Page 7 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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Azerbaijani carpets / NAKHCHIVAN GROUP
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As a result of excavations conducted by Azerbaijani archaeologists, the first settlements of ancient humans were discovered in Nakh-
chivan, dating as far back as the Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age).
Abundant archaeological artefacts belonging to this period have been discovered in different areas, particularly in Gazma Cave
(Sharur District). These materials have served to enrich scientific and research geography of the Paleolithic age in Azerbaijan and the
world.
The emergence of the revolutionary production economy in the Neolithic (New Stone Age, 8th -6th millennia B.C.) was an important
event in the history of Nakhchivan.
The production economy progressed further in the Eneolithic (Copper and Stone Ages). The relations of Azerbaijan in general, as well
as Nakhchivan in particular, with Mesopotamia, the center of global civilization at that time, expanded during this period.
The monuments of the first Kultepe (Babak region), Ovchular Tepe (Sharur district), Damlama (Kangarli district), and others clearly
reflect the history of these archaeological ages. Labor tools made from a mixture of copper and silver found in the first Kultepe (middle
of the 6th millennium B.C.) date back to the first period of copper making in Nakhchivan.
Nakhchivan is very rich in monuments from the Bronze Age (4th -2nd millennia B.C.) as well. There are many valuable archaeological
monuments belonging to that period in Nakhchivan. Archaeological materials found in the first Kultepe, second Kultepe (Babak region),
Ovchular Tepe, Makhta (Sharur district), and other monuments serve as direct evidence.
In the Bronze Age, the economic life of Nakhchivan flourished, cultural development intensified, while trade relations and art pro-
gressed. The Gamigaya petroglyphs (Ordubad district, 4th—1st millennia B.C.) are very valuable examples of the continuance of the
Gobustan traditions (the chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan A.R. adopted a resolution on “The investigation of
Gamigaya monument in Ordubad district,” dated April 26, 2001. Accordingly, scientific forums are conducted in Gamigaya. [Y.M.,
I.H., K.Sh.]).
In addition to the Kur-Araz culture (First Bronze Age), which was distinctive for Azerbaijan, unique archaeological cultures, such
as the culture of painted wares (3rd—1st millennia B.C.) and the Nakhchivan culture (Last Bronze - First Iron Ages) also emerged in
Nakhchivan3.
The Azerbaijani tribes and tribal unions existing here, as the oldest residents of the Nakhchivan territory, played an important role in
the ethnic and political history of Azerbaijan.
The land of Nakhchivan held one of the earliest urban settlements in the world. The main city of the territory, Nakhchivan, is consid-
ered to have been one of the most ancient cities of the East and the entire world4. Nakhchivan city, with its ancient history, later became
one of the economic, political, and cultural centers of Azerbaijan. At the same time, Nakhchivan played an important role in the forma-
tion and development of Azerbaijani statehood.
In the first centuries of the 1st millennium B.C., Nakhchivan was a part of the Mannan state (9th - late 6th centuries BC). The Mannan
state succeeded in gaining its independence in the fight against the neighboring states of Assyria and Urartu. The struggle against Urartu
was represented in Ilandagh cuneiform (Julfa district) from 820-810 B.C. Information about this monument was first published in an
Italian journal in 19895.
Following the collapse of the Mannan state, Nakhchivan was first annexed to the Medea state (late 7th century B.C.-550 B.C.), and then
to the Ahamani Empire (550 B.C.-330 B.C.).
After the death of Alexander of Macedonia (356-323 B.C.) Azerbaijan restored its independence. The state of Atropatena was es-
tablished in the south of the country and the state of Caucasian Albania in the north. The territory of Nakhchivan was included in the
Atropatena state.