Sheki, Azerbaijan

🏛️ Capital City

Sheki's economy runs on three pillars: traditional silk and carpet weaving (still active in family workshops), tourism (surging since the 2019 UNESCO designation), and agriculture in the surrounding Caucasus foothills. The Palace of Shaki Khans and the old bazaar draw steady visitor traffic, creating work for guides, hotel staff, and shop owners. Most locals work in small businesses, handicrafts, or government roles. Remote work is viable if you have reliable internet; local employment opportunities are limited for foreigners unless you're teaching or running a tourism-adjacent business.

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center runs $310/month; outside it's cheaper. Transport is straightforward—minibuses connect Sheki to Baku (240 km, 4 hours) and regional towns. Healthcare is basic; serious issues require Baku. Azerbaijani is the working language; English is sparse outside tourism zones. Bureaucracy for residency is manageable compared to other post-Soviet countries, but visa rules shift—check current requirements before committing. Winter temperatures drop to -1°C, so heating costs matter.

Summers are warm (24°C), winters cold and occasionally snowy. The food scene centers on kebab, fresh fruit from local orchards, and traditional Azerbaijani dishes; dining out is cheap ($3–8 per meal). The expat community is tiny—mostly teachers and remote workers. Weekends mean exploring the old city, hiking nearby mountains, or day-tripping to Baku. Sheki suits people seeking authentic Caucasus culture, low cost of living, and quiet over nightlife—not digital nomads chasing coworking spaces or social scenes.