Shaki (or Sheki,
until 1968 Nukha) is a city in North-west Azerbaijan. Shaki is situated on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. 325 km (200 miles) from Baku. The population of Shaki is 63,000. The name of the town goes back to the ethnonym of the Sakas, who reached the territory of modern day Azerbaijan in the 7th century B.C. and populated it for several centuries. In the medieval sources, the name of the town is found in various forms such as Sheke, Sheki, Shaka, Shakki, Shakne, Shaken, Shakkan, Shekin. Shaki's possesses a small
silk industry and relies on its agricultural sector. Delicious sweets, like halva are made from old and secret recipes, which the residents keep well guarded. Residents of Shaki speak a little different which causes other Azerbaijanis to smile upon hearing them. The accent of Sheki is a bit quicker than that of standard Azeri. Sheki humor and anecdotes are
famous throughout Azerbaijan. Sheki was the seat of an Albanian kingdom, which was invaded repeatedly by the Persian, Roman, Parthian, Arab, Mongolian, and other empires. In the past millennium, Sheki fell under the influence and often the direct rule of Persia or the Shirvanshahs of Baku. Shortly after the 18th century collapse of the Safavid Empire, Sheki became the capital of the independent Sheki Khanate, during which time the Khan-Saray was built. Sheki is a natural tourist destination. The Palace of the Sheki Khans is a magnificent work of Islamic architecture. Khan Hussein constructed the Palace of the Sheki Khans. Caravan Palace building was constructed by the Sheki Khans to house caravans as they passed through on the Silk Road to and from China. To this day, it still serves as a
place for travelers to stay and eat, and also as a place where one can simply admire its beautiful architecture. Juma Mosque was built in 1745-1750. Sheki, in addition to being on the Silk Road, has itself been a major silk producer (Silk Factory) over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. One of the most famous ones is the silk scarf-
kalagayi. Gelersen-Gorsesen fortress is an ancient fortress that aided the Sheki
Khanate in resisting Nadir Shah's incursions in the Sheki village of Kish. The Association of Family Recreation and Tourism in Sheki, 00 994 0 177 4 23 49. This organization has a variety of package tours. Sheki Saray Hotel (Sheki Palace Hotel, 00 994 177 4 81 81, cell: 00 994 050 413 11 33, fax:00 994 177 4 70 99) is the most expensive one. The rate per night range from 55-200 AZN and they accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Naran Qala Istrahat Zonasi (Narin Qala
Cottage Complex), 00 (994)177-45300. This is a cottage complex with over 20 different 1-4 room cottages. In each cottage there are bathrooms, kitchens, and satellite TV. The rate per night per cottage ranges from 100-150 AZN. I wrote very few, visiting Shaki you will enjoy very much. They say “Among mountains Shaki stands as a mountain”
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