SHAMAKHI CITY

The fortress tower of the ancient city of Shamakhi

Due to its geographical location, Shamakhi is considered one of the most attractive places for tourists. This is also due to the fact that Shamakhi is near Baku and there are many places to relax. Shamakhi is the historical center of the Shirvan region, for about thousand years it was the capital of the Shirvanshah State. Tourists get their first impression of the city of Shamakhi upon arrival. So, in the entrance part of the city, the reflection of a camel caravan reminiscent of the Great Silk Road, the layout of the Maiden Castle, the Koroglu Square remind of its antiquity. Here is an interesting tourist object “Gülüstan Castle” a 11-12 century monument of the State of Shirvanshahs. There is a local history museum in Shamakhi with a rich exposition giving detailed information about the history of the city.

The House-Museum of Sabir, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the State Art Gallery are also places that can arouse the interest of the guests.

HEYDAR ALIYEV CENTER IN SHAMAKHI

The construction of the Heydar Aliyev Center, located on the territory of the Heydar Aliyev Park, began on May 10, 2007 and was completed in September 2008. The total area of the three-storey building is 1200 square meters. The center has a multimedia department, a section of folk art, art circles, an electronic library, a computer center, etc.

THE HOUSE-MUSEUM OF SABIR

JUMA MOSQUE (8TH CENTURY), SHAMAKHI

PIR-MARDAKAN a Khanegah-mausoleum of 12th-13th centuries, Shamakhi

The appearance of khanegahs was directly linked with wide spreading of Sufism – mystic-ascetic tendency in the countries of Muslim East in the period of Abbasid caliphs.
Pir-Mardakan is a khanegah-mausoleum of the 12-13th centuries located in the village of Goylar of the Shamakhi district of Azerbaijan, 17 km south of the city center. There were many special buildings in Azerbaijan, distinguished by their architecture and called “khanegah”, “zaviye”, “tekiye”, “ribat”. These sites served as a religious retreat for dervishes who lived and worshipped here.
There are a number of Sufi khanegahs in the territory of modern Azerbaijan, Pir-Huseyn on the river Pirsaatchay (11–12th centurıes), Pir-Mardakan (12-13th centuries) near to city of Shamakhi, Pir-Yuneyd (the end of 14th century) and the khanegah of Sheikh Safiaddin (15th century), to name a few.

YEDDI GÜNBAZ MAUSOLEUM (18th c)in SHAMAKHI CITY

GÜLÜSTAN FORTRESS THE 12TH-CENTURY RESIDENCE

OF THE SHIRVANSHAHS

GALEYBUGURD FORTRESS 12th-14th centuries

In Shamakhi city there are bridges, baths, caravanserai, mosques, “Gündeymez” defense fortification, “Gülüstan”, “Gushchu”,”Bashibaqli” fortresses and other historical monuments and examples of material culture built during the Shirvanshahs period.

Shamakhi is distinguished by its Pirs and Shrines. “Dadagünesh Pir”, “SheikhMohammed”, “Pir-Mardakan”, “Mir Said”, “Yel Piri”, “Sheikh Ayyub Pir”, “Uzun Yol Pir”, “Yeddi Günbez Pir”, “Gariblar Pir”, “Alchali Pir” and many other holy places have always attracted people to this area.

In Shamakhi, there is Maraza village known for its unique two-storied mausoleum-mosque Diri Baba, which built in 15th century. The originality of this structure is that the architect “built” the tomb into the rock. The impression is that the tomb is suspended in the air. To get inside, you need to climb the stone stairs. The second floor smoothly flows into the dome, from where hiking trails run up to the mountains. Many Muslim pilgrims come here. The building has several prayer rooms with pillows and the Koran. Diri Baba is a local Saint who performed miracles and healed the sick. After his death, he was buried in a rock, but remained incorruptible. Therefore, he is called Diri Baba, which means Living Grandfather. The architecture of Diri Baba is in harmony with the picturesque environment, the landscape of rocks and green trees. The building of the mausoleum is a masterpiece of Shirvan architecture school, the beautiful creation of ancient craftsmen. The monument is under protection of the state.

DIRI BABA MAUSOLEUM-MOSQUE, SHAMAKHI

SAFARI PARK IN SHAMAKHI MOUNTAINS

SHAMAKHI SAFARI PARK covers an area of more than 1000 animals such as the Caspian red deer, lynx, mouflon, Altay deer, alpaca, llama, bison, yak brought from different countries, live here adopted to the local nature. Group bus and private off-road tours are offered to explore the park and see the animals. There is a 10-kilometer hiking trail on the territory, which can only be travelled with a guide.

AMONG THE ALPACAS

Alpacas are very curious and they are very friendly. This is real therapy, being next to them, you can stroke and hug them. Visitors to the farm have the opportunity to meet and feed a large family of alpacas, to forget your daily fatigue, for example you can have picnics on the green grass among the alpacas. If you take a photo with alpacas and share these photos with your friends, 100% GUARANTEED they will be jealous!

Shamakhi Alpaca Farm is located in Shamakhi, Meysari village.

ALPACAS

Shamakhi city has many examples of handicrafts that can attract the interest of tourists. The silks produced here have always been popular. Since the Middle Ages, Shamakhi have been recognized as the main centers of silk weaving. Other arts include tannery, coppersmithing, pottery, tailoring, jewelry, woodworking, carving, blacksmithing, etc. It has developed at a high level in Shamakhi. Handicrafts created by these artists are the most favorite gifts of tourists as souvenirs.

Shamakhi has always been distinguished by its hospitality and rich cuisine. Shirvan region is famous with its cheeses, grapes, pomegranates, honey. Here famous pip dolması. This dolma is making from the leaves of hornbeam. Shamakhi mutaki is a famous sweet of the Shirvan region.

The climate of Shamakhi is temperate. Peculiar nature, temperate climate and mineral springs, oak, beech and hornbeam forests in the highlands, green field give a special picturesqueness to the city. There are more than 50 types of medicinal herbs growing here. The rich nature of forests creates favorable conditions for the habitat of animals and birds, for example, deer, wild boars, bears and wild cats.

STARGAZING IN SHAMAKHI

The largest Astrophysical Observatory in the Caucasus is located in Pirqulu district. The Tusi Observatory was built in Soviet times to discover the stars and secrets of the universe.

WHERE TO STAY ?

SHAMAKHI PALACE SHARADIL

The luxurious family resort Shamakhi Palace located on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, in the Shamakhi region. The total area of the hotel is 43.370 sq.m. The resort, surrounded by spectacular mountains and forests. Shamakhi Palace is well with all seasons. The beautiful scenery is just breathtaking. Shamakhi Palace is the place for you, if you are tired of city bustle. The apartments offer visitors a wonderful view of the beauty of nature in all its shades of green and offer service at the highest level. The hotel offers restaurants and bars. The hotel has a SPA, Fitness salon, Beaty salon and etc. The hotel also offers a large number of entertainment programs, animated shows, live performances.