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Sheki
From Wikitravel
Europe : Eastern Europe : Caucasus : Azerbaijan : Sheki Region : Sheki
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Contents
- [+]
Understand
- Climate
- [+]
Get in
- [+]
Get around
- Talk
- [+]
See
- [+]
Do
- [+]
Buy
- [+]
Eat
- [+]
Drink
- [+]
Learn
- [+]
Sleep
- Cope
- Contact
- [+]
Stay safe
- [+]
Get out
  The Khansarai courtyard
Sheki (Şəki; also Seki or Shaki) is a city in Sheki Region of Azerbaijan.
[edit] Understand
Few foreigners visit the Azerbaijan beyond the capital city, Baku. In so doing, they overlook a true gem in Sheki. The small city of Sheki has a whole lot to offer by way of historic attractions; in particular, the Palace of the Sheki Khans (Khansarai) is a magnificent work of Islamic architecture. Its setting is stunning; it lies in the rolling, thickly forested foothills, which spread out to the south, while to the immediate north are the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The possibilities for treks into the unspoilt mountain landscapes are endless, and are alone a great reason to visit the city. But more than anything, the relaxed pace of life evident in Sheki's central market and tea houses makes the city a welcome respite from whatever cares you may have.
A relatively small city, Sheki has a population of about 63,000. It is situated in northern Azerbaijan on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, 325km (200 miles) from the capital city Baku and not far from the Georgian border. Sheki is located at an altitude of 500m (1,640 ft).
[edit] History
 A view over Sheki
Throughout the history of the city, Sheki has swung between independence and foreign domination. In its earlier centuries, 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 Khansarai was built. But Sheki's independence did not last long; it was absorbed in the early 19th century by an expansionist Russian Empire. Due to Sheki's rather tumultuous political history (in a tumultuous region), the majority of Sheki's preserved historic and architectural monuments date from only the 16th-19th centuries.
[edit] Climate
Winter — cold, but the snow is only heavy during January and February
Spring — beautiful with the once brown mountains turning green from the rain
Summer — mild, about what you would expect from a town like Innsbruck or Estes Park, Colorado
Fall — quite warm during the day, but at night it gets a bit chilly, so pack a jacket and a thick blanket
[edit] Get in
[edit] By taxi
Until the airport begins operating again, the fastest transport between Baku and Sheki is by taxi — it takes about 5 hours and costs 40 AZN; if you share the ride with other people, it will cost around 10 AZN per person.
A taxi is also a fine, if more expensive, way to get to Georgia, and you should have no trouble finding a taxi, bus, or marshrutka onward from the border at Lagodekhi to Tbilisi.
[edit] By train
The train station has a somewhat inconvenient location about 17km from the city center. In order to reach the station you will either have to take a taxi for 3 AZN or hop on a Baku-bound bus or minibus and ask the driver to drop you off by the railroad station, and then walk about 0.2 km to the station. There are night trains that run from Baku-Balakan and make a stop in Sheki. There is also a Balakan-Baku train that passes through Sheki. Passengers must produce their passports in order to buy tickets. It would be wise to purchase a ticket for the luxury carriage in advance. You can contact Mr. Xemlet at 994 50 672-5538 or Mr. Arxan at 994 55 672-5758 to make advanced reservations. The basic carriage (plaskard) costs 2.60 AZN, the middle class (coupe) costs 3.60 AZN, and the luxury carriage (SV/Super Vagon) costs 5 AZN. Make sure that you receive all of your change from the ticket counter, as they often try to shortchange foreigners.
Daily departure times to the Sheki terminal:
Daily departure times from the Sheki terminal:
[edit] By bus or minibus
This is one of the more tedious ways to get to Sheki, taking nearly 7 hours, because the mountain pass used by cars and marshrutkas would be out of the question for a large bus. Although slower, buses are more comfortable than marshrutka, although the ones with air conditioning overdo the cold air in a big way. The fare to/from Baku is 6 AZN.
