Shamkir

Description

Duration: 8 hours

9:00 Departure for tour

Shamkir is the ancient land of Azerbaijan, which not only cherishes the memory of many historical stages that it has experienced, 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 5th – 6th centuries near the village of Mukhtariat. Previously, it was an old castle 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 Shamkur and there was a feudal castle with towers in it. There are ruins of ancient fortresses here dating back to the 17th century - Shamkhorgala and Koroglugala - in honor of the national hero-avenger Koroglu. The city still retains elements of the German settlement Annenfeld before the revolution (as the Germans called Shamkir among themselves) - straight streets lined with trees, a church, German architecture pointed houses, tiled - with a fixed balcony and a courtyard, where in ancient times the colonists had their own bakeries, breweries and other outbuildings. Now all of them peacefully coexist with modern Azerbaijani houses, supermarket buildings, banks and institutions that have transformed the urban infrastructure of not only the capital but also the regions of Azerbaijan.

Shamkir Galа

In 2006, the archaeological detachment of the institute carried out 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. A genuine masterpiece of military art and architecture appeared before us - 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.

Shamkir Gala has played a key role in the defense system of the center of Azerbaijan for several centuries. From here, the trade routes between Baku and Tbilisi, Ganja, Gazakh and Karabakh were controlled, it explains the location of the Russian garrison here. So far, excavations are 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 ceramite. Later, due to the departure of the Germans from Shamkir, the church was used for various cultural events. in some years, served as a house of culture and teachers, as well as a historical museum. In recent years, the church has not functioned due to poor condition. It also contains a very rare musical instrument in Azerbaijan - organ.ZX

 

13:00-14:00 Lunch at the restaurant

“Nush Olsun!” - “Bon appetit!”, They will tell you in every corner of Azerbaijan, cordially inviting you to an abundant feast. The most sophisticated gourmets who come to the republic will like the refinement and delicate aroma of Azerbaijani dishes. The history of the art of culinary recipes in Azerbaijan goes back centuries and is based on the vast experience of hereditary chefs that is preserved today. In terms of the composition and multiplicity of dishes, Azerbaijani cuisine is among the extremely diverse and healthy and is distinguished by an abundance of all sorts of meat, fish and vegetable delicacies, complemented by tender greens and savory spices. The dishes in tandoor are widely spread in the Azerbaijani cuisine. Trere are a large assortment of various sweets and drinks. Exclusive Azerbaijani dishes - dolma, bozbash, bozartma, chyhyrtma, khashil, kebab, piti, pilaf, govurma - are included in the national menu of many peoples of the Caucasus.

Zaka Youth Center

Center for Intellectual Youth  Zaka equipped with the latest technology  is located near the Flag Square. This center is known for the fact that there are shooting of the famous intellectual program Clever Men and Clever Girls and the tournaments for the game  What? Where? When? in its modern shooting pavilion. It is curious that the rich library of the Center is connected to the world's largest educational library network Follett International, which provides access to countless electronic publications and audiovisual products. If you want to use this service, it is enough to register on the website of  Zaka  Center.

Flag Square

Exterior stained glass windows made of glass. 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 demonstrates the restored flags of the states that existed on the territory of Azerbaijan in different periods, the khanates, including the Iravan Khanate, as well as tips of flags, emblems. In addition, there are numerous photographs and documents reflecting the formation and development of an independent Azerbaijani 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 of the Armed Forces, battle flags and dress costumes of Armed Forces. It was brought to the attention that the Museum demonstrates a copy of the Guinness Book of Records certificate, confirming that the flagpole of the national flag of Azerbaijan, installed on Flag Square in Baku, is the highest in the world, various books, photographs. A special square with an amphitheater with 800 seats for various patriotic events was also built here. The surrounding area is landscaped, there are all conditions for a meaningful rest. 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.

Park of Miniature Monuments and Park of historical monuments

Park of Miniature Monuments.  If you look from the air, the beds of the park create the outlines of the map of Azerbaijan and the pool with fountains - 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 scrupulously recreated reduced copies. The park plan follows the outline of the map of Azerbaijan and the role of the Caspian Sea is played by an intricate pool with fountains.

Shamkir City Park named after Heydar Aliyev

Not far from Flag Square and Heydar Aliyev Center in Shamkir, there is a grandiose city park with a total area of ​​22 hectares, opened in 2013. 7 modern fountains, water canals about 800 meters long with 10 bridges, tunnel crossings have been built on its territory. An artificial lake was also created here, about 20 thousand ornamental trees and flowers of various kinds were planted. The main feature of Shamkir City Park is the location of a huge entertainment center with a lot of attractions in the open air and an indoor pavilion with more than 150 slot machines. Under the open sky 12 types of breathtaking swings and rides have been installed including the only roller coaster ride in Azerbaijan today.

Heydar Aliyev Center

The building of the Center, built on the basis of an unusual, modern original design is  four-story. A monument to nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev is set in the lobby of the building. On a special monitor in 6 languages, videos showing the various moments of the life and activities of the great leader, as well as information about the large-scale projects implemented by the ingenious leader, are shown. 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 about national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev. Visitors to the Center can also 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 national leader Heydar Aliyev, photographs reflecting various periods of his life and work are displayed; and also a large assembly hall.

17:00 End of tour

Group tours schedule