Known as the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, the historic heart of Sheki, featuring Khan's Palace, holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's evolution and growth have been deeply intertwined with silk breeding and trade, with silk production standing as its primary economic pursuit.

While silk breeding and production in Sheki has an ancient history, the development of modern-day Sheki, one of Azerbaijan's foremost trade and handicraft centers, was catalyzed by the introduction of silkworm production from China, which quickly gained popularity in the region in the 18th century. The surge in demand from Russian weaving mills led to the establishment of the first silk factory in Sheki in 1829, under the ownership of the State Treasury. Starting in the mid-18th century, Azerbaijan began to fully meet the raw silk demands of Russian silk weaving factories. Consequently, Sheki flourished as a sericulture hub, attracting skilled workers from various countries.

The flourishing silk industry left an indelible mark on the city's landscape, spurring the construction of numerous workshops, silk weaving mills, administrative and residential complexes, as well as caravanserais, mosques, and diverse shops along Akhundov Avenue, the old city's main trade and crafts artery.

Sheki's significance as a thriving and prosperous community is evident in the steady urban population growth. The silk merchants of Sheki amassed considerable wealth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the construction of opulent two and three-story houses adorned with unique architectural elements and designs. These monumental structures absorbed elements of traditional architecture, amplifying both their scale and decorative intricacies, thereby becoming an integral part of Sheki's enduring heritage. The lush gardens surrounding these houses were meticulously tended to, nurturing the vital mulberry plants that provided sustenance for the silkworms. Some silk factories were even established adjacent to residential houses in the neighborhoods along the primary streets, as designated spaces were not allocated for these structures.

Today, Sheki is a cultural capital and a main tourism destination thanks to its unique architecture and urban plan, exquisite gastronomy, and beautiful nature. The cultural sites, and silk related sites in Sheki are as follows: 
-    The historic fortress of Sheki, with the Khan’s Palace, Craftsmen’s house, museums, ABAD ceramic center, and historic houses
-    Akhundov avenue, with its crafts shops, cafes and restaurants
-    Upper Caravanserai which operates as a hotel today, stands as both an architectural marvel and a testament to Sheki's rich trading history
-    Silk Factory of Sheki, where silk headscarves – kelaghayi, raw silk fabrics, silk carpets, etc. produced and displayed
-    Amiraslan Shirinov’s ancestral house and silk dying workshop in north Sheki. The same family owns a shop on Akhundov avenue.