Azerbaijan – Sheki Kahn’s Palace

On one of my greatly anticipated trips to Azerbaijan, I visited Sheki Khan Palace and was really captivated by its grandeur and historical significance. The Palace is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 18th century. It served as the summer residence of the ruling Khan of Sheki and played a crucial role in the region’s history.

The palace helps to showcase the diverse rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of Azerbaijan, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.

Location and Accessibility

Sheki Khan’s Palace is located in the city of Sheki, Azerbaijan. To get there, you can follow these directions:

1. By Air: If you’re arriving by air, the nearest international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Gabala International Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometers away from Sheki. After reaching Gabala, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Sheki Khan’s Palace.

2. By Road: Sheki is well-connected by roads, and you can reach the city by car or bus. If you’re coming from Baku, take the M4 Highway which connects Baku to Sheki. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

3. By Public Transportation: Sheki is also accessible by public transportation. You can take a bus from the Central Bus Station in Baku to Sheki. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the bus schedule and traffic.

Once you reach Sheki, you can easily find Sheki Khan’s Palace as it is a prominent landmark in the city. It is located in the old part of Sheki, known as Sheki Khanate. The palace is situated near the main square of Sheki, called Khan’s Square.

Please note that it’s always a good idea to check with local transportation authorities or use navigation apps for the most up-to-date directions and transportation options.

Architecture and Design

Sheki Khan’s Palace is a magnificent architectural marvel known for its unique design and intricate details. The palace showcases a blend of Persian, Turkish, and Azerbaijani architectural styles, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The exterior of Sheki Khan’s Palace is characterized by its symmetrical layout and elaborate ornamentation. The palace is built with bricks and stones, featuring distinctive multicolored mosaics, intricate tile work, and wooden balconies with delicate carvings. The overall design exudes grandeur and opulence, with its domed roofs and elegant archways.

Moving inside, the interior design of the palace is equally impressive. The palace consists of multiple rooms and halls, each adorned with exquisite decorations and furniture. The walls are adorned with frescoes, intricate murals, and ornate mirrors, depicting historical and mythical scenes. The decorative elements include colorful stained glass windows, intricate wooden ceilings, and marble floors with geometric patterns.

One of the unique features of Sheki Khan’s Palace is the presence of the “Shabaka” windows. These latticed windows are made of wooden frames with stained glass pieces, allowing for a mesmerizing play of light and shadows within the rooms. Another standout feature is the “Shebeke” art, which involves creating intricate wooden frames with small colored glass pieces, creating a stunning mosaic-like effect.

The palace also boasts a beautiful courtyard adorned with gardens, fountains, and pavilions. The gardens feature a variety of trees, flowers, and water features, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the palace.

History and Cultural Significance

Sheki Khan’s Palace, located in Sheki, Azerbaijan, holds lots of significant historical and cultural importance. Built in the late 18th century, the palace served as the residence of the Sheki Khans, who ruled the region during the Khanate period.

It was built as the summer residence of Hussein-khan Mushtad (the grandson of Gadzhi Chelebi).

The palace’s historical background is closely intertwined with Azerbaijan’s history. During the Khanate era, Sheki was an important trade and cultural center along the Silk Road, connecting Europe and Asia. The construction of the Sheki Khan’s Palace was a testament to the region’s prosperity and the power of the ruling Khans.

In terms of cultural significance, the palace showcases the rich artistic heritage of Azerbaijan. The interior of the palace is adorned with intricate frescoes, colorful stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork, reflecting the unique craftmanship of the time. It provides a glimpse into the architectural style and aesthetic sensibilities of the Sheki Khanate.

The palace also played a pivotal role in the development of Azerbaijan’s art and architecture. Its distinctive design blends Persian, Ottoman, and Azerbaijani architectural elements, creating a harmonious fusion of styles. This fusion is evident in the palace’s distinctive facade, featuring decorative tiles and intricate carvings.

Furthermore, Sheki Khan’s Palace serves as a cultural symbol for Azerbaijan. It showcases the opulence and grandeur associated with the ruling class of the Sheki Khanate. The palace complex also includes a mausoleum, a mosque, and a bathhouse, further highlighting the comprehensive architectural and cultural significance of the site.

The materials used included brick, river stones, trees of plane and oak. As a building it took just 2 years to build the basic shape, but it took 10 years overall, a further 8 years to make the decorations and small parts

Highlights and Must-See Areas

Here are some the key highlights and must-see areas within the palace complex:

1. The Throne Room: This opulent room features exquisite frescoes, decorative patterns, and a grand throne that showcases the regal splendor of the palace.

2. The Summer and Winter Divankhanas: These two magnificent halls served as gathering places for important events and receptions. The Summer Divankhana features beautiful stained glass windows, while the Winter Divankhana impresses with its intricate woodwork.

3. The Harem: This section of the palace was reserved for the Khan’s family and is adorned with ornate decorations, including delicate frescoes and intricately carved wooden screens.

