Throughout its historical trajectory, the city of Ganja has been an axis in shaping Azerbaijan's socio-cultural and architectural landscape. This urban centre not only served as a crucial landmark for architectural heritage but also acquired considerable influence over adjacent regions and neighbouring territories. Notably, Ganja emerged as the nucleus of the renowned Aran architectural school, symbolising its pivotal role in architectural discourse. The Ganja River, etymologically intertwined with the city's identity, intricately bisects its urban fabric, underscoring its geographical and cultural significance. Over epochs, despite shifts in urban centrality, Ganja has maintained an enduring nexus with its riverside periphery. A defining characteristic of Ganja's architectural vernacular lies in its adroit utilisation of locally available resources, represents a harmonious synthesis of indigenous materials and artistic craftsmanship. Furthermore, the river also exerted influence on the city's structure and performed as a primary supplier of local building materials. These distinctive features contributed to the unique architectural character of Ganja and its surrounding regions. The city and its conurbations endured numerous upheavals, including raids from hostile forces, battles, and catastrophic city-wide destruction resulting from geological phenomena. Despite these challenging periods in the city's development, it served a pivotal role in safeguarding Azerbaijan's regions and remained a hub of artistic and cultural development. However, no engineering procedures are undertaken to restore the riverbed and its terraces. For decades, the surrounding environment of the river's banks has remained in a state of disrepair. Its resources are underutilised both territorially and materially. The formation of the riverbed is neglected. This article aims at reestablishing an understanding of the significance of the river and its resources in shaping the identity of Ganja City. Employing a visual survey analysis and a compiled questionnaire addressing issues pertaining to the river and its environment, a series of recommendations have been formulated for the development of subsequent project proposals. These requirements are oriented towards the manifestation of urban identity and the preservation of architectural heritage within the urban milieu. In line with these objectives, recommendations are provided for the systematic development of public spaces, the enhancement of aesthetic appeal in the central district of the city, the creation of pedestrian-friendly environments, and the revitalisation of small-scale production sites utilising local construction materials derived from natural resources.