Sheki is a beautiful city

Feudal era[edit]

Battle scene miniature on the wall ofKhan's Palace of Shaki

After the collapse of the Hulagu Khan's rule in the first half of the 14th century, Shaki gained independence under the rule of Sidi Ahmed Orlat.^[5] Shah Tahmasp put an end to the independence of Shaki in 1551 and annexed it to Safavid Empire with brief periods of Ottoman rule in 1578–1603 and 1724-1735. Shaki Khanate was established in 1743, and was one of the strongest feudal states among the Caucasian khanates. During existence of Shaki khanate, the local population of the city was engaged in silkworm breeding, craft and trade.^[4] As a result of a flood in the river Kish, the city of Shaki was partially ruined and the population was resettled in the present day city.^[6] The Shaki khanate became a vassal of the Russian Empire in accordance with the second Treaty of Kurakchay of 1805.