Sheki City

The small city of Sheki has a whole lot to offer by way of historic attractions; in particular, the Palace of the Sheki Khans (Khansarai) is a magnificent work of Islamic architecture.

Its setting is stunning; it lies in the rolling, thickly forested foothills, which spread out to the south, while to the immediate north are the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The possibilities for treks into the unspoilt mountain landscapes are endless.

And are alone a great reason to visit the city.

But more than anything, the relaxed pace of life evident in Sheki’s central market and tea houses makes.

The city a welcome respite from whatever cares may trouble you.

A relatively small city, Sheki has a population of about 63,000. It’s situated in northern Azerbaijan in the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, 325km (201 mi) from Baku and not far south of the Georgian border. Much of Sheki is at an altitude of about 500m (1,640 ft), although many surrounding peaks top 3,000m (10,000 ft).

In addition to enjoying the views, and wandering the leafy streets, there are two sights in Sheki that you really cannot miss: the Khansarai and the Caravansarai. They’re both on the same road, so they’re easy enough to visit in one afternoon. If you want to draw out that afternoon.

Start with a lunch in the Caravansarai courtyard, then head up the hill to the Khansarai, wander around the palace.

Then stop in the teahouse next door to relax over a cup or two.

in addition to being on the Silk Road, has itself been a major silk producer over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. Sheki’s silk factory is about a 15 minute walk from the centre of town. It is quite difficult to gain entrance into the factory. There is a store adjoining the factory where vendors sell very fine silk items at high prices.

You would find moderate price items at the bazaar and private souvenir shops in “Khansarai”.

Sheki Halva — a special type of baklava called halva, best eaten at a çay xana (tea house) alongside a piping hot cup of tea. The best halva in Sheki according to all of the locals is at Eliehmed Confectioneries (Shirinyyet). It’s half way up the hill that goes past the Friday Mosque leading up to the Karavan Palace and the Palace of the Sheki Khans. It’s across the bridge on the right hand side in a small white building.

Sheki Piti — a stew created with meat and potatoes and prepared in a terra cotta pot—well worth a try. The style de cuisine is as follows: first crumble up pieces of bread, pour the jus into the bowl from the pot, eat the bread and sauce, and finally pour the rest of the stew into your bowl and eat it.

Research by: Ulduz Tourism