Explanation and Configuration of South Caucasus and Azerbaijan (NW Iran) Cultures during the Bronze and Iron Ages

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Archaeology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

2 Department of Archaeology, Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of Azerbaijan (AMEA), Azerbaijan.

Abstract

The Khojaly-Gadabay (Xocali-G.d.b.y) culture is well-established in the archaeological literature of the
Republic of Azerbaijan. Chronologically, it spans the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age in the Caucasus region,
and Iron Ages I and II in northwest Iran. Within archaeological literature, this culture has various designations.
In the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is known as Central Zaghafia and Ganja-Garabagh culture, while in Armenia
it is referred to as Lechashen-Metsamor culture. However, the name Khojaly-Gadabay prevails due to its initial
identification in this Azerbaijani region. Consequently, most archaeological data on this culture comes from
cemeteries, with no settlements identified. This article utilizes a descriptive-analytical approach, drawing on
archaeological data and comparisons, to explore the culture’s key characteristics. The study seeks to answer two
fundamental questions: What are the essential archaeological features of this culture within the studied region?
How can we explain the point of formation, origin, and spread of this culture? Unveiling these unknowns will
provide a clearer understanding and a suitable foundation for studying this culture in northwest Iran.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Archaeological Studies
Volume 14, Issue 1
2024
Pages 51-62

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