The stone walls
Thick, among the trees.
Aydinsalis — CC BY 3.0 · Айдин Мамедов — CC BY 3.0 · Эмин Мамедов — Public domain · Sevinc Nur — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Эмин Маммадов — Public domain
Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress is the remains of a medieval stronghold on the summit of Garatepe Mountain, above the Kish River near Shaki. Its name means «You will come and see», and comes with a story. It draws walkers who want the mountain and valley after visiting the Khans' Palace. The fortress dates to the 8th or 9th century and was well strengthened for defence. The story goes that when Nader Shah attacked the Shaki Khanate in the 18th century, the ruler Haji Chalabi Khan took refuge here and answered the Shah's demand to surrender with: «You will come and see». Nader Shah attacked with a great army in 1744 but could not take it and fell back, and the name stuck. Today thick stone walls and ruined gateways remain, partly covered by trees, so do not expect a complete castle. The beauty of the place lies in the mix of stone and forest, with views over the valley and the green Caucasus. Autumn colours the trees. Sources put it about 4 km from Shaki, and our map point is 8 km from the city centre in a straight line. You reach it on foot by a mountain path, and a local guide can help. Bring suitable shoes and water, and avoid muddy paths after rain. It combines with the Church of Kish in the same valley.
Thick, among the trees.
The Kish River and the Caucasus.
A quiet climb to the fort.
Garatepe Mountain, on the Kish River, about 4 km from Shaki
The tale says Haji Chalabi Khan answered Nader Shah with «You will come and see», and the Shah failed to take it in 1744.
The path is not developed, so a local guide helps, especially if you do not know the mountain.