Icheri-Shekher

ancient town, Azerbaijan

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June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The Walled City of Baku, known as Icheri-Shekher, is the historic core of Azerbaijan's capital city, Baku. This ancient town, with archaeological evidence suggesting settlements predating Christ, became the capital of the Shīrvān-Shāhs in the 12th century.1

Key features of Icheri-Shekher include its surviving fortress walls, the 12th-century Maiden's Tower (Kyz-Kalasy), and the Palace of the Shīrvān-Shāhs, with parts dating back to the 11th century. The old town is characterized by a maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, such as the Synyk-Kala Minaret and Mosque.1

In 2000, the Walled City of Baku, along with the Palace of the Shīrvān-Shāhs and Maiden's Tower, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.1

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Baku
…old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90-foot (27-metre) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden’s Tower, 12th century). The old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of…
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…old town, or fortress, of Icheri-Shekher. Most of the walls, strengthened after the Russian conquest in 1806, survive, as does the 90-foot (27-metre) tower of Kyz-Kalasy (Maiden’s Tower, 12th century). The old town is highly picturesque, with its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings. These include the Palace of…
Read More