The historic city of Sheki in Azerbaijan is on the list of World Heritage Sites

The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included the historic city of Sheki, which is located a 5-hour drive from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, to the list of World Heritage Sites for Cultural Districts during the 43rd session of the Committee’s meetings, after the session of this session began year of its work with an opening session on June 30 in Baku.

 

On October 24, 2001, the Committee granted the “Palace of the Kings in Sheki” the status of “enhanced protection” and included it on the tentative indicative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites as needing urgent protection, and then recently approved its inclusion in the official list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

 

He expressed Florian Zengschmid, Managing Director Azerbaijan Tourist Office Expressing his happiness with the committee’s decision, he said, “We are honored to have the historic heart of Sheki and its palace inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. foot. I would encourage everyone to visit Sheki, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful scenic cities in Azerbaijan. Its cobbled streets are rich in historical buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. It is a charming new haven for those who love to get away from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant capital, and its palace is admired by tourists from different parts of the world and captivated by the craftsmanship of its construction and decoration, as it is one of the most beautiful historical buildings built in Azerbaijan.”

 

The city of Sheki is located at the foot of the Great Caucasus Mountains, divided in two by the Gorjana River, and includes the palace of the kings and their summer home. On top of a hill in this charming city on the Silk Road.

 

The city was one of the important stations on the Great Silk Road, which was the network of ancient trade routes linking the East with the West. Until the XNUMXth century, Sheki, northwest of Azerbaijan, was still a world center for silk production. The northern end of Sheki is older and built on the mountains, and the southern part is later built and extends on both sides of the river valley.

Azerbaijani craftsmen are famous for the ancient art of “Shabak” and visitors to the city of Sheki can see it wherever they go. One of the most beautiful examples of it is what adorns the windows of the Sheki Palace. The craftsmanship of Azerbaijani craftsmen is demonstrated by the colorful glass mosaic work that decorates the wooden lattice assembled without glue or nails. The Palace of the Kings in Sheki boasts of its uniqueness with about 5000 pieces of wood and glass grille art that is both pleasing to the eye and a pleasure to the heart.

 

It should be noted that UNESCO is working to discover the treasures of the world cultural and natural heritage with the aim of protecting and preserving them as an irreplaceable value for future generations. Many other sites in Azerbaijan have been included in the World Heritage List, including Gobustan National Park (2007) and the Old Walled City of Baku with Shirvanshahs' Palace and Maiden Tower (2000). In addition, the organization has classified Azerbaijani carpets under the list of intangible cultural heritage, and the National Carpet Museum in Baku houses one of the largest collections of carpets in the world.