Minibuses (Marshrutka) run between many of the major cities to the Sheki bus station (avtovağzal), and take 6 hours to/from Baku. Use your discretion when riding the minibuses as the condition of both vehicles and drivers vary—this matters, given the exceptionally steep road, full of sharp curves, that awaits. The fare is 6 AZN.
The Sheki bus terminal ticket counter opens 6:30AM-5PM and 8PM-midnight (holidays 10:30AM-11:30PM). Call the cashier at 0177-4-46-17. The ticket vendors at the terminal speak Russian, Turkish, and Azeri.
Bus/minibus departure times to the Sheki terminal:
Baku: 9:40, 12:20, 17:30, 22:15 (6 AZN)
Ganja: 1:45 (3 AZN)
Bus/minibus departure times from the Sheki terminal:
Balakan: 10:10, 14:00
Baku: Every hour from 6:30-20:00 (6 AZN)
Barda: 9:00, 11:30, 16:30
Bulaq: 6:30, 10:00
Ganja: 8:00, 8:30, 13:30 (3 AZN)
Kaldak: 13:00, 17:00
Sheki-A Kungut: 7:00, 13:00, 17:00
Sheki-B Kungut: 9:00, 15:00
Mingechivir: 6:50, 9:40, 13:00, 16:00 (2 AZN)
Naftalan: 15:10
Oguz: 7:20, 10:30, 11:40, 13:20, 15:00, 16:00 (1.5 AZN)
Qayabaş: 14:00
Qabala via Oguz: 6:50, 14:00 (2 AZN)
Qax: 7:30, 10:30 (1.4 AZN)
Shorsu: 7:00, 13:00, 16:00
Yevlax: 10:30
Zaqatala: 7:00, 9:00, 11:00, 11:40, 15:00, 16:30
[edit] Get around
 A residential street by the Caravansarai
Though a large city by the standards of Azerbaijan, it's easy enough to get around the city center and all the main sights on foot. The sloping terrain of the city, however, may tax older visitors, but it's also easy to get around using taxis and, for the adventurous, marshrutkas.
[edit] By taxi
Taxis charge 40-60 qapick and are quite convenient if you know where you want to go within the city. Addresses are quite useless in Azerbaijan as many roads have recently been renamed (since independence), so it's better to direct the driver to a landmark you know of such as a school, hotel, or historic place.
[edit] By bus or minibus
Riding on Buses and Minibuses in Azerbaijan
Minibuses are quite crowded on the intra-city routes in Azerbaijan. It is common for 15 people to crowd into a 10 person minibus, but do not feel shy in doing this. It is normal, if you are standing, for someone to take your bag and hold onto it until either you or they disembark. Men usually ride in the rear of buses and minibuses, while women sit in the front, and it is customary for men to give their seat to a lady entering the bus. Lastly, Azerbaijan is not a line forming society, and this especially applies to bus and minibuses.
Buses and minibuses operate from 7:00-20:00, charge 20 qapick, and go to many different locations throughout the city. There are 24 routes throughout the city, and most of these buses either stop in the bus terminal, the city center, or the new bazaar.
Routes:
1a — Silk factory; ziyarit; radio tower; post office; hospital; bus terminal; gushlek drug store; pavilion; Olympic complex
3a — New bazaar; radio tower; silk factory; teacher's school; The Palace of the Sheki Khans; genceli mehel; Caravansary; post office
4 — New bazaar; K/T Axundov; hospital; bus terminal; gas office; pavilion
5 — New bazaar; bus terminal; old bazaar; silk factory; qrensh zavod; bagbanlar street
6 — Okhud village
7 — Olympic complex; bus terminal; hospital; theater; old bazaar; silk factory; university; dodu
8 — New bazaar; bus terminal; hospital; near school number 10; silk factory; dodu
9 — Silk factory; bus terminal; olympic complex
11 — New Bazaar; bus terminal; old bazaar; Caravansary; The Palace of the Sheki Khans; children's hospital; Olympic complex
14 — New bazaar; gushlek drug store; pavilion; number 11 school
15 — Kish; dodu; new bazaar
17 — First region; children's hospital; The Palace of the Sheki Khans; Caravansary; old bazaar; bus terminal; new bazaar
18 — Bus terminal; guyumler; sarabski kuche; asphalt mill; new bazaar; olympic complex
20 — Bus terminal; new bazaar
22 — Olympic complex; bus terminal; hospital; theater; old bazaar; Caravansary; The Palace of the Sheki Khans; children's hospital
23 — Bazaar; Dodu; Kish's 1st Bus Stop; Kish's 2nd Bus Stop near number 3 school
24 — Pavilion; number 20 school; executive committee; radio tower; recreation zone; new bazaar
While Sheki is a natural tourist destination, English is not widely spoken, so it would be wise to either bring an Azeri phrasebook and/or brush up on your Azeri, Russian, or Turkish before arriving.
