Nakhchivan Tepe
Introduction
Nakhchivan Tepe, also known as Naxçıvantəpə, is a significant Chalcolithic archaeological site located in the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan. Dated to around 5000 BC, this ancient settlement provides critical insights into early human habitation and cultural practices in the region. Situated on the right bank of the Nakhchivançay River at an altitude of 850 meters, Nakhchivan Tepe is part of a broader landscape of historical archaeological sites, including Kultepe-1, which lies approximately 5 kilometers to the north. The importance of Nakhchivan Tepe has been established through extensive archaeological research led by Veli Bakhshaliyev from the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, which began in 2017.
Settlement and Architecture
The first inhabitants of Nakhchivan Tepe constructed their homes using a combination of earth-dug structures and mud-brick walls. This architectural style reflects a transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled agricultural practices. The excavations at the site have revealed two distinct architectural phases: the upper horizon features rectangular dwellings, indicative of a more advanced stage of societal organization and construction techniques, while the lower levels exhibit round houses that are characteristic of earlier settlement patterns.
Living Conditions and Economy
Evidence gathered from animal bones suggests that the primary subsistence strategy for the inhabitants revolved around livestock farming. Cattle and caprine herding were prevalent, with only a minor presence of horse and dog remains found during excavations. This indicates that hunting played a minimal role in their economy. The reliance on domesticated animals likely facilitated a more stable food supply, which would have been crucial for sustaining a growing population.
Pottery and Cultural Artifacts
The pottery discovered at Nakhchivan Tepe is diverse and reflects various cultural influences over time. Notably, painted ceramics associated with the Dalma culture have been unearthed, showcasing a wide range of forms and decorative techniques. The ceramics from the upper horizon are classified into six distinct types: plain ceramics, painted ceramics, red-slipped pieces devoid of ornamentation, pottery with impressed decorations and fingerprints, stamp-decorated items, and those adorned with horizontal striped border ornaments.
Comparative Analysis with Other Sites
According to recent studies by Guliyeva (2023), the simple chaff-tempered pottery found at Nakhchivan Tepe reflects characteristics typical of the Kültepe culture that existed from 6372-5200 BC. As time progressed, pottery styles began to reveal influences from nearby Dalmatepe culture sites. Furthermore, parallels can be drawn between some ceramics from Nakhchivan Tepe and those found in the Mil-Karabakh region. Other Chalcolithic sites in proximity, such as Uzun oba and Ucan Agil, have yielded Dalma ceramics; however, none match the volume or variety present at Nakhchivan Tepe.
Obsidian Trade Networks
The presence of obsidian artifacts at Nakhchivan Tepe indicates its role as an intermediary in regional trade networks during the Chalcolithic period. Obsidian sourced from the Zangezur mountain range was traded by settlements located in the Lake Urmiah basin in Iran. Although less obsidian has been found at Nakhchivan Tepe compared to Uçan Ağıl—located about 20 kilometers to the north—the former has revealed sources from six different obsidian beds: Syunik, Geghasar-Gegham, Gügürbaba-Meydan, Gutansar, Hatis, and Arteni. This contrasts with Uçan Ağıl’s reliance on obsidian primarily sourced from only three beds.
Insights into Resource Distribution
The diverse origins of obsidian found at Nakhchivan Tepe suggest a complex network of trade routes that connected various cultures across regions. The equal proportion of obsidian sourced from Geghasar-Gegham and Syunik highlights not only local resource utilization but also interactions with neighboring areas. In addition to obsidian, traces of copper ore discovered at Nakhchivan Tepe further emphasize its significance as a center for material exchange during this era.
Conclusion
Nakhchivan Tepe stands as a testament to the early development of settled life in Azerbaijan during the Chalcolithic period. The architectural innovations and economic practices uncovered through archaeological research reflect an evolving society that adapted to its environment while establishing trade networks that extended beyond regional boundaries. The rich variety of pottery discovered at the site illustrates cultural exchanges that influenced local craftsmanship over millennia. As ongoing research continues to shed light on this ancient settlement, Nakhchivan Tepe will undoubtedly remain a focal point for understanding prehistoric human activity in Azerbaijan and its connections to broader cultural dynamics across Asia.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).