Diri Baba mausoleum, Yeddi Gumbez (“The Seven Domes”),  Juma Mosque, Basqal village , Basqal Silk Center, Girdimanchay river , Lahij village, souvenir shops

Drop into the factory of Basqal Silk Center  for a short kelaghayi masterclass and stroll through Basqal’s narrow cobblestone streets.

Shamakhi (2-2,5 hour drive from Baku) is an astonishing place with extraordinary nature, incredible architecture, ancient culture, rich history and interesting customs. Shamakhi city is the ancient capital of Shirvanshah’s dynasty (9-15th century).

Your first stop on the way to Shamakhi will be at Diri Baba mausoleum, a two-story monument of the 15th century in Maraza village. Peculiarity of the construction is that it was embed in the cliff and it creates an impression that it is suspended in the air. The monument is considered to be a sacred place. Legend says that a saint named Diri Baba (living, immortal old man) was buried here and remained incorrupt for more than 300 years.

Shamakhi is an ancient city of Azerbaijan which was the capital of Shirvan Dynasty during 9th -16th century. On the 18th century it was the center of Shamakhi Khanate. Not far from Shahmakhi city you will see “Yeddi Gumbaz” (“Seven Domes”) mausoleum, the 18th century mausoleum of the khans of Shamakhi.

In the city you will visit Juma Mosque, one of the oldest Muslim temples in Azerbaijan, as well as in the South Caucasus and the Middle East and the biggest mosque of the Caucasus.

After leaving Shamakhi and entering Ismayilli region we will make a stop at Basqal village that used to be a great weaving center of Shirvan in middle centuries. Here you will visit Basqal Silk Center, historical mosque & hammam. Basqal Silk Center is famous for its production of ‘kelaghais’, beautiful headscarves traditionally worn by Azerbaijani women. The colors of the scarf are often saying something about the status of its wearer. In the past, silk weaving and kelaghayi making were practiced at every household in the village with secrets being passed from one generation to the next, but the craft virtually disappeared during the Soviet era. The revival began in the early 2000s. Drop into the factory for an impromptu kelaghayi masterclass followed by a stroll through Basqal’s narrow cobblestone streets.

Further way runs through high cliffs to the last point of out excursion, beautiful Lahij village built on the canyon of Girdimanchay river. This small village is considered a cultural reserve and a popular touristic destination of the Great Silk Road. It is known for its production of copper items, decorated with carved ornaments. Traditional appearance & production processes remain the same till today, as they used to be throughout the centuries. In the numerous souvenir shops you can buy hand-made copper, knitted and weaved goods, wood and leather ware, souvenir knives and many more.

Transportation according to the program

Professional guide (English, Russian, Arabic)

Entrance tickets

Lunch in the national restaurant – from 9$

Any tips at the sites

• Full payment should be done at least 1 day prior excursion date.
• Infants (up to 2 y.o.) are free of charge. Children from 2 till 6 y.o. have 50% discount.
• Cancellation more than 1 day before excursion date is free of charge.
• Cancellation less than 1 day before excursion date is subject to 100% charge.

Pick-up time: 09:00

Pick-up / drop-off point: your hotel in Baku

The organizer reserves the right to change the order of the places to visit in case of necessity.