Built by the ruler of Sheki Khanate, a medieval Azerbaijani kingdom, this palace was constructed without a single nail or adhesive. The palace’s facade is painted with scenes of hunting and war, as well as with intricate geometrical designs. The palace windows are made of colored glass, and the multi-colored mosaic at the center of the palace contains thousands of glass pieces, up to 5,000 per square meter. The Sheki Khan Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Modern
Azerbaijan is both a dynamic, progressive nation and an ancient civilization
with vibrant traditions and culture. Nowhere is this combination of old
and new more evident than in Azerbaijan’s built environment. For example,
the architecture of Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku, beautifully showcases
this legacy. While Baku’s office buildings, apartment complexes, and glass
skyscrapers mirror modern European design, ”Old City” Baku, known as Icheri
sheher, features medieval Islamic domes, minarets, and ancient stone
walls.
The Voice of the Karabakh Foundation, October 2,
2011. Access any of the shows of the Azerbaijani Radio Hour: The Voice
of the Karabakh Foundation at www.KarabakhFoundation.org.
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