The accent of Sheki is a bit quicker than that of standard Azeri and instead of the k sound it is often replaced with a kh. and Sheki-specific vocabulary is often used instead of common Azeri vocabulary words.
The Wolf-Man
There is a man that resides in Sheki who walks around the road by the Khansarai with a stuffed wolf covered in a sheet, hoping to entice foreign visitors into a photo-op It can be quite interesting just to talk to him (if you know Azeri), but otherwise you can take a picture with him and the wolf for the standard fee of .4 AZN.
 The Caravansarai gates
[edit] Itineraries
[edit] Sights
Caravansarai, Shaki, M.F.Akhundov Avenue 185, ☎ (177) 4-31-72. This building was constructed by the Sheki Khans to house caravans as they passed through on the Silk Road to and from China. This was one of 5 such stops in Azerbaijan during the 18th and 19th centuries, and was the biggest caravansarai on the Silk Road in the entire Transcaucasus region. 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 (Juma Məscid) (Right next to the Chelebi Khan restaurant). This picturesque mosque has a 40m spire, from which you will hear the resounding call to prayer. It was built from 1745-1750 and is decorated with exquisite geometric designs.
Khansarai (Palace of the Sheki Khans) (on the upper main historical monument reserve), ☎ (177)-43-66. 10AM-6PM daily. This palace, along with the Caravansarai, is one of Sheki's true must-sees. During the city's period of independence as the Sheki Khanate, Khan Hussein constructed the palace, its gardens, and fortifications to serve as the summer palace of the Sheki Khans. The palace is exquisite, inside and out, and the courtyard boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain forests. You could make a good half day of this one site, as there are also various museums, parks, and a nice tea house right on the palace grounds. Admission: 80 qapick.
Silk Factory (İpək Kombinat). Sheki, in addition to being on the Silk Road, has itself been a major silk producer over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. Sheki's silk factory is about a 15 minute walk from the center of town. There is a store adjoining the factory where vendors sell some fine silk items at lower prices than what you would find at the bazaar.
[edit] Parks and Monuments
M. Fuzuli Adina Park (right in the city center). This central park is quite nice during the summer, and it has a couple tea houses where you can kick back and relax.
Cultural and Resting Park of BU M.F. Achundov (one block up the street from the new bazaar on west side of the road). This is a nice park to go to and sit after a hard morning of shopping. If you are hungry, you can have a picnic on the park grounds or stop in the nearby Kerpish Restaurant
World War II Memorial (to get to the memorial, go half way up the road that leads to the Palace of the Sheki Khans, take a right, and then hike up the hill). WWII memorials are a dime a dozen throughout Azerbaijan, but this particular memorial distinguishes itself with its impressive panoramic vista of the city.
[edit] Museums and Galleries
Haydar Aliyev Museum. 10AM-5PM daily. A museum dedicated to the first president of independent Azerbaijan (and to the perpetuation of his personality cult), located across the street from the Sheki Olympic Complex. The museum is full of pictures, books, and statues dedicated to the man. Free.
The Rashidbey Efendihad House Museum, on the road to the Khansarai. 10AM-5PM. This museum is dedicated to one of Sheki's most famous educators and authors, Rashidbey Efendihade. Free.
