Take a trip to Shamkir without leaving Baku

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Baku was introduced to the rich history and culture of Azerbaijan’s ancient northwestern city of Shamkir on September 21.

The event was held as part of a project titled “From the regions to the capital” and took place at the Azerbaijan State Academic Drama Theatre.

The organizers set up stands in the square in front of the theater, where guests had the chance to taste the dishes typical for the region, as well as learn about Shamkir’s agriculture products, tourist potential, and enterprises operating in the region.

The guests were able to enjoy different types of confectionery at the original and exquisitely decorated dessert tables. The best samples of both Azerbaijani and European sweets were on display.

An outdoor concert entertained guests while regional children’ music and dance groups provided for festive atmosphere to the event.

Before entering the theater, sculptures depicting characters from the father of Azerbaijani classic music Uzeyir Hajibeyli's musical comedy “If not this one, that one” were featured.

The comedy is considered one of the most courageous and principled works in the theater arts of pre-revolutionary Azerbaijan, where Hajibeyli was able to expose the social and domestic conflicts in Azerbaijan in the 19-20th centuries. His kindness stands out, as does his progressive and liberal attitude towards women, especially for the time and region.

Abulfaz Garayev, the Culture and Tourism Minister, and Alimpasha Mammadov, the head of the Shamkir City Executive Power, gave speeches, discussing how the state pays great attention to the development of the regions and the preservation of ancient national heritage, monuments, nature reserves, the development of tourism potential, and modernization of the infrastructure.

At the ceremony the organizers showed a video reflecting the renovations recently done in Shamkir, as well as projects and activities carried out in the region in tourism, culture, and art.

Shamkir is very old region of the country. According to historical sources, the city was known as “Shamkur” since the fifth century and served as a large trade and commercial center.

The favorable climate, pristine nature, rich cultural and historical heritage, and infrastructure make the region attractive for tourists.

Shamkir’s most attractive feature is its so-called “German pages.” Back in 1819, immigrants from Wurttemberg, escaping revolt from the Napoleonic wars, came to Azerbaijan and established two colonies, which they called Yelenendorf and Annendorf (now Goygol and Shamkir cities).

The German colonies left behind a lot of historical artifacts and some streets were even lined with German houses, Lutheran churches, wine production, etc.

Shamkir today is not only a city with a great history, but also a new town that opens up a whole range of opportunities to its visitors.

One of the symbols of modern Shamkir is a unique Flag museum, designed in the form of an eight-pointed star. Lined with glass that lets light flood in, the two-story building contains valuable exhibits, informing visitors of the ancient and modern history of Azerbaijan.

There is a huge amusement center in Shamkir’s City Park with more than 150 exciting amusement rides that one can enjoy.

The library of Shamkir’s "Zaka" Intellectual Youth Center has partnered with Follett International, the world’s largest educational library network, which provides access to countless eBooks and audiovisual materials.