4. The Courtyards: The palace complex boasts beautiful courtyards that provide tranquil outdoor spaces. The courtyards are adorned with colorful tile work and offer a serene atmosphere for visitors to explore.

5. The Juma Mosque: Adjacent to the palace, the Juma Mosque is a striking architectural masterpiece with its blue-tiled minaret and traditional Islamic design.

6. The Palace Windows: One of the most distinctive features of Sheki Khan’s Palace is its remarkable stained glass windows. These Shebeke glass windows showcase intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors, creating a mesmerizing play of light within the palace.

Also, when Looking at the palace from the front you cannot miss the great big sycamore trees just in front to the left and right. Dating back as old as approx 1530 they have enabled the palace to stay standing through wind, storm and earthquakes.

I was especially taken aback by the attention to detail in all the paintings of figures. The main central room has a central banner of pictures running all around the room. Battle scenes are the main. Each face, of which there are literally thousands of people, is unique and not one actual person depicted.

An amazing fact about the palace is that not one drop of glue or a single nail was used to put it together. Making this fact even more incredible are the windows coloured yellow, red and blue demand a closer inspection. The light coming in is mesmerising and perfect. Individual windows with each square metre consisting of 14,000 little pieces of hand crafted wood and over 5000 pieces of coloured glass.

This is why I highly recommend you visit the palace in the afternoon. It faces South West and that is the time the lower sun will be shing through the glass and cascading the colours everywhere.

Pomegranates adorn many of the pictures. Of course when in Azerbaijan I had come to see this fruit daily as juice and the seeds with my meals. Fresh and in abundance. When used in pictures like this the pomegranate is a symbol of abundance and fertility.

Visitor Experience

Opening Hours and Days of Operation:

• Sheki Khan Palace is open to visitors from 9am to 6pm.

Ticket Information and Entry Fees:

• The ticket price for adults is 10 AZN (approx 6 USD).
• Children 6 and under can enter free of charge.

Rules and Regulations for Visitors:

1. Respect the historical significance and cultural value of the palace by not touching or damaging any artifacts.
2. Photography is allowed outside but inside it is prohibited. Please note I had special permission for myself.

Availability of Guided Tours or Audio Guides:

• Sheki Khan Palace offers guided tours and audio guides to enhance the visitor experience.
• Guided tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the palace’s history, architecture, and cultural significance.
• Audio guides are available for visitors who prefer to explore the palace at their own pace, providing detailed audio commentary.

I must thank a most tremendous guide that went out of her way to explain all about the palace and the paintings within to me. Zamina Rasuloya had all the patience in the world (thank you) as I wanted to find out more and more.

Nearby Attractions and Sheki

I also loved taking a look around Sheki itself. A beautiful and ancient City with a gorgeous backdrop of the Caucasus mountains, nestled not far from the borders of Georgia and Russia. It is a city known throughout Azerbaijan for its people having a great natural sense of humour.

In addition to the Sheki Khan Palace, there are several other attractions and landmarks in close proximity that you can visit in Sheki. Here are some suggestions:

1. Sheki Fortress: Explore the historic Sheki Fortress, located just a short distance from the Khan Palace. The fortress offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to learn about Sheki’s history.

2. Sheki Caravanserai: Visit the Sheki Caravanserai, also known as the Sheki Silk Road Caravanserai. This ancient trading post was built in the 18th century and served as a hub for merchants traveling along the Silk Road.

3. Sheki History Museum: Discover the rich history and culture of Sheki at the Sheki History Museum. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, and artwork that depict the region’s heritage.

4. Juma Mosque: Pay a visit to the Juma Mosque, a beautiful mosque located in the heart of Sheki. This architectural masterpiece features intricate brickwork and stunning interiors.

5. Gelersen-Goresen Fortress: Explore the Gelersen-Goresen Fortress, situated on a hill overlooking Sheki. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and provides insights into the region’s medieval history.

6. Palace of Shaki Khans Museum: Extend your visit to the Sheki Khan Palace by exploring the Palace of Shaki Khans Museum. This museum showcases the lifestyle, traditions, and royal artifacts of the Sheki Khans.

7. Albanian Church: Visit the Albanian Church, an ancient Christian church located near Sheki. This historic church is believed to have been built in the 1st century and offers a glimpse into the early Christian history of the region.

A sweet delight: Now then, if you have a sweet tooth then I highly recommend a local delicacy. Sheki Pakhlava. I was directed to a little sweet shop and my taste buds had a chance to explode.

There on the counter was an unmistakable great big round Sheki Pahlava. Made from honey, hazelnuts and flour it was so so sweet I tasted… and tasted lots more.

Conclusion

This is one of those places and days that will live long in my memory. Visiting Sheki Khan Palace provides a unique opportunity to delve into the past and experience the grandeur of Azerbaijani royalty. Exploring the palace offers a glimpse into the lifestyle, customs, and traditions of the Sheki Khans.

I encourage visitors to immerse themselves in this remarkable historical site. By exploring the palace, they can gain a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s history and appreciate the architectural wonders that have stood the test of time. Experiencing Sheki Khan Palace is a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.

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