HOSPITALITY CUSTOMS OF THE GANJA CITY POPULATION

Аңдатпа

The article is devoted to the hospitality customs of the population of Ganja, one of the oldest and most prominent cultural centers of Azerbaijan. Ganja is the homeland of the genius poet Nizami Ganjavi, as well as well-known poets and public figures such as Mahsati Ganjavi, Mirza Shafi Vazeh, Ahmad Javad, Javad Khan, Deli Ali, and İsrafil Mammadov, whose heroic deeds became legendary among the people. The study highlights the traditions of welcoming guests, providing them with shelter, organizing festive gatherings in their honor, and setting abundant and generous tables as an expression of respect, goodwill, and mutual trust. Special attention is given to the symbolic role of hospitality in shaping social ties, strengthening collective identity, and preserving cultural values within the community of Ganja. At the same time, the article underlines the significance of historical references, noting that many foreign travelers and authors widely described the openness and sincere hospitality of the peoples of the Caucasus, including Azerbaijanis. Their comparisons between the customs of local inhabitants and those of their own countries further reveal the uniqueness, richness, and depth of Azerbaijani traditions. Thus, the hospitality of Ganja’s population is presented as both cultural heritage and a reflection of universal human values.