Khan Baghi ParkGanja’s sanctum
Khan Baghi Park traces its roots far back as one of the first parks in the Caucasus, serving as a beloved relaxation spot for the people of Ganja, both young and old. According to Ottoman records from 1727, the Khan Garden originally spanned 130 hectares, home to 479 plane trees, 404 cypresses, and 3,554 fruit trees. Historically, it was a retreat for the beylerbeys and khans of Ganja. However, after these lands were incorporated into the Russian Empire in 1846, the garden was relocated to its current site by order of Mikhail Vorontsov, the Viceroy of the Caucasus, as its original location was considered too far from the city centre. Although officially called the ‘Khan Garden,’ it became widely known as the ‘Sardar Garden’ or ‘Vorontsov Garden’ in his honour.
What distinguishes Khan Baghi Park from most others is its unique atmosphere, created by hundreds of different plant and tree species. With the arrival of autumn, this beautiful vegetation takes on tints of red, painting a captivating scene to inspire and rejuvenate visitors. While relaxing in various serene spots within the park, the fresh, crisp air will also revitalise you. In fact, due to the abundant oxygen levels in the garden, it is also called ‘The Lungs of Ganja.’
One special feature of the park is the open-air Yashil Theatre (‘Green Theatre’), a site for a variety of cultural events. Shirali Bey Tower, a surviving tower of Ganja's fortress walls that was built in the 16th century, completes the magnificence of Khan Baghi Park.
