Chapter I. The History of Study of the Bronze Age Monuments in Nahchivan.
Chapter II. Archaeological Monuments of the Early Bronze Age
Chapter III. Archaeological Monuments of the Middle Bronze Age (the Nahchivan Culture)
Chapter IV. Archaeological Monuments of the Late Bronze Age
;)
Beginning from the IV millennium b.c. ancient tribes that inhabited Nahchivan experienced great advances in all fields of historical development that resulted in the replacement of one archaeological culture by another. Thus, the late Chalcolithic culture gave way to the Early Bronze Age. The Age produced new agricultural implements, basic changes in animal husbandry, formed more improved labour implements in different fields of craftsmanship, especially in metal-working.
In all probability numbers of population gradually grow with regard to the previous periods. In contradiction to northern regions of Kharabakh, the number of Early Bronze Age sites is twice the size relatively the Chalcolithic Age. The number of known Early Bronze Age monuments in this area exceeds 10.
;)
The wealth of archaeological finds reflecting cultural progress, notably distinguishing features of the Kur-Araz pottery are clear from stages of development. In contradiction to other areas of spreading of Kur-Araz culture, there are a number of scientific evidence in Nahchivan that show the formation, certain local peculiarities and pointing at the area to be among the initial hearths of appearing of this culture.
By multi-period sites, thickness of cultural layers (9-10 m-s) and local features of the pottery (hand-made vessels and those made in potter’s wheel of different shape, black-burnished, rose-surfaced, etc.) Nahchivan monuments are constituent of the Kur-Araz culture extended in Transcaucasia, Front Asia and Eastern Anatolia. The revealing of monuments that display the transitional stage from the Late Chalcholithic to the Early Bronze Age in Nahchivan (Ovchular tepe, Khalaj, Damlama) the study of the Kur-Araz culture monuments belonging to its initial phase (lower layer of Kül tepe II, Ovchular tepe, Khalaj) indicate that the area was one of the first centers of arising and formation of the Early Bronze Age.
;)
The Kur-Araz culture in Nahchivan is represented by mound sites and tombs. Kül tepe I and II, Ovchular tepe, Makhta I (Makhta Kultepe) and II, Sederek, Khalaj, Arabyengije, Shortepe, Ashaghy Dasharkh, Shahtakhty, Go vurgala and others that bear certain local peculiarities, are of great importance in studying this culture. Among the mentioned monuments large scaled archaeological excavations were conducted at Kül tepe I and II, Makhta I. Other monuments were investigated only by research work.
The Kur-Araz culture monuments in Nahchivan are represented by mound sites and tombs. Nahchivan monuments bearing certain local peculiarities of this culture and characterised by multi-period settlements, have a special place.
Archaeological excavations in Nahchivan have exposed such ancient sites as Kül tepe I, Kül tepe II, Ovchular tepe, Makhta Kultepe, Khalaj, Arabyengije, and Shortepe that belong to the Kur-Araz culture.
;)
The Kül tepe I site is situated at a distance of 8 km to the north-east of Nahchivan, on the left bank of the Nahchivan river, at a village of the same name in the district of Babek. The total area of the monument is 1,5 ha. Excavations conducted in 1951-1964 years by O.H. Habibullayev have revealed four cultural layers each 22 m deep.
In 1951 O.H. Habibullayev directed excavations at three areas. The depth of the first excavated area (50 sq.m.) was 1.25 meters, of the second one (21 sq.m.) 2.25 meters. The third excavated area (22.5 m.) was enlarged since 1953 and conducted till 10 m. deep over the area of 39 sq.m. From 1955 the third excavated area (65 sq.m.) and excavations continued till 16.75 m deep at first, then 21.6-22.2 meters.
The second layer of the monument represents the Kur-Araz period and is found 3,4-4,5--12,4-13 m deep from its surface. The layer is especially rich in artefacts with its thickness 8,5-9 m. The cultural layer comprises stones from the river-bed of different measures, adobe wreckages, osteological remains, obsidian, flint debris, coal, ash and earth layers.
