Step intothe history of Shaki
This is a place where the story of Shaki comes alive through countless details — from ancient archaeological discoveries to the silk traditions that made the city famous far beyond Azerbaijan.
Founded in 1925, the museum is housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century building inside the historic fortress walls of Shaki. Blending local architectural traditions with European influences, the building itself is part of the experience. Following extensive restoration completed between 2022 and 2024, the museum reopened its doors in a renewed and modernized form.
The collection contains more than 5,000 artifacts, with over 2,000 on display. Visitors begin their journey in the distant past, exploring archaeological finds that reveal life in the region thousands of years ago. Ancient ceramics, jewellery, weapons, medieval coins, and household objects tell the story of early civilizations. Among the highlights are a rare turtle-shaped ceramic vessel discovered near Shaki and an ancient clay samovar believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
Another section is dedicated to the Shaki Khanate, one of the most remarkable periods in the region’s history. Historical documents, weapons, and exhibits connected to the rulers of the khanate, including the legendary Haji Chelebi Khan, offer insight into this influential era.
The museum also introduces visitors to the traditional lifestyle of Shaki’s residents. Exhibits on craftsmanship, horse breeding, education, and everyday life are accompanied by historic manuscripts, gravestones, and household items. A special section highlights the region’s culinary heritage, an essential part of Shaki’s cultural identity.
Stepping into the next gallery feels like entering a traditional Shaki home. Elegant shebeke stained-glass windows, antique lamps, mirrors, fireplaces, and decorative details recreate the atmosphere of the city’s historic residences.
The final section explores silk production, a craft that shaped Shaki’s prosperity for centuries. Here, visitors can follow the entire silk-making process, discover the history of the famous kelaghayi, and admire traditional textiles, clothing, jewellery, and examples of delicate tekelduz embroidery.
Before leaving, be sure to visit the gallery and souvenir hall, where works by local artists, models of historic buildings, and even a vintage phaeton carriage are on display.
More than a museum, the Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore is a journey through centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and tradition — an ideal place to discover the rich heritage of one of Azerbaijan’s most distinctive cities.
For more information:
Address: Fortress Walls, Shaki
Opening Hours: 09:00–18:00
