Through the language of stories, we are setting off for Sheki, one of the cities situated along the ancient Silk Road. Following the traces of this historic route, we would first like to reveal to you the “Ten Secrets That Make Sheki What It Is”. Believe us, what you are about to discover will offer you some truly astonishing moments. Every street here bears the marks of history. In this city full of mysteries, every step reveals a wonder.

 

And when it comes to Sheki’s “Ten Secrets”, our ancestors put it beautifully: “It is better to see something once than to hear about it a hundred times.”

If you want to discover the secrets of the magnificent Palace of the Sheki Khans, the Albanian Church of Kish, the city’s world-famous silk, its delicately patterned kelaghayis and its renowned halva, you simply must visit Sheki.

Let us reveal the first of its “Ten Secrets”.

The city’s most famous landmark is the Palace of the Sheki Khans. The palace was built in the 18th century during the reign of Muhammad Husayn Khan. It is one of the first places visitors come to see.

The distinguished Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet, speaking of the beauty of the Palace of the Sheki Khans, once wrote:

“If Azerbaijan had no other ancient buildings, it would be enough to show the Palace of the Sheki Khans to the world.”

One of the first things to astonish visitors is the shebeke latticework adorning the building’s windows and doors. These intricate structures are assembled from thousands of coloured pieces of glass and wooden elements fitted together.

What makes this craftsmanship even more remarkable is that not a single nail or drop of glue was used either in making the latticework or in constructing the palace itself. It is precisely this feature that makes shebeke a rare art form, both technically and aesthetically.

Behind this extraordinary craft lie the skill, patience and hard work of Sheki’s artisans. Sometimes, this traditional art is even referred to as the “art of patience”.

In 2019, the “Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace” was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Sheki is also one of Azerbaijan’s most important gastronomic centres. The region is famous for its delicious baklava, Sheki gubariyya, thread halva and bamia pastries.

Sheki halva has a distinctive taste and aroma of its own. Visitors to Sheki rarely leave without tasting this much-loved delicacy.

But what is the secret behind its unique flavour?

In our next programme, we will explore the secrets of Sheki’s delicious cuisine, its beautiful kelaghayis, its traditional craftsmanship and the many other treasures that continue to amaze everyone who visits this remarkable city.