Shaki Caravanserai, Hotel in Aserbaidschan
The Shaki Caravanserai is a historic structure in the town of Shaki, Azerbaijan, partially operating as a hotel with stone walls and thick construction. The building features two sections: the lower caravanserai with a large central courtyard and the upper one with a trapezoidal shape, both containing many rooms designed in traditional style.
The caravanserai was built in the 1800s to serve merchants and travelers as a resting and trading hub along ancient trade routes. Since the late 1980s, the lower section has operated as a hotel, while the upper structure remains preserved for its historical and architectural significance.
The building served as a meeting place where merchants from Persia, Turkey, and Russia gathered to trade and exchange goods. Walking through the corridors, you can see traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship in the woodwork and decorative details that still cover the walls.
The lower caravanserai operates as a hotel accommodating about 100 guests, with a restaurant serving traditional Azerbaijani dishes. Rooms feature high ceilings and arches, thick walls keep interiors cool, and some rooms offer modern comfort alongside historical atmosphere.
The building consists of two independent structures with different shapes and functions: the upper caravanserai has a trapezoidal layout and reaches heights of about 46 feet (14 meters), and has never been used as a hotel. This dual structure reveals how Shaki developed two separate trading zones for different purposes and merchant flows.
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