;)
The monument’s stratigraphy indicates that the Kur-Araz culture settlement is based on the Chalcolithic level. According to O.H. Habibullayev the Kur-Araz and the Chalcolithic levels are separated by a sterile layer 30-40 cm thickness.
In Kül tepe I there have been identified 40 construction remains in 14 building phases of the Kur-Araz culture comprising social and economic complexes. Houses that are chiefly found in lower layers are round in plan. Houses of upper layers are mainly rectangular. Some round houses have a rectangular broadening. As building materials stones from the river-bed, adobe and pise were used.
Houses found in Kül tepe I find their parallels in most monuments of Middle East and Transcaucasia. In Azerbaijan houses built of adobe or pise on stone base are marked at the Karakepek tepe, Guneshtepe, Geytepe, Yanigtepe, Kül tepe II ancient settlements. Such type of houses is known from Shengavit, Kosi-Koter, Arevic and other sites.
;)
The second Kül tepe II site is situated at a distance of 12 km to the north of the town of Nahchivan, between the villages Yukhary Uzunoba and Didivar of Babek district at the intersection of the Nahchivan and Jahry rivers. The total thickness of cultural layers of the site is more than 14 m. The second excavated area of 200 sq.m. has produced significant results. Thus, the Kur-Araz level has been identified 4-4.5-14 m deep from the monument’s surface. The level’s thickness is 9.5-10 metres.
The cultural layer is represented by pise, adobe wall, osteological and coal remains, also ash and burnt earth layers. It produced obsidian and flint wreckages, clay vessel debris, stone, bone and metal objects. Though some house-walls seem to be built using pise, their careful study showed that all construction types are of adobe.
The Early Bronze Age level of Kül tepe II was defined to contain 14 building phases and 29 construction remains. The Chalcolithic level was not found there. Despite the fact the influence of the Chalcholithic culture is evident from the shape of clay vessels revealed in XIV-XII contraction layers, some clay objects taken from the level contain a mixture that is characteristic of Chalcolithic pottery. Unfortunately, most of the vessels were found in shapeless wreckages.
Remains of a defensive wall were exposed at 5.2-4.4 m deep in the I building phase of Kül tepe II belonging to this period. The foundation of the wall was built of large river-stones while its upper part was constructed of adobe measuring 40x40x10 cm.
;)
Lower construction layers of the site are characterized by houses with a circular plan and the upper layers by round-shaped and square houses with a rectangular projection. Constructions of lower layers are mainly of pise. Starting in the VIII building phase houses were built using adobe.
The Ovchular tepe settlement is situated to the north of the Dize village of Sharur district, on the left bank of Arpachay (the Arpa river). The total area of the mound site is 10 ha. The peculiarity of the monument is that although the Kur-Araz level was founded on the previous Chalcolithic level, it wasnot covered with cultural layers of succeeding periods. The settlement is located on natural hill which lies from east to west. The surface of the monument is rich with artefacts, notably clay vessel debris. Amongst over ground finds there are clay object wreckages that are typical of the final phase of the Chalcolithic Age.
When constructing a teletower on that hill the cultural layer was destroyed. In the north of the hill we conducted excavations over the area of 6.25 x 2 m. Archaeological excavations (3 x 3 m) were also undertaken by N.Aliyev in the central part of the monument that produced archaeological data of the Chalcolithic and the Early Bronze Ages. These finds caused the appearance of new scientific views on the arising and formation of the Kur-Araz culture.
;)
The Makhta I (Makhta Kultepe) mound site is situated in the western end of the Makhta village of Sharur district, at a distance of 2 km to the left of the Araz river, on a non-natural hill 1.5-2 m high. The total area of the settlement is 3 ha.
In 1986 we conducted excavations over the area of 3 x 3 m. that revealed archaeological materials belonging to the Early Bronze Age. In 1988-1989 years V.H.Aliyev and S.H.Ashurov undertook large-scale archaeological excavations in an area of 100 m<sup>2. and revealed construction remains of adobe on stone foundation, clay vessel debris and parts of a fireplace. The excavations have shown that the Kur Araz culture level is of 4.6 m thickness there.
