Discover Shaki: Palace, crafts and halwa

Shaki reveals itself through its architecture, crafts and cuisine. The historic city of Sheki lies at the foot of the Greater Caucasus; the Gurjana River divides it into two parts. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic centre of Sheki, including the Palace of the Khans, has been protected since 1967. Landscape and history together shape the way the place is experienced.

Palace, caravanserai and museums

The Palace of the Khans of Shaki was built in the late 18th century as an administrative building for the Khans of Shaki. It stands at one of the highest points in the city and is a monument from the era of the khanates. Its windows are examples of the Shebeke technique: the stained-glass windows were made without glue or nails. The Shebeke workshop in Shaki Fortress is also dedicated to this craft. It displays mosaics made from tiny pieces of glass held together in wooden lattices.

Another 18th-century building is the Yuxarı Karvansaray. It has up to 300 rooms and cellars. The Khan Mosque also dates from the 18th century. Its courtyard houses a museum with artefacts and cultural treasures from the time of the Shaki Khanate.

The Sheki Museum of Applied Arts is located in the Yukhari Bash State Historical and Architectural Reserve. Its four halls display around 600 examples of applied or decorative art. Shaki thus offers different ways to explore history and culture side by side: the palace and mosque as buildings, and collections connected with art and the khanate.

Experience crafts and nature

Those interested in how materials are made can also explore Shaki’s connection to silk: a visit to the Shaki Silk Factory offers the opportunity to observe silk production. Another experience takes you beyond the architectural heritage and into the landscape. The trail to Gurjana Waterfall begins at the Palace of the Khans of Shaki. This offers a choice between learning about craft production and heading outdoors, depending on your travel interests.

Halwa and culinary masterclasses

Halwa is Shaki’s best-known sweet and a local variety of pakhlava. It consists of layers of rice-pastry lattice filled with ground nuts, syrup, spices and saffron. Traditional sweet shops in Shaki offer halwa masterclasses with local confectioners. The confectioners share family recipes that have been passed down through generations. This makes it possible to appreciate the sweet not only through its ingredients, but also through the traditions passed on by confectioners.

Another way to explore the cuisine is to take a Dopu-Dolmasi masterclass. This distinctive version of dolma is prepared in a clay pot, and visitors can take a class in Shaki to learn how to make it. The VIP Karvan Restaurant in central Shaki offers a Dopu-Dolmasi masterclass. Advance booking is required. If you plan to take part, make sure to book ahead.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sheki, Bideyiz, Absheron, Şəmkir, Masally, Lankaran City, Khachmaz, Sumgait.

For the overview of the wider region: Azerbaijan.