Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On May 14, a scientific session titled “Archaeological and Anthropological Research in Azerbaijan: Results and Perspectives” commenced at the Main Building of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, organized by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.

The event is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

At the beginning, participants viewed an exhibition showcasing significant artifacts discovered during recent research conducted by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology.

Opening the scientific session with an introductory speech, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli spoke about the importance of archaeological research in studying the ancient history of Azerbaijan. He emphasized that the main goal is to bring the ongoing research in this field up to the level of modern scientific requirements.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the new materials discovered as a result of the archaeological expeditions of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology opens up broad opportunities for future scientific research. He emphasized that in the modern period, the science of archaeology has entered a qualitatively new stage of development through its interaction with other scientific fields.  

The President of ANAS said that, within the framework of structural reforms carried out in accordance with the renewed Academy model, a formal request was submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers to rename the Institute of Archaeology, Ethnography and Anthropology to the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology. Based on this request, a decision was made by the Cabinet of Ministers, and the new institute was formed. Academician Isa Habibbeyli underlined that this decision is one of the important steps adopted at the state level. He emphasized that, in accordance with the demands of the modern era, new and improved scientific and research structures, such as Islamic Period Archaeology, Ethnoarchaeology, Forensic Archaeology, Caspian Archaeology, and the Karabakh Archaeological Expedition were created within the institute by internal resources and existing staff units. “In the near future, it is also planned to establish an Archaeological Fund under the institute. These reforms not only form new, modern challenges for the institute, but also identify the implementation of fundamental and innovative scientific research in the fields of archaeology and anthropology in Azerbaijan as one of the main goals.”

The head of ANAS mentioned that in recent years, the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology has conducted large-scale archaeological research in various regions of Azerbaijan, including the territories liberated from occupation, and that numerous material and cultural monuments previously unknown to science have been discovered. He mentioned that he personally observed the work of the institute’s archaeological expeditions in Naftalan city, the Goranboy district, Beshbarmag Mountain, as well as in Karabakh region. He also said that he plans to closely familiarize himself with the research carried out in Karabakh, Gazakh-Ganja, and southern regions. Academician Isa Habibbeyli underlined that the Presidium of ANAS has provided archaeologists with drones and GPS devices and expressed confidence that the use of modern technologies will improve the quality and efficiency of archaeological research. He also pointed out that important steps have been taken to ensure transparency in the ongoing archaeological studies.

The scientist highly appreciated the recent measures taken to strengthen the institute's material and technical base and to expand archaeological research. He emphasized the importance of increasing the number of articles and monographs written based on archaeological materials and noted the necessity of publishing the institute’s journal in a format that meets modern standards. Academician Isa Habibbeyli also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in archaeological research, stating that such collaboration is crucial for promoting Azerbaijani science globally.

Then, the Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, PhD in History and Associate Professor Farhad Guliyev, stated that the map of archaeological monuments proves that our country has a rich history and culture dating from the Stone Age to the late middle Ages. He emphasized that our ancient history, spanning approximately two million years before the invention of writing, is studied based on archaeological research.

The director stated that during the Soviet era, archaeologists clarified several unclear issues of Azerbaijan history and, through new archaeological discoveries, revealed strong evidence of ancientness of our country’s history. He emphasized that the first archaeological excavations in Gobustan, the ancient settlements reflecting the early farming culture in the Ganja-Gazakh region, archaeological findings in Mingachevir and Orengala, and the discovery of the Azykh and Taghlar sites in Karabakh from the Paleolithic era, etc. , all scientifically prove the existence of Azerbaijan’s ancient history.

Farhad Guliyev stated that last year, 30 articles by the institute’s staff were published abroad, and the number of international archaeological expeditions reached nine. He emphasized that thanks to close cooperation with several organizations, the institute actively participates in the study, registration, and preservation of our historical monuments in most regions of the country.

The director emphasized that one of the main tasks ahead is the operation of international expeditions in the liberated territories. He added that archaeological research in Karabakh will be carried out mainly on the following areas: the Bronze Age “Kurgan Field” and necropolis in Khojaly, the Imarat complex in Aghdam, the Middle Bronze Age Uzerliktepe settlement, the Azykh and Taghlar Paleolithic sites, the Fuzuli kurgans, and the Middle Ages Shahri Sharifan in Zangilan. He also highlighted the study of the material cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania.  

At the scientific session, presentations were heard about research conducted last year by the staff of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology on the necropolises of Khojaly, Shamkir, Shahri Sharifan, Munjuglutepe, and Mardangoulu, the Second Memorial complex at Kharaba Gilan, the “Yukhari Bash” National Historical and Architectural Reserve, Asgaran Fortress, as well as studies carried out in Iğdır Province of Türkiye, southeastern region of Azerbaijan, and other areas.

The event will last until May 15. 

Reyhan Majidli, Public Relations, Press and Information Department of the Presidium Administration of ANAS

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