Caravanserais of Sheki

Among the magnificent khan’s palaces and the fortress, one of the most captivating attractions in Sheki are its Caravanserais. These remarkable structures stand as one of the largest caravanserais in the Caucasus, and perhaps even in the entire former Russian Empire. Built around the turn of the 17th to 18th centuries, they underscore the unique trading status of this vibrant city.

Historically, Nukh served as a crucial meeting point for Persian and Armenian merchants and the mountain dwellers of Dagestan. There were times when these mountain people descended not to purchase goods but to seize them by force. Consequently, rather than numerous small inns, Nukh boasted a couple of massive stone caravanserais that could function as fortresses, reminiscent of the ancient guest houses found in Russian cities like Arkhangelsk and Tobolsk. The caravanserais of Sheki are truly colossal; for instance, the Lower Caravanserai has a perimeter of 100 by 80 meters and features 256 rooms spread across three floors.

Located below the fortress, the Upper Caravanserai is situated at the corner of Akhund-zade and Fatali Khan Khoyski streets (185 Akhund-zade Street), while the Lower Caravanserai is just a short distance further along the street. Currently, only the Upper (or Small) Caravanserai, covering an area of 6,000 square meters, is open for tourists. This three-story building faces the Gurdjanachay River, with a 19th-century stone bridge located directly across from it. The cellars and the first floor were typically used as storage and trading areas, while the upper two levels housed rooms for merchants and travelers.

Today, the Upper Caravanserai in Sheki features a hotel of the same name, where guests can stay in rooms with vaulted ceilings, allowing them to imagine themselves as caravan traders from the times of the Great Silk Road. The hotel also boasts a fine restaurant, making it a delightful stop for visitors.

Located below the fortress, the Upper Caravanserai is situated at the corner of Akhund-zade and Fatali Khan Khoyski streets (185 Akhund-zade Street), while the Lower Caravanserai is just a short distance further along the street. Currently, only the Upper (or Small) Caravanserai, covering an area of 6,000 square meters, is open for tourists. This three-story building faces the Gurdjanachay River, with a 19th-century stone bridge located directly across from it. The cellars and the first floor were typically used as storage and trading areas, while the upper two levels housed rooms for merchants and travelers.

Today, the Upper Caravanserai in Sheki features a hotel of the same name, where guests can stay in rooms with vaulted ceilings, allowing them to imagine themselves as caravan traders from the times of the Great Silk Road. The hotel also boasts a fine restaurant, making it a delightful stop for visitors.

The two caravanserais are directly visible from one another. The Upper Caravanserai has an irregular shape, resembling an asymmetric trapezoid in its floor plan, varying between three to four stories on Akhund-zade Street and tapering down to a single story on Khan Khoyski Street. While it is noticeably smaller in perimeter (80 by 40 meters) compared to the Lower Caravanserai, it is still spacious, containing 300 rooms within its walls. Most importantly, it remains accessible to the public. Upon entering through the gates, visitors are greeted by a trading dome, reminiscent of those found in the historic bazaars of Bukhara.