Shebeke Workshop: The Soul of Sheki's Stained Glass Art
Witness the ancient art of Shebeke, intricate stained glass mosaics crafted without glue or nails, in a Sheki workshop within a historic fortress.
Nestled within the historic Sheki Castle complex, the Shebeke Workshop offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique Azerbaijani craft. *Shebeke*, meaning "net" in Azerbaijani, refers to intricate architectural ornaments crafted from thousands of tiny pieces of colored glass meticulously pieced together inside wooden lattices without the use of glue or nails. This art form is deeply rooted in Sheki's history as a prominent stop along the ancient Silk Road. Inside the workshop, visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate geometric patterns. The air is filled with the gentle sounds of artisans shaping and assembling delicate pieces of glass and wood. Often, the artisans are family members who have inherited the craft through generations, eager to share their knowledge and demonstrate the painstaking process involved in creating Shebeke masterpieces. Visitors can witness firsthand the various stages of Shebeke creation, from the initial design and preparation of materials to the final assembly. The process begins with the selection of high-quality wood, traditionally pistachio wood, which is carefully boiled and dried to ensure its stability. The artisans then meticulously cut and shape the wood into intricate lattice frames, ensuring that each piece fits perfectly together. Next, they select the colored glass, often imported from Russia, and carefully cut it into tiny pieces to fit within the wooden frame. The most challenging part of the process is the assembly, where the artisans skillfully weave the pieces of glass and wood together without any adhesive materials. The precision required is immense; a deviation of just 1 mm can ruin the entire work. Some projects, like those in the Sheki Khan's Palace, require the use of tweezers due to the meticulous nature of the work. Sheki itself, cradled by the Caucasus Mountains, offers a tranquil escape. Wander through cobblestone streets, explore ancient Caravanserais, and savor the unique flavors of Sheki cuisine, like *piti* stew and Sheki Halva. Exploring Sheki's craft shops is about experiencing the soul of the city through its artistry.
Local tips
- Ask the artisans about the history and techniques of Shebeke; they are passionate about sharing their craft.
- Consider purchasing a Shebeke piece as a unique souvenir, supporting local artisans and preserving this tradition.
- Combine your visit with a tour of the Sheki Khan's Palace to see stunning examples of Shebeke in a historical context.
A brief summary to Shebeke Workshop
- 653W+JH, 85 Vidadi Street, Sheki, 5500, AZ
- +994506483015
Getting There
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Walking
From the Sheki City Center, head north on Nizami Street, the main road. Continue for approximately 500 meters until you reach a roundabout. Take the second exit onto Vidadi Street. Walk along Vidadi Street for about 300 meters. The Shebeke Workshop will be on your right at 85 Vidadi Street. The building features traditional Azerbaijani architecture, making it easily recognizable. The walk is relatively flat and should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the Sheki Bus Station, take any of the city buses with 'Şəhər' (City) displayed, heading towards the city center. These buses typically stop near the Little City Park. From there, follow the walking directions: Head north on Nizami Street, continue to the roundabout, take the second exit onto Vidadi Street, and walk 300m to the workshop. Bus fare is approximately 0.30 AZN.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Sheki. From anywhere in the city center, a short taxi ride to the Shebeke Workshop at 85 Vidadi Street will cost approximately 1-3 AZN. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app like Bolt if available.
