Established in 1925, the Sheki History and Ethnography Museum has been a cornerstone of cultural preservation and education in Sheki. Since 1980, the museum has been located in a historically significant building—constructed in 1895 for military barracks—situated within the Qala Walls of Sheki.
Historical Background: The initiative to create a museum in Sheki was first proposed at a meeting of the People's Commissariat of Education on August 20, 1925. The original plan was to house the museum in the former Khan Palace. However, it was relocated in 1980 to its current premises. The Sheki History and Ethnography Museum operates under the Azerbaijan State Museum and is part of the Nukh (Sheki) People's Education Department.
Exhibits: The museum showcases over 5,000 artifacts that reflect the rich history, culture, and traditions of Sheki. Approximately 3,000 of these artifacts are displayed in the museum’s exhibition halls. The total area of the museum is 924 m², with 724 m² dedicated to exhibitions.
Exhibition Sections:
Nature
Ancient Times
Ethnography
The Republic Era
Science, Culture, Education, and Health
Military Glory
Silk Production
Agriculture
Sheki Culinary and Table Culture
Visit of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Sheki
Notable Artifacts:
Carriage: The carriage used by political figure Nariman Narimanov in 1920 for his journey from Yevlakh to Sheki.
Antique Samovar: An ancient samovar used for brewing coffee.
Hamam Chest (Safe): A chest used by women to carry personal adornments to the bathhouse, featuring an inscription of a poem by Saadi Shirazi.
Events and Exhibitions:
The museum’s artifacts have been exhibited internationally in countries such as Ethiopia, Madagascar, Jordan, and Pakistan.
Collaborations with institutions include exhibitions at the Tumen Region's "Man and Nature" Museum in Khanty-Mansiysk.
Local and international exhibitions are also hosted in Baku, Sheki Turkish Lyceum, and various schools.
Annual events include “Open Door” days on April 18 (Historical Monuments Day) and May 18 (International Museum Day).
A special event for children titled “Children are Our Future” is held every June 1st.
Visits from military personnel stationed in Sheki are organized regularly.
Museum Staff: The museum employs a dedicated team of 16 professionals committed to preserving and presenting Sheki's rich cultural heritage.
