Azerbaijani archaeologists uncover Neolithic, Bronze Age sites in Aghdara, Aghdam

New archaeological discoveries in western Azerbaijan have revealed evidence of human settlement spanning from the Neolithic period to the early 20th century, researchers say.

According to Report, citing the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the studies were conducted in the area of the “Demirli” mining complex near the village of Janyatag in Aghdara district, as well as in the village of Goytepe in Aghdam district.

During archaeological monitoring at the “Demirli” complex, samples of pottery and numerous bone remains from the Neolithic period were found. According to specialists, the discovered settlement may have served as a camp for the extraction of ochre — a natural mineral pigment. This is evidenced by fragments of large stone tools and pieces of ochre found at the site.

According to the institute, the inhabitants of Karabakh in the Neolithic era extracted ochre from nearby deposits, processed it on site, and then transported it to lowland areas.

In addition, it was established that a Muslim cemetery previously existed in the area, much of which was destroyed during road construction. Archaeologists discovered remains of structures and pottery fragments dating from the 11th–15th centuries. Three burial mounds were also identified near the complex.

In the village of Goytepe in Aghdam district, researchers identified a settlement from the Early Bronze Age, classified as a monument of national significance. Surface observations also revealed traces of an ancient cultural layer, although the main part of the site belongs to the Early Bronze Age.

Nearby, in the Eyvazkhanbeyli cemetery, a burial dating to 1924 was discovered. According to the inscription on the stone, the grave belongs to Shamil bey Salman bey oghlu. Researchers suggest he may have been one of the last representatives of the Eyvazkhanbeyli bey family after the establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan in 1920.

The tomb is noted for its hexagonal shape — a rare architectural form for medieval Azerbaijani tower mausoleums.