Osman made the famous Ganja Gate by the order of Shaddadid dynasty ruler. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship of that time. The gate made of cast iron was decorated with stamped ornaments and patterns from the outer side. The ornament contained the name of the master in Kufic script and the date of the gate completion.

In 1139 a Georgian King Demetrius I attacked Ganja and captured the gate as his trophy. The gate weighing a few tons was carried by citizens of Ganja on their backs. Only one half of the gate has survived. Today it is built in in the wall of Gelati Monastery next to the tomb of Georgian King David IV.