Sheki Government Painting Gallery. This art gallery is located near the Palace of the Sheki Khans and features paintings by various Sheki artists and students. 0.4 AZN.
Abduxaliq Hamam (public baths), on the road up to the Silk Factory. Days for women: M,T,Th,Sa; men: W,F,Su. Public Baths (Hamamlar). 0.8 AZN.
Sheki Humor
Sheki humor and anecdotes are famous throughout Azerbaijan. During Soviet times there were Joke Festivals and throughout that time Sheki and Gabrovo in Bulgaria were humor sister cities. It is quite hard to understand the jokes, especially the Haci Dayi stories, as they are often quite confusing.
Explore the new Bazaar, located on the western section of the city. The new bazaar is an interesting spot, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, food, and spices.
Drama Theater (one block up the street from the hospital, on the left hand side of the road). Plays are performed in Azeri, but it still can be interesting to see an Azerbaijani interpretation. The theater also hosts other events. There is a çay xana just outside where you can grab a cup of tea before or after a performance.
Chingis Club (on the road to the Khansarai). A new movie theater/museum showing two movies on most weeks. Usually one is a dubbed American/European film, while the other is from either Turkey or Azerbaijan. The entire theater can be rented for 40 AZN.
[edit] Hiking
There is endless spectacular hiking to be done throughout the northern region of Azerbaijan, and Sheki proves no exception.
Sheki-Kish-"Gelersen-Gorersen" fortress-Sheki
22km (10km by car, 12km hiking); 6 hours. This path takes you from Kish's Albanian church to the "Gelersen-Gorersen fortress" via the Kish river and through pine groves with a plethora of varieties of mushrooms growing in the underbrush. Walking to the fortress takes about two hours; once there you can explore the different views of the Kish River from the peaks of the mountains. The way back from the mountain is a great time to have a picnic beneath the trees on the hills overlooking the valley.
Sheki-Ortazeyzit-Bashzeyzit-Quzuyolu-Xanyaylagi-Markhal-Sheki
46km (32km by car, 14km hiking); 13 hours. This route meanders by two ancient Albanian churches, continues up a long path to the Khanyaylaghi peak, and on to the Markhal recreation areas, where you can have dinner. From this area you can travel to Sheki by car.
 Albanian Ruins in Ortazeyzit
Sheki-Bashkyungyut-Bideiz-Sheki
55.5km (48.5km by car, 7km hiking); 11 hours. After travelling to Bashkyungyut and visiting the ruins of the Albanian Church on the edge of the village, continue up the path and you can see two Albanian monuments situated 5km from each other. Opon reaching Bideiz village, you can return via car to Sheki.
Sheki-Oraban-Bashkeldek-Keshnazar-Gyurgala-Sheki
82km (78km by car, 4km hiking); 12 hours. This road passes through the Keshnazar Valley, where it opens to a very beautiful panorama. Rest at the "Hunter's House" cabin then hike to the ancient fortress at the top of a steep peak. After walking around, you can return to Sheki.
[edit] Guided tours
The Association of Family Recreation and Tourism in Sheki, ☎ 0177 423-49. This organization has a variety of package tours.
Handicrafts made by the Disabled People Care Association in 18 A. Cabrayilov street; phone: 944 177-432-53 and mobile: 944 50 384 20 35.
Shebeke (stained glass), carpets, musical instruments, and copper and iron products are sold in the bazaar, all along the road up to the Caravansarai, tourist areas, and also at the Handicraft Association headquarters at 85 Vidadi Street, near the Fica Bank in the center of Sheki. The director of the organization is Farhad Azizov and he can be reached via phone:944 177-44265 or mobile: 944 050-5126564.
Water
Sheki has just started bottling mineral water from Markhal, an area right outside of the city of Sheki. A bottle is an inexpensive, but refreshing and healthy purchase. Markhal water can be purchased at the market 5 meters up the hill from the central post office and throughout Sheki.
