Sheki:The declaration of 2026 as the 'Year of Urban Planning and Architecture' in Azerbaijan by President Ilham Aliyev has brought renewed focus on the country's architectural heritage. As part of this initiative, efforts are underway to preserve and promote historical landmarks, including the Palace of the Sheki Khans.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, an article by architect and professor Elchin Aliyev has highlighted the historical significance of the Palace of the Sheki Khans. This 18th-century monument, located in Sheki, is a former residence of the Khans and now serves as a museum. Known for its Oriental style, the palace is situated in the northeastern part of the city and features fortress walls enclosing its area.
The Palace of the Sheki Khans, measuring approximately 32 meters in length and 9 meters in width, consists of two floors and covers about 300 square meters. It includes six rooms, four corridors, and two mirrored balconies, with a façade adorned with hunting and battle scenes, as well as geometric and vegetal patterns. The distinctive shebeke stained-glass technique used in window design further enhances its façade.
The palace's interiors boast murals from various periods, with contributions from European masters and renowned Azerbaijani artists such as Usta Gambar, Ali Gulu, and others. These works are present in stalactite decorations and on ceilings throughout the palace. Despite differing historical accounts on the exact construction date, the palace remains a symbol of 18th-century architecture in the Caucasus and an architectural gem of the Islamic East.
The 250th anniversary of the palace was celebrated in 2012, marking its longstanding presence as a cultural monument. In front of the palace, two ancient plane trees continue to stand, symbolizing the enduring legacy of this architectural treasure.