Sheki: The Jewel of the Caucasus Mountains

• HelloSalam
  [sä-läm]
• GoodbyeSağ ol
  [sä ol]
• YesBəli
  [bə-li]
• NoXeyr
  [xeyr]
• Please/You're welcomeXahiş edirəm
  [xä-hi-sh e-di-räm]
• Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm
  [tə-ʃək-kür e-di-räm]
• Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın
  [ba-ɣɯʃ-lä-jɯn]
• How are you?Necəsən?
  [nɛ-d͡ʒɛ-sɛn]
• Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?
  [jäx-ʃɯ-jam sɛn]
• Do you speak English?İngilis dili biliyirsən?
  [iŋ-gi-lis di-li bi-li-jir-sɛn]
• I don't understandAnlamıram
  [an-la-mi-ram]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseXahiş edirəm menyunu göstərə bilərsən?
  [xä-hi-sh e-di-räm mɛ-nü-nu gös-tə-rə bi-lər-sɛn]
• I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm
  [mən ət jɛ-mi-rəm]
• Cheers!Sağ ol!
  [sä ol]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdəmək istəyirəm, xahiş edirəm
  [ö-də-mək is-tə-yi-rəm xä-hi-sh e-di-räm]

• Help!Kömək!
  [kœ-mæk]
• Go away!Get!
  [gɛt]
• Call the Police!Polisi çağırın!
  [po-li-si ʧä-ɣɯ-rin]
• Call a doctor!Həkim çağırın!
  [hɯ-kim ʧä-ɣɯ-rin]
• I'm lostMən itirdim
  [mən i-tir-dim]
• I'm illMən xəstəyəm
  [mən xɯs-tə-jəm]

• I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...
  [äl-maɣ is-tə-yi-rəm]
• I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram
  [sa-dɛ-d͡ʒä bä-xɯ-räm]
• How much is it?Bu neçəyədir?
  [bu nɛ-ʧɛ-yə-dir]
• That's too expensiveÇox bahadır
  [ʧox ba-ha-dɯr]
• Can you lower the price?Qiyməti endirə bilərsən?
  [qi-y-mə-ti ɛn-di-rə bi-lər-sɛn]

• What time is it?Saat necədir?
  [sä-at nɛ-d͡ʒɛ-dir]
• It's one o'clockBir saatdir
  [bir sä-at-dir]
• Half past (10)Onun yarısı
  [o-nun ja-ri-sɯ]
• MorningSəhər
  [sɛ-hær]
• AfternoonGündüz
  [gyn-dyz]
• EveningAxşam
  [äx-ʃäm]
• YesterdayDünən
  [dyn-ən]
• TodayBu gün
  [bu gyn]
• TomorrowSabah
  [sä-bah]
• 1Bir
  [bir]
• 2İki
  [i-ki]
• 3Üç
  [üd͡ʒ]
• 4Dörd
  [dœrd]
• 5Beş
  [bɛʃ]
• 6Altı
  [äl-tɯ]
• 7Yeddi
  [jɛd-di]
• 8Səkkiz
  [sɛk-kiz]
• 9Doqquz
  [doʔ-quz]
• 10On
  [on]

• Where's a/the...?...harada?
  [ha-ra-da]
• What's the address?Ünvan nədir?
  [ünd-vän nɛ-dir]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Mənə göstərə bilərsən (xəritədə)?
  [mə-nə gös-tə-rə bi-lər-sɛn (xə-ri-tə-də)]
• When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?
  [nœv-bæ-ti (av-to-bus) nɛ-ʧə-dir]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....-ə)
  [bir bi-let (....-ə)]

Sheki's history dates back over 2,700 years, with its origins rooted in antiquity. Archaeological evidence suggests the presence of early settlements as far back as the Late Bronze Age. The region was known for its strategic location along the Silk Road, which facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between different civilizations.

In the 1st century, Sheki became part of the kingdom of Caucasian Albania, an ancient state that played a significant role in the region's history. The Albanians embraced Christianity, and Sheki emerged as an important religious and cultural center during this period. Many historical monuments, including ancient churches, can still be found in the region.

During the medieval period, Sheki flourished as a significant trading hub on the Silk Road. The city's strategic location provided a crucial link between East and West, attracting merchants and travelers. The bustling trade led to economic prosperity and cultural diversity, with influences from Persian, Arab, and Byzantine civilizations shaping Sheki's unique heritage.

In the 18th century, Sheki became the center of the Sheki Khanate, a semi-independent state within the Persian Empire. The khanate era was marked by the construction of notable architectural landmarks, including the iconic Sheki Khan's Palace. This period also saw the development of Sheki's distinct cultural identity, with advancements in crafts, arts, and literature.

In the early 19th century, Sheki was incorporated into the Russian Empire following the Treaty of Gulistan. This era brought significant changes to the city's administrative and social structure. Russian architectural styles merged with local traditions, resulting in unique buildings and urban planning. Sheki's strategic importance continued to grow under Russian rule.

During the Soviet era, Sheki underwent rapid industrialization and modernization. The establishment of factories and infrastructure projects transformed the city's economy and landscape. Despite the industrial focus, Sheki managed to preserve its rich cultural heritage, with efforts to maintain historical sites and promote traditional crafts and folklore.

Following Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, Sheki experienced a cultural revival and renewed interest in its historical legacy. In 2019, the Historic Centre of Sheki with the Khan's Palace was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value. Today, Sheki stands as a vibrant testament to its storied past, attracting visitors from around the world.

Sheki is located in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan. The closest major international airport is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, approximately 300 kilometers away. From Baku, you can take a direct bus or minibus (marshrutka) to Sheki, which takes about 5 to 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Baku to Sheki, which offers a scenic route through the Azerbaijani countryside. Another option is to hire a private car or taxi for a more comfortable and quicker journey.

Sheki is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, local taxis are readily available and inexpensive. Public buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) operate within Sheki and connect to nearby villages and towns. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore the surrounding region at your own pace.

The official currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Sheki, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Baku or other major cities before traveling to ensure you have enough funds.

Sheki is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Sheki. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering mosques or other religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sheki like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Azerbaijani goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Sheki Khan's Palace, a stunning example of Azerbaijani architecture. For a unique experience, try the local specialty 'Piti', a traditional lamb stew served in a clay pot.