Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan’s ancient city of Sheki and the charming French city of Colmar have become sister cities following the signing of a friendship and cooperation charter in France on November 20.

The document was undersigned by Head of Sheki City Executive Authority Elkhan Usubov and Mayor of Colmar Gilbert Meyer.

Usubov addressed the event providing detailed information about the historical and architectural monuments of Sheki, including the Palace of Sheki Khans.

The head of the city executive informed the audience that Sheki is the city of festivals, and last year it hosted some four festivals.

Earlier in May, the charter was signed in Sheki, when the mayor of Colmar, visited Azerbaijan for the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

Sheki is one of the most ancient and historical cities of Azerbaijan, which with its population of 181,000 people, excels in agriculture, especially in the silk industry.

Sheki is one of the country's main tourist destinations, hosting more than 100,000 tourists every year.

The city has long been a famous silk center and an important stop on the Great Silk Route. Since ancient times, Sheki has been famous for its silk, which has been used in the Middle East, Europe and India.

The city is a real natural wonder with its beautiful landscapes, mineral water springs, forests and rivers.

There are 84 historical and cultural monuments in Sheki. Archaeological findings suggest that the city might be one of the oldest settlements in the Caucasus. Pieces dating 2,500 years were unearthed here.

Modern Sheki was actually rebuilt in 1772 after the city was destroyed by mud streams - River Kish. Annually, Sheki becomes a place for international and local festivals which attract many people.

Colmar is a sizeable town in the Haut-Rhin department - south of the Alsace region.

Although the city has been modernized a lot over the past few years, it still retains its history. The old city most of all attracts tourists with its narrow streets and half-timbered, half-painted houses so particular to the Alsace region.

Wandering about Colmar, discovering its old streets is the best way to explore the city. There is a variety of shops of different sorts. Many people choose to discover the city through boat trips on the canal from Little Venice.

Colmar is a bit of France, Germany, and even Italy all at once. Most people would say it feels mostly like Germany, with the half-timber houses, the cuisine, and the fine brusque wines.

Every year more than 3.5 million tourists visit the city, which annually hosts nearly 3 to 4 international festivals.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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