In Sheki, the end of one neighborhood often marks the beginning of another; narrow, winding paths and trails connect these neighborhoods. The end of the Gilehli neighborhood and the beginning of the Ganjali neighborhood intersect in the Chay neighborhood. “Chay mehelle” (River neighborhood) refers to the area and homes located along the bank of the Gurjanachay river. This neighborhood includes M.F. Akhundov and 28 May streets in District 8. Due to the density of the built-up houses, there is a strong connection between the Gilehli and Ganjali neighborhoods. Administratively, the Ganjali neighborhood is considered part of District 8 and M.F. Akhundov Street.

Shiites have settled compactly in the Ganjali neighborhood of Sheki city. The population of Ganjali consists of the descendants of those relocated from Ganja to Sheki during the Safavid period, in order to govern the region and form a support base. The Sunni population of Sheki refers to the Shiites as “Qizilbash,” and sometimes also as “Qajar.” It is known that the Shiite-oriented Safavid order was also called “Qizilbash.” The practice of calling Shiites “Qizilbash” is common in other Sunni-populated regions of Azerbaijan as well (such as the Qakh, Zagatala, and Balaken districts).

This mountainous neighborhood has its own unique toponyms that emerged during various periods:

• “Musalla Place”

• “Water Valley”

• “Mammadnabi Bathhouse”

• “Kireskhana” (Lime House)

• “Zayzid Road”

Source: Neighborhood Names, Clans and Nicknames in Sheki, Volume I (Preservation Area). Baku: Nafta-Press Publishing House, 2004.