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Karvansaray: A Silk Road Haven in Sheki

Experience the grandeur of the Silk Road at Sheki's Karvansaray, a historic trading post and architectural marvel.

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The Karvansaray in Sheki, Azerbaijan, stands as a magnificent testament to the region's pivotal role on the ancient Silk Road. Constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries, it provided safe haven and essential amenities for merchants traversing vast distances. Today, the Upper Karvansaray operates as a hotel, offering guests a unique opportunity to stay within the walls of history.

A brief summary to Karvansaray

Local tips

  • Consider staying at the Karvansaray Hotel for a unique experience of sleeping within the walls of history.
  • Explore both the Upper and Lower Karvansarays to appreciate their distinct architectural features.
  • Visit the Sheki Khan's Palace, located near the Karvansaray, to admire its intricate frescoes and stained-glass windows.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Sheki Khan's Palace, walk downhill along Mirza Fatali Akhundzada Avenue for approximately 800 meters. The Karvansaray will be on your left, opposite the Sheki Palace Hotel. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk through the town.

  • Public Transport

    From the Sheki Central Bus Station, take any city bus with 'Avtovagzal' written on the front towards the city center. Routes 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, and 11 are possibilities. Get off near the Sheki Palace Hotel and walk across the street to the Karvansaray. The bus fare is approximately 0.30 AZN.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From the Sheki Central Bus Station, a taxi ride to the Karvansaray costs approximately 1-3 AZN. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked through local taxi services.

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Discover more about Karvansaray

Nestled in the picturesque city of Sheki, the Karvansaray is a striking example of traditional Azerbaijani architecture and a significant historical landmark. Sheki, strategically located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, was a crucial stop along the Silk Road, connecting the East and West. The Karvansaray, comprising the Upper (Yukhari) and Lower (Ashaghi) Karvansarays, served as vital trading posts, offering shelter, security, and a place for merchants to exchange goods and conduct business. Built by local craftsmen, the Karvansarays are characterized by their imposing stone walls, arched doorways, and intricate motifs. The design prioritized security, with gates that could be sealed to transform the complex into an impenetrable fortress. Inside, a sprawling courtyard provided ample space for caravans to unload their goods and for animals to rest. Stables, storage rooms, and merchant stalls lined the perimeter, creating a vibrant marketplace where goods from distant lands were bought, sold, and bartered. The Upper Karvansaray, now operating as a hotel, offers visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to step back in time and imagine the bustling activity that once filled its halls. The rooms, though modernized for comfort, retain their original character, with vaulted ceilings and thick stone walls. Exploring the Karvansaray provides a glimpse into the cultural exchange that flourished along the Silk Road, where merchants from diverse backgrounds converged, bringing with them not only goods but also ideas, customs, and traditions.

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