 Sheki Silk Scarves
Sheki is on the Silk Road, and has had a major silk industry for a long time. There is still a silk factory ipək kombinat in the city, from which a great variety of silk items are crafted, one of the most famous being the silk scarves-kalagayi. The scarves range in price from 5 to 100 AZN. Sheki scarves can be purchased at the silk factory, the Caravansarai, or at the bazaar.
Bazaars
The new Bazaar is located on the western section of the city. It is a very interesting sight where you can purchase many different handicrafts, food, and spices. It is a good place for a person with proficiency in Azeri, Turkish, or Russian to go and haggle with the shop owners, get a cup of tea, or enjoy some chicken kebabs from one of the vendors.
Bankomats (ATMs) are available all around the main square. If you have a cell phone with either a Bakcell or Azercell sim card, you can recharge your account balance using various ATMs.
International Bank of Azerbaijan locations
Sheki-Yevlakh road (near the "4 yol", Azpetrol)
Bash Geynuk
Chol yolu (Olympic complex)
73 H.Aliyev street (Sheki branch of İBA)
175, M.A.Rasulzade street (ATE)
1, F.Kh.Khoyski street (Sheki silk )
185 M.F.Axundov street (Karvansaray)
25, S.Rahman street ("Gunay" g/p)
M.A.Rasulzade street (Gishlag)
2, N.Narimanov street (Dagdibi)
[edit] Regional Specialties
The Best Halva
The best halva in Sheki according to all of the locals is Eliehmed Confectioneries (Shirinyyet). It is half way up the hill that goes past the Friday Mosque leading up to the Karavan Palace and the Palace of the Sheki Khans. It is located across the bridge on the right hand side in a small white building. There is a sign on the road that says Eliehmed Shirinyyet, so it can not be missed.
 Sheki Halva
Sheki Halva — a special type of baklava called halva, best eaten at a çay xana (tea house) alongside a piping hot cup of tea.
Sheki Piti — a stew created with meat and potatoes and prepared in a terra cotta pot—well worth a try. The style de cuisine is as follows: first crumble up pieces of bread, pour the au jous into the bowl from the pot, eat the bread and au jous, and finally pour the rest of the stew into your bowl and eat it.
[edit] Restaurants
Restaurant, In the Caravansarai, ☎ 4-48-14. Wonderful food served in the beautiful courtyard and gardens of the Caravansarai. 4-6 AZN.
Chelebi Khan, Town center, ☎ 994 177 4-29-20 (994 050 322-95-34). 3-5 AZN.
Kerpish Restaurant, Bu M.F. Achundov park. It has 5 small rooms for more private occasions.
Laziz Restaurant, M.F. Achundov park, ☎ 944 177 4 87 83 (944 50 351 64 24). This restaurant has several personal rooms. Follow up a meal here with some soft-serve ice cream while walking in M.F. Achundov park.
Istanbul Restaurant, Next to the new bazaar. Has Turkish food and serves the cakes, Danishes, and desserts from the Turkish bakery next door; this restaurant offers take-out on request, so on a nice day you can take your food to the park. 2-5 AZN.
Cold Spring/Soyug Bulag Restaurant, On the road to Kish, ☎ 994 117 6 11 13 (944 50 462 71 33). This is a restaurant that has tasty food with a wonderful natural environment. It is rumored that this is the coolest place (in terms of temperature) in Sheki because of an unspecified natural phenomenon.
Milli Yemeklar, Near the town center. Offers Azerbaijani food and has been recently remodeled. This is again being remodeled. 2-4 AZN.
Sheki Saray Hotel Restaurant, ☎ 944 117-48181. This is a great restaurant located inside of the Sheki Saray Hotel. They have all types of Western food, but it would be better to eat Azerbaijani food at the Chelebi Khan
A Cultural Note
Although the çay xana by the Khansarai allows Western women to enter, it is usually forbidden for females to enter such establishments. Drinking in general is also taboo for women anywhere in the country outside of Baku.
[edit] Tea Houses (Çay Xanalar)
There is a nice outdoor tea house (çay xana) by the Khansarai that serves tea and halva to people in their own individual nooks.
