Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Shaki, the ancient and beautiful region of Azerbaijan, will host the 34th session of the Permanent Council of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Azertac reported.

The Permanent Council will review its activity over the last year, current and new projects, and discuss ways of expanding cultural relations between the member states.

The Council will also select a new city as the cultural capital of the Turkic world for 2017. The session will culminate with the signing of a final declaration and a press conference.

Moreover, the closing ceremony of “Shaki – the capital of Turkic world in 2016” campaign will take place on December 1.

In 2012, the city was chosen as the Capital of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Also, 2012 year was declared as the year of Mirza Fatali Akhundzade, an author and activist, who was born in Shaki.

Participants of the event will visit must-see places in Shaki, including Khan Palace and Caravanserai.

Known for its beauty and charm, Shaki is a unique place that has preserved the culture of urban planning inherent to medieval towns.

Shaki located at the foot of timbered mountains, is split by Dayirmanarkhi and Gurjana rivers into north and south parts. Alexander Dumas, Thor Heyerdahl and other famous persons narrated about the beauty of Shaki in their masterpieces.

It was one of the biggest cities of the Albanian states in the 1st century. The main temple of the ancient Albanians was located there. For centuries this beautiful city, which is located along the route of the ancient Silk Road, was an important center of art and commerce.

Rare historical and architectural monuments of the city - caravanserais, mosques, minarets, walls, bridges, etc. indicate ancient architectural style of Shaki.

Shaki, being one of the most ancient cities of Azerbaijan, is rightly called the architectural reserve of the country. Circle shrine, Gelersen-Gorersen fortress (picture), Shaki Juma, Omar Efendi mosques, Narin Gala and other buildings....The palace of Shaki Khans is one of the most precious pearls of this unique place. The maples in the palace`s yard are even older than buildings there.

Ashagi and Yukari caravanserais built in the 18th century is an exotic place for tourists. It is easy to escape summer heat and city noise.

Shaki is home to a number of ancient arts. Tinners, potters, hatters and musical instruments makers are working there. Shebeke ornament is one of the ancient arts in Shaki. It made Shaki famous around the world.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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