Things to Do in Sheki

For centuries, almost the entire territory of Azerbaijan served as a crucial stop along the Great Silk Road, and Sheki is no exception. Renowned as a major craft center, Sheki has a long-standing reputation for producing exquisite silk fabrics. In the 15th century, it emerged as one of the leading centers of sericulture in the Caucasus, and this cherished art form continues to thrive today. The city boasts the large silk factory “Sheki-Ipek” along with several other workshops, including silk-spinning and weaving factories.

At the official silk shop of the factory, visitors can purchase high-quality, natural silk products with confidence. Here, you’ll find traditional kyalagai scarves, bed linens, shawls, and various other handcrafted items, all made using only natural dyes and threads. The shop also showcases beautifully woven silk carpets, which are considered a luxury in Azerbaijani homes. The price of such carpets can reach up to 2 million rubles, making them a coveted item for both residents and tourists alike.

Located near the palaces of the Sheki Khans, the Craftsman House is a workshop where local artisans have been practicing and teaching traditional crafts for centuries. Here, you can attend a master class on creating shebeke, a type of intricate stained glass. The process of crafting shebeke is complex and time-consuming; on average, it requires between 5,000 to 10,000 colorful glass pieces to cover just one square meter. As a result, during a one-hour workshop, participants can expect to create only a small piece of shebeke to take home as a souvenir. If you prefer, you can also purchase finished shebeke products, such as lamps, wall panels, and decorative items.

In addition to shebeke, the Craftsman House offers lessons in ancient wood carving techniques and playing the tar, a traditional Azerbaijani string instrument. Playing the tar is a significant part of Azerbaijani celebrations, including weddings, anniversaries, and other festive occasions. The art of tar playing and the craftsmanship involved in making the instrument have been recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

On the outskirts of Sheki lies the Bio Garden agrocomplex, a delightful destination for nature lovers. Here, expansive fruit orchards flourish, and visitors are invited to stroll through a beautifully landscaped park, explore a fish farm, and taste local fruits and berries. The garden, featuring kiwi, grapefruit, mandarin, and lemon trees, is equipped with resting spots where you can relax and enjoy the scenic mountain views. Breathe in the fragrant aromas of the fruits and observe the colorful birds that have been brought here from the Netherlands, Canada, and Australia to enhance the garden’s unique atmosphere.

Surrounding Sheki is the Kish Adasi recreation center, enveloped by stunning mountains, intermountain valleys, and a river. Year-round, visitors flock to this serene location to unwind in scenic cottages, have picnics, or camp amidst nature. To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Sheki, you can embark on a guided tour of the surrounding area. There are two options available: a lengthy horseback ride or hiking routes that lead to the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

Among the hiking trails, the route from Kish to the village of Bash-Goynuk is particularly popular. This marked mountain trail stretches 15 kilometers and ascends from 900 to 2,000 meters in elevation. The trek takes approximately eight hours, during which you’ll encounter breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, mountain rivers, gorges, forested valleys, and alpine pastures.