Sheki-Zagatala region
Information on Azerbaijan regions
The amazing landscape of the mountain massifs of the Sheki-Zagatala region attract attention not only with their amazing scenery, but also with the many ancient relics scattered around the territory, which can be seen everywhere. This convincingly proves the necessity of the aspiration of people for the creation and preservation of valuable resources. In the Sheki-Zagatala region the Zagatala and Ilisu Reserves are located; in the southern part of the Sheki uplands, where the famous Eldar pine grows natively, the Turyanchay Reserve has been created. The Sheki-Zagatala region is an area where the best grades of tobacco, as well as corn, rice, apples, pears, and nuts are grown, and silkworms are bred and cultivated.
Century-old eastern plantain trees (in Azeri - chinars), which have a diameter of 5-6 meters, grow here. Plantains can be seen even in large cities. For example, in the city of Zagatala, in Dede Gorgud Park, 8 plantains grow; one of which has an age of over 700 years. The amazing beauty of these trees impresses both local residents and visitors to the city. One of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan, Sheki, is situated on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, against a background of white snowy summits. In Kish village of the Sheki district, sits the most ancient Temple in Caucasian Albania - the Orthodox Church of Saint Elias. The temple was built at the end of 1st - beginning of 2nd century.
Up to the present day, the faithful come here in order to pray to God and to apply coins to the churches altar wall, in order to make a wish come true. Since ancient times, a belief has existed that a coin sticks to a wall like a magnet if a man has pure and kind intentions. The Palace of the Sheki Khans is one of the finest creations of Azeri architecture. During its construction, special anti-seismic reinforcements were used, thanks to which the palace has remained undamaged, in spite of frequent earthquakes. It may seem incredible, but the unique "lifting" colored stained-glass windows (shebeke) were unhurt as well.
In one square meter of shebeke are 3-7 thousand details. These were created without glue and nails with the help of a special solution, the composition of which is unknown to the present day. One stained-glass window was assembled over 5-6 months. Thanks to the lifting of these windows, the hall can be turned into a verandah in several minutes.