Стр. 6 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

4
Historical-geographical territory of Shirvan. Although the broad territory of Shirvan was subject
to historical changes, its main area remained stable. A well-known researcher of Shirvan history,
A.A. Bakikhanov, wrote about Shirvan’s territory in “Gulustani-Irem” (1841): “Shirvan county
consists of the Salyan, Sheki, Baku, Guba, Derbent, Teberseran, Kure, and Samur regions and the
lower part of Ilisu. These are the most beautiful and largest provinces of the country.” Given this
point of view, it is necessary to examine the history of this area during different periods.
Archeological periods. These territories are the most ancient residential settlements of Azerbai-
jan. Among these, Gobustan, one of the world’s recognized rare historical places, takes a special
place. The existence of petroglyphs belonging to the Mesolithic period (12 th-10th millenniums
B.C) in Gobustan and residential settlements in the same area is a unique discovery. Findings
belonging to other archeological periods, including the Bronze Age, have also been discovered
in Gobustan.
Due to the geographical territory and natu-
ral conditions in the ancient territory of Shir-
van, the population of the region increased
along with their organization into socio-eco-
nomic and political groupings. A large net-
work of residential settlements was created
here, eventually forming the first cities and
villages. As a result of archeological excava-
tions of ancient residential areas, the influen-
tial role of Gabala, Derbent, Baku, Shamakhi,
and other cities became clear.
Archeological research revealed that Shirvan
had a rich cultural heritage. The most ancient
cultural samples are rock engravings found
in Gobustan and other areas of the Absheron
Peninsula. Gobustan marks an important era
in worldwide artistic development. More than
four million rock engravings have been iden-
tified in Gobustan. These rock engravings are
Ruins of historic
Agsu city. 18th century.
Rock depictions. Gobustan State History and Art Preserve.
12th-10th millennium B.C.
Woman`s figure.
Ismayilli. Mollaisagli.
3 rd-1st centuries B.C.