Come and see what makes Shaki special: A report from the land of khans

Shaki, regarded as a gem of domestic tourism in Azerbaijan for its historic streets, distinctive architecture and rich craftsmanship traditions, has once again welcomed visitors with its renowned hospitality.

According to TodayPress TV, journalists explored Shaki’s renewed tourism infrastructure, restored historical monuments and rich cultural heritage during a media tour organised by the State Tourism Agency on October 20–21.

Revitalised Yukhari Bash and record tourist numbers

The first stops on the tour were the Yukhari Bash State Historical-Architectural Reserve and the Kish State Historical-Architectural Reserve, two of Azerbaijan’s most important historical sites.

Murad Aghabayli, chairman of the board of the Reserve Management Centre, provided a detailed briefing on the extensive restoration and conservation work carried out in the region.

According to Aghabayli, consistent efforts are being made to enhance the area’s tourism appeal.

“The Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore, the Shebeke Workshop and the Training Centre, located within the Yukhari Bash Reserve, were reopened in 2026 following restoration. These efforts serve not only to preserve historical heritage but also to keep ancient craftsmanship traditions alive,” he said.

Visitor figures also confirm the region’s strong appeal. Between January and September 2026 alone, the renowned Shaki Khan’s Palace welcomed 128,487 paying visitors. Of these, 72,309, or 56.28%, were domestic tourists, while 56,178, or 43.72%, came from abroad. More than 42,000 additional visitors also had the opportunity to explore the reserve free of charge.

Skilled hands shaping clay and the Caucasus’ first Ceramics Centre

The journalists’ next stop was a historic gunpowder storage building dating back to the 19th century, located within the Fortress Walls Complex.

The building has been restored and converted into a crafts workshop and pottery centre. There, renowned potter Shoyub Mammadov demonstrated the process of making clay vessels.

The centre produces traditional piti cooking pots, known as dopu, as well as water jugs. It also offers engaging pottery workshops for tourists.

The media delegation then visited the ABAD Ceramics and Applied Arts Centre, recognised as the first ceramics centre of its kind in the Caucasus. The centre hosts international events and training programmes and combines modern equipment with traditional crafts, including carpet weaving.

Living witnesses to history: Museums and the Art Gallery

The Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore, which showcases the region’s ethnographic and culinary heritage, also attracted considerable interest from the journalists. The museum preserves more than 3,000 exhibits, with 1,826 valuable items displayed in its exhibition halls.

The Shaki State Art Gallery, a destination for art enthusiasts, was another highlight. Restored in 2022, the gallery has a collection of 361 exhibits. It currently displays 61 paintings and 10 sculptures by renowned Azerbaijani and Shaki artists.

Master shebeke craftsman Tofig Rasulov demonstrated the intricacies of the traditional art of shebeke in his workshop, working alongside his students. The intricate wooden latticework is assembled without nails or glue.

The 2,000-year-old Albanian church in Kish and the spirit of local enterprise

The media tour also included the 2,000-year-old Albanian church in Kish, regarded as one of the oldest apostolic churches in the Caucasus. Its preservation over the centuries as a place of worship by local residents has helped it survive to the present day. The reserve now displays archaeological and ethnographic artefacts discovered in various parts of Azerbaijan.

During the visit, journalists explored the Ruh Achar guesthouse in Kish village, owned by entrepreneur Arzu Turangi, as well as the Süsən Kelaghayi Workshop and Kelaghayi Museum in the city centre, owned by Sevinc Bayramova.

The artisans shared insights into the secrets of kelaghayi production and the strong interest shown in this traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarf by international tourists.

One of the most memorable highlights of the tour was at the Yukhari Caravanserai complex. At a well-known restaurant, chef Aynura Ismayilova demonstrated how to prepare authentic Shaki piti, widely regarded as the crown jewel of Shaki cuisine.

The two-day programme concluded with detailed answers to journalists’ questions and lasting positive impressions. Shaki once again demonstrated that it is not merely a place steeped in the past, but also a vibrant centre of modern tourism.

Turkan Iskandarli