Palace "Shaki Khan"

Address: Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Shaki, AZ5503

Description-Sheki has preserved its ancient city-build structure and it is rich in beautiful architectural monuments. Sheki was the main center of silk production in the Caucasus, and in XVIII-XIX centuries, being the capital of Sheki khanate, it developed and turned into the trade, cultural center of Azerbaijan. Old Sheki "-as founded in the southern part of Big Caucasus, relatively in a flat place and was on the main trade way of Neighboring East. But a strong high-flood in 1772 destroyed the city. After the natural disaster the city was transferred in a safe and relatively high place in Nukha. This place was mentioned in Ptolemy"s "The Geographical Study".

The highest point of Sheki is Mahammadkhasan Khan stronghold was formed in 1743-1754 years. There are two gates (Ganja and Shirvan), which are surrounded by stronghold walls. The building of Khan"s Palace, a round place for praying and other subsidiary buildings are the models of architectural beauty on its territory. The building of Sheki Khans" palace according to its expressive architectural structure, numerous shining walls, which decorate the interior and the riches of graceful wooden works can be considered a rare architectural work. On the Gurjina riverbank, there is a street of mastership and trade center. There are also the biggest caravan sheds (Yukhari and Ashagi Caravan sheds), shops, workshops, Friday Mosque and some patrimonies.

The natural landscape, and unusual beauty, enriches the appearance of Sheki, and from an expressive background to its architecture. A lot of verdure and the old street, made of cobblestone, intensify connection between the city and nature. The mosques, the bath-houses, one or two-storied dwelling houses, which were built in XVIII-XIX centuries in Sheki blocks can be considered as an architectural monuments. The decoration of ancient houses of Sheki with bright colours, the ornament of wooden windows and the beautiful fireplaces confirm the medieaval traditions of the natural architecture. The best model of these houses is the house of Sheki Khan (XIX century).

Icheri Sheher (Old City)

Icherisheher – the Old City - is the pearl of the Azerbaijan nation, and a source of pride for every Azeri citizen. Even though its area is only 22 hectares in size, it contains hundreds of historical monuments, four of which are of world importance and 28 of which are of local importance.

Icherisheher is a unique town within the city of Baku having its own infrastructure and residential communities. More than 1300 families live in Icherisheher and it contains a number of museums, 18 hotels, and over 100 commercial and catering facilities.

The fortress Icherisheher is located in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in the center of Baku along the coast of the Caspian sea. The walls of the fortress are 8-10 meters in height and 3.5m in width. The unique historic monuments and wide range of tourism optionsl make Icherisheher one of the most popular tourist attractions in Azerbaijan.

Icherishehher is a romantic place for leisure where you will feel as if you have been transported back in time. The walled city of Baku is located in the sub-tropic geographic zone and has a moderate climate. The winter, spring and autumn are mild and the summer is dry, with rains in late autumn and early spring.

The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls were well protected. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

"Yanardagh" State historical-and-cultural Natural Reservation

Address: Mammadli village, Absheron, Azerbaijan
Phone: (+994 12) 340 45 47; (+994 12) 408 50 91
Web: http://yanardag.az
E-mail: info@yanardag.az

Yanar Dag (burning mountain) is located in the western part of Mahammadi village, 27 km from the center of Baku, 2 km from the center of the village, on the left of Mahammadi-Digah highway. The fires in the area are the result of blazing up of natural gas flows seeping from the fissures created as a result of rock erosions in layer of oil and gas in depths of the earth, tectonic activities, as well as eruption of mud volcanos – in short, volcanic-tectonic processes.

Sometimes flames in Yanar Dag jet into the air 10-5 meters. The information about that that the fire in the area has started since the ancient times of the history has been proved by both geological investigations carried out in the territory, and historical resources. There were three burning hills on the opposite of Yanar Dag. Today those hills are extinguished. Three tongues of flame and sea symbols which are the symbols of Baku are accepted referring to Yanar Dag.

It is worth to note that several historical resources elucidating the early Middle Ages provide interesting information that on the coasts of the Caspian Sea in the territory of Baku city there were constantly burning lands, even burning water and the area was called Atash-i Baquan (Fire of Baku). One and perhaps the first of such historical sources providing information about “eternal flames” in the area burning day and night is Greek historian Priscus of Panium. While describing the Caucasian Albania at the beginning of V century, Priscus has talked about “flames rising from underwater rocks”.

The area of Yanar Dag was declared state historical-cultural and natural reserve with the Order dated May 2, 2007 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The area of the reserve is 64.55 ha. It covers the areas of Gurd yuvasi (“Wolf’s Nest”), a thousand years old two graveyards and an ancient mosque, Gotur spring, Ali dashi (stone of Ali), Kardashi, Girmaki valley and Yanar Dag.