SHAMAKHI

Shamakhi region has rich cultural heritage, history, favorable natural tourism-recreation and other resources. According to its geographical position, Shamakhi region is one of the most attractive places for the development of tourism in the country. And it is also linked to the fact that Shamakhi is close to the capital Baku and has a lot of leisure centers. Shamakhi district is the historical center of the Shirvan region. It was the capital of the State of Shirvanshah’s nearly thousand years. There are sufficient resources for tourism development in the region. Thus, tourism infrastructure, favorable geographical position, climate, therapeutic mineral water resources, fauna-flora, agriculture, natural-historical monuments, historical figures are proud of this region. The first impression about the city of Shamakhi is formed at the first sight when tourists arrive here. The entrance to the city reminds of its ancientity with the appearance of the camel caravans reminiscent of the Great Silk Road on the walls, the model of the Maiden Tower and “Koroglu” Square. The Gulustan fortress – the 11th-12th century’s monument of the state of Shirvanshahs, is an interesting tourism destination. There is a Museum of History and Ethnography in Shamakhi with detailed exposition of the history of the city. M.A. Sabir’s House-Museum, Heydar Aliyev Center, State Art Gallery are also the places that might be of interest to visitors. The tomb of M.A. Sabir at “Yeddi gunbaz” cemetery, a monument at the grave of S.A. Shirvani in “Shahkhandan” cemetery, the Juma mosque that is the oldest Muslim mosque in the Caucasus (8th century), “Pirmardakan” tomb (13th-14th centuries), “Yeddi gunbaz” complex including 7 tombs (18th century), Gulustan fortress, remnants of legendary Qaleybugurd fortress are enchanting places for tourists. Currently there exist mosques, bridges, baths, caravanserais, “Gundaymaz” fortress, “Gulustan”, “Gushchu”, “Bashibagli” castles and other historical monuments and material culture built in Shirvanshah period. Shamakhi is one of the regions distinguished by sacred places and sanctuaries. “Sheykh Mahammad”, “Pir-Mardakan”, “Mir Said”, “Gara Sofi” (also known as “Yel piri”), “Sheyx Ayyub piri”, “Uzun yol piri”, “Gariblar piri”, “Yeddi gunbaz piri”, “Alchali piri” (Pirgulu area, also known as “Ziyil piri), Dadagunash and other sacred placed have attracted people here. In Shamakhi there are numerous examples of crafts that can be of interest to tourists. The silk produced here has always been popular. From the Middle Ages Tabriz and Shamakhi are known as the main centers of silk weaving. Other artistic areas including copper, pottery, tailoring, jewelry, woodworking, carving art, blacksmithing etc. has developed at a high level in Shamakhi. The handicrafts created by these artisans are most favorite gifts of tourists as a souvenir. The Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after N. Tusi is one of the places that may be of interest to tourists visiting Shamakhi. In this scientific center, there is a study of the Southern sky, which is difficult to observe. In the Observatory’s museum valuable exhibits are displayed. The Diri Baba Mausoleum – is a two-storeyed mausoleum located in Maraza city of Shamakhi region (present Gobustan city). There are two rooms on the first floor. These rooms are marked with two arches on the south facade. One of the rooms has quadrangular dome, another one octagonal. The second floor consists of a room with spacious dome. This room is in the size of two rooms below. The ceiling of the salon finishes with a delicate small cupola, but the ceiling of the back room is the cave’s natural layer. Corner trumpets of cupola are decorated with carved ornamental patterns on the stone. The large room has windows on the facade, as well as light coming from East and West. Two large windows to the north of the room connect the tomb with the cave.