OLD SHEKI QUARTERS

The old Résidentiels residential districts also deserve a visit. Most of the facades on the street are blind, with the majority of houses opening on inland gardens. However, this trend changed from the th century, and the houses built after that date have windows and balconies open on the street. Moreover, they are strongly influenced by the European architecture, which was in vogue at the same time in Baku. The residence of the Shekikhanov family is an example of hybrid architecture, between East and West, between house and palace. The façade overlooking the city has no opening, while the one which overlooks the inner garden offers a splendid alignment of shebeke windows. The ground floor is completely devoid of decorations, while the first and second floors are richly decorated. Chimneys serve as axis of symmetry on the first floor: they are framed of painted niches, representing the heroes of Nizami poems. Unfortunately, the house is inhabited and cannot be visited.