Most çay xanalar also serve local beer (piva)—draft at 50 qapick/glass or bottles at 70 qapick/bottle—or vodka (araq) at 2 AZN/bottle. For anything exotic (e.g. tequila, gin, or rum), you will have to go to the Sheki Saray bar and pay Western prices there.
The only good coffee to be found (besides Nescafe or Mac Coffee) is in the lobby of the Sheki Saray Hotel. This is where you can get your favorite espresso concoction made by Western-trained staff. The Café Mocha and Cafe Late here are some of the best hot drinks in the regions of Azerbaijan. They also offer a variety of teas.
There is a good Turkish bakery next to the New Bazaar, where you can eat local pastries. The same items can also be ordered next door at the Istanbul Restaurant, which has a nicer atmosphere. Their tastiest cake is the Snickers Cake, although it is a bit pricey (.5 AZN).
[edit] Music Schools
Sheki is quite famous for its three music schools. When walking around the city, make sure to be listening when passing Fuzuli Park and the town center.
[edit] Libraries
There are many libraries throughout Sheki. The main library is located in the city center next to the Sheki Saray hotel.
[edit] Schools
[edit] College/Universities
Pedagogical University
Technical College
Sheki National Universtiy
[edit] Martial Arts
There are a great deal of martial arts schools in Sheki. They range from karate to taekwondo, and are only 10 AZN per month.
[edit] Bed & breakfast / home stays
Sheki B&B Association tel: (994)050-612-6564. This is the least expensive option for staying in Sheki while it is also a great opportunity for interacting with locals. Farhad Azizov is the head of the association, however he speaks no English so have your Russian or Azeri ready.
[edit] Budget
 The Caravansarai courtyard
Azer Petrol Hotel, Dord yol (Dord Yol, by the train station 5km south of Sheki), ☎ 0177-38-225. This is a stop for truck drivers going and coming from Turkey, Tbilisi, and Baku. A small breakfast is included in the price of the hotel. Travelers should avoid this one, since there is no transportation to the city center. 10 AZB for a bed, 20 AZN for a room.
Sheki Hotel, M.A.Rasulzade street (in the town centre, above the Capital Bank, across from the Chelebi Khan restaurant and near the Juma Mosque), ☎ 050-318-3125 (yafetmamedov@mail.ru, fax: 994 0177 42-488). The tallest building in Sheki is actually a quite rotten place to stay. Rooms are in extreme disrepair and the service is as Soviet as it gets. At least the hotel does offer a guide service in five langauges (English, Azeri, Russian, German, and French) and guests can take advantage of the 30 seat hotel bus. The rate per night range from 25-45 AZN.
Shail Pansinot (Beach Side Resort), on the west side of the new bazaar, ☎ 055-370-8560. This is a hotel of second-to-last resort (after the dismal Sheki Hotel). As you would expect, there is no "beach side" to the city of Sheki, as there is no beach. Its location near the bazaar is the best thing about the hotel, but the rooms are a bit drafty and are not so big. Another advantage is that it is quite cheap for the basic rooms. Finally, there is a small restaurant on the first floor of the hotel. The rate per night range from 16 AZN for the basic room and 40 AZN for a nicer room.
[edit] Midrange
Caravansarai (Caravan Palace) (down the road leading to the Khansarai), ☎ 0177-4-31-724-4814. Built hundreds of years ago and recently refurbished, has a 50 person capacity conference room, restaurant, gift shops, and a çay xana (tea house). Hidden inside the corridors alongside the restaurant are rooms for parties of 10-20. During tourist season everything on the menu is available, but in the spring and fall the selection is limited to the course of the day. Service is excellent and accommodations do not get more atmospheric than this. The rate per night ranges from 12-60 AZN.
Panorama Inn, ☎ 050-622-9027. Run by a middle-aged couple, has a nice view of the whole community of Sheki and nice, albeit pricy (for Azerbaijan) meals. 5 bedrooms for two people apiece, each decorated with Azerbaijani handicrafts and tools. The rate per night range from 26-35 AZN.
