Khans’ Palace

Situated in the heart of Sheki, the Palace of the Sheki Khans is a stunning two-story structure that was built in 1762, inspired by the summer palaces of Persian rulers. 

The layout of both floors of the palace is identical, featuring spacious halls with niches at their centers, flanked by smaller side rooms separated by corridors. This thoughtful design allows for a harmonious flow throughout the building, creating an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

One of the palace’s most striking features is the play of colorful light that floods the interior through its intricate stained glass windows, known as shebeke. These windows are not only functional but also serve as artistic elements that enhance the overall aesthetic of the palace. The walls are adorned with vibrant frescoes, with the central hall on the second floor showcasing a dramatic depiction of the battle between Hajji Chelebi and the Persian ruler Nadir Shah in 1743. This scene is complemented by images of swords, rifles, and other military paraphernalia, immersing visitors in the historical context of the period. Additionally, the frescoes on the second floor portray realistic scenes of royal hunting expeditions, further illustrating the life and culture of the Sheki Khans.

The main southern facade of the palace is particularly noteworthy, featuring handcrafted wooden shebeke windows that were constructed without the use of glue or nails. These colorful stained glass windows are a hallmark of the palace’s design, contributing to its unique charm. The facade is further embellished with bright murals, including panels depicting the sacred tree of life and peacocks, symbolizing beauty and prosperity. The inter-floor ceilings are adorned with brickwork showcasing beautiful geometric patterns, adding an extra layer of intricacy to the palace’s interior.

In front of the main facade lies a serene pond, a charming gazebo, flowerbeds, and two ancient plane trees that are over 500 years old. According to some researchers, it is these towering 35-meter trees and their abundant shade that have played a significant role in preserving the palace’s interiors so well over the centuries.

Surrounding the Palace of the Sheki Khans are the formidable walls of the Nukh Fortress, which, according to preserved records, was constructed in 1765, predating the palace itself. The fortress boasts impressive dimensions, with a total wall length of approximately 1.3 kilometers, a thickness of up to 2 meters, and heights reaching 8 meters on the southern side and around 4 meters on the northern side.

Visiting Information

A visit to the Palace of the Sheki Khans is a must for anyone exploring Sheki. Entrance to the palace is priced at 2 manats, and guided tours are available for 5 manats. The palace is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.