In Armenian, the city was historically known as Beghamej (Armenian: Բեղամէջ, romanized: Beġamēǰ).[3]
Notable natives
Uzeyir Hajibeyov — composer. He is recognized as the father of Azerbaijani classical music and opera. Hajibeyov composed music for the national anthem of Azerbaijan and the state anthem of Azerbaijan SSR. He is the first Muslim author of an opera; People's Artist of USSR (1948).
Vilayat Guliyev — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (1999–2004).[4]
