Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

As a result of research conducted in Nakhchivan, was found the settlements which date back to millennia. In particular, the activities of international archaeological expeditions allow to reveal more unexplored pages of history of Nakhchivan and identify new research directions. The ancient residential settlements - Kultepe, Oghlangala, Ovchulartepesi Gizgalasi are a model of the initial stage of development of human civilization.

According to correspondening member of ANAS, head of the archaeological expedition Veli Bakhshaliyev, settlement Gizgalasi is of great importance for archeology of the South Caucasus and the Middle East. As a result of research conducted in recent years, were revealed new facts related to the fact that the culture of painted wares has some connection with Nakhchivan. One of these facts - the existence of the rich cultural layers in the ancient settlement Gizgalasi and detection the layer of cookware with monochrome and polychrome. A large area of layer dating back to the Bronze Age was found. Finding decorated with geometric patterns and animal print dishes in the course of this year's study confirms that Nakhchivan was one of the main centers of culture colored tableware for the South Caucasus, as well as the fact that the painted ware spread to other regions of Azerbaijan because of Nakhchivan. 

The head of the archaeological expedition said that the discovery of a defensive wall in the settlement Gizgalasi is one the most important facts. Because, ruins of the defensive walls in the South Caucasus dating back to the Middle Bronze Age settlements has not yet been found to this day. The ruins of the castle walls were found in Kultepe II and Shahtakhti. Settlement Gizgalasi, covering an area of 13 hectares, is the third largest territorial and the largest of these monuments. Another important news is the discovery of remains of a human skeleton from the Middle Bronze Age burial mounds. Their study will play an important role in determining the origin of Culture of colored tableware. While studying burial mounds were found painted ware, bronze ware, bronze spearheads, daggers, arrowheads made of obsidian, copper needles, beads, etc. Studies show that people settled here in the mountainous areas along the valley Arpachay.

V.Bakhshaliev noted that on July 27, Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov visited ancient settlement Gizgalasi (Sharur district), got acquainted with the research conducted by archaeological expedition of Azerbaijan-the United States of America. Chairman of the Supreme Mejlis also visited historic monument Ovchulartepesi. He gave instructions for the preparation of scientific articles and books devoted to settlements Gizgalasi and Ovchulartepesi, including registration and demonstrations of exhibits found.

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