Sheki travel guide and historical places to visit in Sheki/Azerbaijan
Dr. Javanshir Gadimov
One of the beautiful places in Azerbaijan is the city of Sheki. Sheki is located 370 km northwest of the capital Baku. There are 3 things do to when you visit Sheki. Sheki is known for its historical places and old city. Sheki also has beautiful nature, mountains (southern part of the Caucasian Mountains), and forests so good for walks in nature and for hiking. And the last but not least, Sheki is known for its food that is special to this city. Like its local sweet “Sheki Baklava” (locals call it 'helva'), Piti (chickpeas and lamb meat cooked in clay pots), and many others.
In this article, I will give you some advice on which historical places you can visit in Sheki if you plan to come to this city and my home town.
Read more: Ancient Seven Churches Monastery Complex in Qakh district of Azerbaijan
Sheki travel guide and historical places to visit in Sheki/Azerbaijan
Sheki has many historical places, palaces from times of Sheki khans, caravanserai, castles, old churches and temples, and many others. Let's start with palaces.
1. Summer and winter palace of Sheki khans
One of the most visited places in Sheki is the Palace of Sheki Khans. It is located inside the castle walls. The most know palace is also called the summer palace. It was built in 1797. It is well known for technics it was constructed, its art of “Shebeke” (colorful window-making art), amazing inner design and wall paintings telling the history of Sheki, beautiful gardens and views.
In 2019 Palace of Sheki Khans Palace and other historical places in Sheki was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many things that can be told about this palace. You need to visit to know more.
The second one is the lesser know winter place of Sheki khans. It is also called the House of Shekikhanovs. Has a similar design. And again beautiful wall paintings tell many stories to the visitors.
2. Sheki castle walls (Sheki Fortress)
As I mentioned, the Palace of Sheki Khans is inside the Sheki castle walls. Sometimes it is called Sheki Fortress and it dates to the 15th century. Nowadays the castle walls are mostly well preserved. There are parts where you can climb the walls from inside and have a nice view of the city.
Most importantly Sheki castle has other important historical places inside it. Here are some of them:
- Church or round temple
- Museums and Russian garrisons buildings
- Old jail building from the Russian Empire's time
The first two are now museums so you can visit them. The third one, the jail building, is now an art center. All of them are inside the castle walls and you can reach the place by bus or taxi. Walk inside the walls, and visit the palace and museums.
3. Old city center, old streets, and historical buildings
Once you have visited the Sheki fortress and Sheki palace, now you can walk the old city of Sheki. If you like to walk, you can discover a lot of amazing places. Old building. Some narrow and inner street are almost the same as it was decades ago. Some old houses with beautiful architecture are well preserved and serve as a tourist attraction. For those who like to take pictures, these old streets are perfect places for photo shoots.
Read more: Middle ages defensive tower in Muxas village of Oghuz district of Azerbaijan
4. Caravanserai and old hotel
There are two caravanserai buildings in Sheki. We call them Upper ve Lower Caravanserai. The bigger Lower Caravanserai building is close for visiting. But Upper Caravanserai is open both for visiting and staying. During old times hotels were called caravanserai. Caravan or camel train with trader and goods will travel and stay in the caravanserai. They would also trade their goods in the stores located also in the caravanserai.
When you visit Sheki you can see those old shops in caravanserai are still working. Now they sell souvenirs, local products like silk scarves, local sweets, and many other things.
5. Albanian temple and church in Kish
One of the must-see places in Sheki is an ancient Kish temple or Albanian church located in the village of Kish. It is believed that it was first built as a temple and then used as a church by Christians in Caucasian Albania. This place in Kish is one of the most unique and exciting places to visit in Sheki.
Read more: Old Caucasian Albanian church and Calut monastery in Oghuz district of Azerbaijan
6. Old mosques in Sheki
There are also old mosques in Sheki. The oldest one now you can visit is Sheki Khans' Mosque. Buist in the 18th century. There is also a cemetery of Sheki Khans in the mosque. There are other mosques with unique designs and architecture. Most of them are in the old city region of Sheki.
7. Oldest street and minaret in 1th District
Not many tourists know and come and see this place. Sub-districts of Sheki are named with numbers. And 1th District is one of the oldest places in the city. It is located at the foot of the mountain. When you visit this place it's like you are traveling through time. Old houses and architecture are amazing. Also, this place has a single minaret still standing since the 19th century. The mosque of minaret does not exist anymore. But the brick minaret is in good condition and unique design.
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