Guide to the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Historic Centre of Sheki and the Khan’s Palace, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Caucasus region of Azerbaijan. This guide will take you through the rich history, architectural wonders, cultural experiences, and practical tips for visiting this enchanting destination.

Location and History

Sheki is a charming city located approximately 350 kilometers west of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with the first records dating back to the 4th century BC. Sheki’s strategic location on the Silk Road made it a significant trading hub and cultural melting pot for various civilizations, including the Caucasian Albanians, Persians, Romans, Arabs, and Mongols.

The Historic Centre of Sheki

The Historic Centre of Sheki is an open-air museum showcasing a unique blend of Caucasian, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian architectural styles. The city’s urban fabric is characterized by narrow, winding streets lined with traditional red-brick houses featuring intricate wood carvings, stained glass windows, and ornate balconies.

Architecture

The most striking feature of Sheki’s architecture is the use of locally sourced red brick, which gives the city a warm and inviting ambiance. The buildings are characterized by sloping roofs covered with flat, terracotta tiles that help to channel rainwater into traditional channels. Many of the structures also feature intricate wooden balconies, known as ‘charpoy,’ which serve both decorative and functional purposes.

The Khan’s Palace (Khansaray)

The highlight of any visit to Sheki is undoubtedly the Khan’s Palace (also known as Khansaray), a breathtaking example of Azerbaijani architecture from the 18th century. Commissioned by the khan, Fatali Khan, the palace was designed by the renowned architect Rasmallah Hajibeyov and took over two decades to complete.

The palace is built using a combination of red brick, sandstone, and limestone, with elaborate wood carvings adorning the facade and intricate stained-glass windows filling the interior with vibrant colors. The roof is supported by 128 columns that create an impressive visual effect from the outside.

Inside the Palace

Upon entering the palace, visitors are greeted by a magnificent courtyard featuring a large pool adorned with fountains and surrounded by elegant arcades. The interior of the palace is just as stunning, with ornate frescoes, stained-glass windows, and intricate wood carvings on display throughout the various rooms.

One of the most impressive features of the palace is the so-called “Hall of Mirrors,” which boasts over 30,000 mirrors covering every inch of its walls, ceiling, and even the floor. This dazzling display creates an ethereal atmosphere that is truly breathtaking.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to admiring the architectural wonders of Sheki, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in various activities such as:

• Tasting traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, including dishes like Sheki Pilaf (a rice dish flavored with saffron and raisins) and Sheki Halva (a sweet made from wheat flour, sugar, and honey).
• Attending a performance of Yalli Nan, a traditional folk music genre unique to the Sheki region.
• Learning about local crafts such as carpet weaving, pottery, and metalwork at workshops run by skilled artisans.
• Exploring the bustling bazaar in Sheki’s old town, where you can purchase souvenirs, sample local delicacies, and interact with friendly locals.

Practical Tips for Visiting

• The best time to visit Sheki is during the spring (April – June) or fall (September – November), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer months can be quite hot, while winter can bring heavy snowfall.
• Sheki can be reached by car, bus, or minivan from Baku, with journey times ranging from 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can fly to the nearby city of Gabala, which is just a 45-minute drive from Sheki.
• Accommodation options in Sheki range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. It’s recommended to book ahead during peak travel seasons.
• While English is not widely spoken in Sheki, most tourist sites have staff who can communicate in English. It may be helpful to have a basic understanding of Russian or Azerbaijani if you plan on venturing off the beaten path.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, and other religious sites. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering some homes and buildings.