The Keys to the City of Shusha

Chapter 1. The Tale of January: The Magic Key of IcherisheherChapter 1. The Tale of January: The Magic Key of IcherisheherWhen the first lights of the new year are lit in Baku, and the streets smell of tangerines and pomegranates, the ancient Maiden Tower awakens in the very heart of Icherisheher.The winter wind wandered along the fortress walls, climbed into the cracks between the old stones, and told them stories a thousand years old. That evening it was especially restless. From the sea came the scent of salt and fuel oil, from the teahouse drifted the aroma of saffron and fresh churek, and somewhere in the distance, children’s laughter mixed with music pouring from open windows.Little Nasiba loved to walk with Uncle Sasha, her mother’s younger brother, through the narrow stone streets of the Old City. Her red boots clattered brightly on the cobblestones, and the warm scarf knitted b…