[edit] Splurge
Sheki Saray Hotel (Sheki Palace Hotel), ☎ (994)177-48181, cell: (994)050 413-1133 (rasimm@shekisaray.az, fax: (994)177-47099), [2]. The latest hotel in the city, also the most expensive as it caters to wealthy Azerbaijanis from Baku and Ganja as well as Westerners (the staff speaks English and Russian). It has many amenities previously unseen outside of Baku such as in-room Internet access via ethernet, taxi service, room service, etc. There is a conference room on the first floor, a bar with coffee/alcohol, and a restaurant. Rooms range from the basic single to the Presidential Suite. The rate per night ranges from 55-200 AZN and they accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Seasonal rates apply from winter rates, summer weekday rates, and summer weekend rates, with the last being the most expensive.
Sheki Idman Kompleksi (Sheki Olympic Complex), ☎ 0177-5-12-63 (fax: 0177-5-11-55). The well-groomed sports center complexes, complete with beautiful gardens, that are being built throughout the country are one of the current president's pet projects. The Sheki Olympic Complex is a little ways out of the town and getting there involves a marshrutka or taxi ride. The sports areas are available to visitors—for a price of course—including volleyball, basketball, tennis, and football. The facility has a conference room for 50 people, a dining room, and small cottages. The rate per night is 40 AZN.
Naran Qala Istrahat Zonasi (Narin Qala Cottage Complex, on the road to Kish, north of Gelersen Goresen Fortress), ☎ (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 facilities outside the cottages include a playground for children, evening shows, and a restaurant where children up to 8 years of age can eat for free. This resting zone is within walking distance of Kish's Albanian temple, Markhal, and the old fortress ruins of Gelersen Goresen. The rate per night per cottage ranges from 100-150 AZN.
Haircuts Women's Salon (Qadin Salonu)/Men's Salon (Kişi Salonu) This is a great way to get to know the local culture while also looking better. Make sure to either bring a photo of what you want your hair to look like or have your Azeri ready. Cost: 1-3 AZN.
[edit] Contact
Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found through the city of Sheki. The best internet klub is either in the central post office or across the street from the post office. Pay .4 AZN per hour.
Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout the city of Sheki. A typical international letter/stamp combination costs .8 AZN.
[edit] Stay safe
[edit] Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire: 0177-101
Police: 0177-102
Ambulance: 0177-103
City hospital: 0177-42-466
The city hospital is near the center of Sheki, right across the street from the Drama Theater.
You must speak Azeri, Russian, or Turkish to communicate your needs. It would be a good idea to memorize key phrases before coming to Azerbaijan — see the Talk section for phrasebooks.
[edit] Safety Tips
Pack a flashlight (especially in fall-spring) as the streets are not always well lit and power cuts are common.
Restrict your travel outside of the city to the day time, unless taking a night train. The roads can be treacherous at night due to unseen potholes and dimly lit cars.
[edit] Get out
[edit] Day trips
Square Tower. There is a square tower in Aidanbulag villages about 20 kilometers away from Sheki. The site was used as an observation tower for the eastern frontier of the Sheki Khanate. The tower is square with circular projections protruding from each corner.
See Gelersen-Gorsesen fortress, an ancient fortress that aided the Sheki khanate in resisting Nadir Shah's incursions in the Sheki village of Kish.
Fazil Village Labyrinth, ☎ 944 177 91 1 44. There is a labyrinth that is currently being excavated from the 4th and 3rd century BCE. It was the site of ritual sacrificing and graves. The labyrinth is open to the public. It is located in Fazil Village, 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Sheki.
Horse Racing. There is a horse racing, breeding, and riding center near Sheki in Dashuz village 15 km outside of Sheki.
[edit] Onward
Head north through Qax and its Ilisu recreation area, Zaqatala, and Balakan and then cross the border to Georgia at Lagodekhi.
Take the Ganja bus and tour Azerbaijan's second biggest city.
Head back through Oguz—and see the waterfalls on your way—to Baku.
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