Shamkir

Shamkir is the ancient land of Azerbaijan, which not only carefully preserves the memory of the many historical stages that she went through, but is also able to offer tourists a comfortable stay in modern hotels, breathtaking attractions and world-class entertainment! Seven hours drive to Shamkir - 444 km. Shamkir was founded in the V – VIth centuries near the village of Mukhtariat. Previously, it was an ancient fortress of the same name, the ruins of which are still preserved 20 km east of the city. In the Middle Ages, the city was called Shamkir and it had a feudal castle with towers. The ruins of ancient fortresses dating back to the XVIIth century - Shamkhorgal and Koroglugal — in honor of the national hero-avenger Koroglu, have been preserved in the area. The city still preserves the elements of the German settlement of Annenfeld that existed before the revolution (as the Germans called Shamkir among themselves) - straight streets lined with trees, a church, German architecture, gabled tiled houses, with an invariable balcony and courtyard, where colonists housed in ancient times bakeries, breweries and other outbuildings. Now they all peacefully coexist with modern Azerbaijani houses, buildings of supermarkets, banks and other institutions that have transformed the urban infrastructure of not only the capital, but also the regions of Azerbaijan.

Shamkir Gala

In 2006, the archaeological detachment of the institute conducted exploratory excavations in the inner part of the city (in Shakhristan), and as a result, stratigraphy of the cultural layer of the settlement was obtained. Before us appeared a true masterpiece of military art and architecture - a medieval fortress that withstood more than one siege and remained in its original form. Of course, this is an event in world archeology and architecture.

Shamkur -Kala played a key role in the defense system of the center of Azerbaijan for several centuries. From here, trade routes between Baku and Tbilisi, Ganja and Gazakh and Karabakh were controlled, which explains the location of the Russian garrison here. Excavations are still underway in this area.

 

Lutheran Fortress

In the late XIX - early XX centuries most Germans living in Azerbaijan professed Protestantism. Lutheran Church (Shamkir) - a church built in the German colony Annenfeld (the old name of the city of Shamkir) in 1909. The roof of the monument was updated using red porcelain. Later, due to the departure of the Germans from Shamkir, the church was used for various cultural events. In some years, it served as the home of culture and teachers, as well as a historical museum. In recent years, the church did not function due to poor condition. It also contains a very rare musical instrument in Azerbaijan - an organ.

"Zyaka" Youth Center.

Near the Flag Square, the "Zyaka" Center for Intellectual Youth, equipped with the latest technology, is located. İt is known for the fact that in his modern filming pavilion, the famous intellectual program "Clever Men and Women" is filmed and tournaments for the game "What? Where? When?" are held. Interestingly, the Center’s rich library is connected to the world's largest educational library network Follett International, which provides access to countless electronic publications and audiovisual products. In order to use this service, it is enough to register on the site of the Center "Zyaka".

Flag Square

The museum's exterior stained-glass windows are made of double-glazed windows. The two-story building contains interesting exhibits about the ancient and modern history of Azerbaijan. The museum, built in the shape of an eight-pointed star, displays restored flags of the states and khanates that existed on the territory of Azerbaijan in different periods of Azerbaijan, including the Irevan Khanate, as well as the tips of flags and coats of arms. In addition, numerous photographs and documents are displayed here. They reflect the education, formation and development of an independent Azerbaijan state under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, the activities of President Ilham Aliyev related to the progress of our country, the flag of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, military banners and ceremonial costumes of military branches Armed Forces. It was brought to the attention that the Museum displays a copy of the certificate of the Guinness Book of Records, confirming that the flagpole of the state flag of Azerbaijan, installed on Flag Square in Baku, is the highest in the world,various books, and photographs. A special square with an amphitheater with 800 seats for various patriotic events was also built here. The adjacent territory is landscaped; all conditions for a meaningful rest are created here. Flag Square, which is one of the main symbols of the city of Shamkir, personifies the strength and power of Azerbaijan and has historical significance for future generations.

Miniature Monument Park or “Abidələr Parkı”

When viewed from the air, the flowerbeds of the park create the contours of a map of Azerbaijan, and the pool with fountains creates the Caspian Sea. All copies of the monuments are located in the regions of the country where they are located. Another interesting park in Shamkir is called the “Park of Historical Monuments” (“Abidələr Parkı”). Here you can really get acquainted with the most famous sights of Azerbaijan, thanks to their meticulously recreated reduced copies. The park's plan follows the contours of the map of Azerbaijan, and the intricate basin with fountains plays the role of the Caspian Sea.

Shamkir City Park Named after Heydar Aliyev

Not far from Flag Square and the Heydar Aliyev Center in Shamkir, a grandiose city park with a total area of ​​22 hectares, opened in 2013, is laid out. On its territory, there are 7 modern fountains, water channels about 800 meters long are laid, over which 10 tunnel-type bridges are built. An artificial lake was also created here, about 20 thousand ornamental trees and flowers of various species were planted. The main feature of the Shamkir city park is the location here of a huge entertainment center with many attractions in the fresh air and an indoor pavilion with more than 150 slot machines. In the open air, 12 types of breathtaking swings and attractions were installed, including the only roller coaster ride in Azerbaijan today.

Heydar Aliyev Center

The center building, built on the basis of an unusual, modern original design, is four-story. A monument to national leader Heydar Aliyev was erected in the lobby of the building. Videos are displayed on a special monitor in 6 languages, reflecting various moments of the life and work of the great leader, as well as information about large-scale projects implemented by the brilliant leader. It was noted that the Center has a gallery, a 3D cinema, a library, a bar, a translation room and a lecture hall. The library has books, electronic manuals on nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev. Visitors to the Center will also be able to use the services of the virtual room of the electronic library. There is a museum on the second floor of the Center where exhibits from the personal archive of the national leader Heydar Aliyev are displayed, photographs reflecting various periods of his life and work. There is a large assembly hall.