Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The historic part of Sheki, one of the most ancient and picturesque regions of Azerbaijan will be protected, in accordance with the order issued by President Ilham Aliyev on January 21.

Yukhari Bash Historical-Architectural Reserve will receive the National reserve status under the order. The reserve includes Sheki fortress which accommodates Palace of Sheki Khans, and the main shopping street, along which caravanserais and artisan shops located here.

To preserve the historic appearance and architectural style of Sheki, which is of great importance for Azerbaijani culture, as well as to promote the cultural achievements of the Azerbaijani people, the relevant agencies should submit proposals about the restoration of buildings and roads, preservation of historical and cultural monuments, conservation of natural landscape in the city to the Cabinet of Ministers during two months.

Sheki, located on the descriptive hillsides of the Caucasus Mountains in the background of snowy peaks is among Azerbaijan’s main tourist destinations, hosting hundred thousands of tourists every year.

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

Sheki’s Caravanserai

Since ancient times, Sheki has been famous as a city of artists, artisans and merchants. The city hosted the traders from all over the Great Silk Road, due to which the construction of caravanserai was very important. Between the 18th and 19th centuries some five large caravanserais were operating in the city, and today only two of them namely Upper and Lower survived.

Sights of attraction

The must-see place in Sheki is the local Old Fortress. There are 11 historical bathhouses here, and one of them built in 19th century, is still in operation. Most of the historical monuments from different periods are located in this part of the town, including the 5th century Albanian temple and barracks built in the time of Tsar.

Juma Mosque, built in the18th century is another tourist attraction in Sheki, which is protected by the state as an important historical monuments.

The majestic Palace of Sheki Khans, located in the city fortress, takes a special place with its magnificent wall paintings and colorful windows' mosaic.

The palace is a two-story brick masonry structure elongated on the north-south axis and covered with a wooden hipped roof with long eaves. The layout of both floors is identical; three rectangular rooms are placed in a row, separated by narrow, south-facing balconies that provide access to the rooms.

The summer residence is renowned for the lavish decoration of its exterior and interior. The facades are covered in tiles with floral and geometrical motives. The interior walls of the residence are covered with frescoes painted during the eighteenth century. Many of the frescoes feature flowers in vases, while a series of paintings on the first floor halls depict hunting and battle scenes. Signatures on frescoes list the names of artists Ali Kuli, Kurban Kuli and Mizra Jafar from Shemaha, Usta Gambar from Shusha, and Abbas Kuli, who may also have been the architect of the summer residence.

The palace was the residence of Sheki khans back in 1762. The interior design of the palace reflects the best traditions of Azerbaijani architecture. The palace is considered as one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of medieval Azerbaijan.

Samples of Sheki cuisine

Famous local dish is Piti. No one could resist the flavor of this Piti, which is cooked in special earthenware pots in eight-nine hours.

Piti is traditionally a workers’ dish, local people say. There is even a belief that one portion of piti is enough to see a worker through the whole day; it is a very satisfying and, at the same time, inexpensive lunch. The main ingredient is lamb, rich in proteins and fat. The use of only fresh meat and the fat from the distinctive tails of Azerbaijani sheep give the dish its special flavour.

Sheki is also famous for its own sweet pakhlava made of rice flour, nuts, and sugar-honey syrup. Anyone visiting Sheki will not be able to resist the temptation of its famous Pakhlava.

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

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