The Makhta II settlement is located between the Makhta and Kurdkend villages, at a distance of 1.5 km from the Makhta I site. The monument covers the area that is between railway line in the east-west and the Akhna river in the north. The total area is 3 ha. Overground finds have shown that life continued their in all phases of the Bronze Age.
The Khalaj mound site is situated near a village of the same name, on the right bank of the Arpachay. The area of its intact part is 0.5 ha. Overground materials of the Early Bronze Age that we uncovered (1982-1983 years) are represented by grey and rose clay vessel wreckages, labour implements. They also comprise the pottery that is characteristic of the Chalcholithic Age. The monument as well as Ovchular tepe displays the formation stage of the Late Chalcholithic and the Kur-Araz cultures. Red-orange-coloured wares that are typical of the Chalcolithic Age were also collected from the surface of the monument. The Shortepe settlement is situated at the village of Ibadulla, on the left bank of the Araz river with the total area 1.5 ha. The mound site was accidentally destructed during building an irrigation canal in 1934 and excavated by A.K.Alekperov in 1936. The lower (I) layer of the monument reflects the Early Bronze, the Middle (II) layer the Middle Bronze and the III layer the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages. The Kur-Araz culture level is 1.5-3 m deep from the top of the monument. It produced clay vessel wreckages, different labour implements and a bull-head-shaped fire-place. The research work that we undertook in 1985 resulted in the finding clay object debris belonging to different stages of the Bronze Age on the monument’s surface. The finds were given to the Sharur district Museum of History and Economy.
The Shahtakhty-Govurgala mound site is situated at a village of the same name in Sharur district. According to information given by A.K.Alekperov there have been collected ceramic figurines reflecting different phases of the Bronze Age, including the Early Bronze Age.
;)
The Arabyengije site is situated near a village of the same name of Sharur district at the intersection of the Araz and Arpachay rivers. The area of its intact part is 0.8 ha. Archaeological research that we carried out in 1984 has revealed a grain-grater pestle, clay vessel debris. The collected ware mainly represents the middle and last phases of the Kur-Araz culture.
The Ashaghy Dasharkh settlement is situated in Sharur district on the right bank of the Aladdin river, in the centre of a village of the same name. By preliminary reckoning, the cultural layer of the monument is of 8-9 m thickness. The research work of Nahchivan archaeological expedition carried out over the surface of the monument has produced ceramic figurines of different shape, stone labour implements and a bronze pin belonging to the Early Bronze Age.
The Sederek mound site is situated on the left bank of the Araz river, to the south from the town of Sederek. The monument is completely destroyed in connection with agricultural work. Collected archaeological finds show that the Sederek site is related to the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages.
Monuments that are exclusively close to ones in Nahchivan are those in the Urmiya basin. Geytepe and Yanigtepe present a special significance amongst them. Archaeological materials found in these monuments display different phases of the Kur-Araz culture. In this regard archaeological data from Geytepe reflect the early phase of the Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages, those from Yanigtepe show later phases of the Kur-Araz culture. To our mind, from the point of view of their strtigraphy these monuments complement one another. Therefore, the chronology of Nahchivan monuments should be revealed together with Urmiya basin monuments.
;)
As is seen from the above-mentioned, the Kur-Araz culture monuments of Nahchivan are mainly situated in plains, on river banks as a certain group. Some of the monuments were founded on previous Chalcolithic settlements, others on new areas. Multi-period monuments are mostly found in the Nahchivan and Arpachay river basins.
Research shows that in contradiction to the Chalcolithic Age when small area sites existed in the Early Bronze Age settlements were enlarged covering an area from 0.5-1.5 ha. to 6-10 ha, sometimes to 12 ha. This was the case in all Kur-Araz culture monuments of the Northern Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Front Asia. The Nahchivan monuments cover the following areas: Kül tepe I — 1.5 ha., Kül tepe II — 3 ha., Shahtakhty Govurgala — 2 ha., Ovchular tepe — about 10 ha., Khalaj — 0.5 ha., Arabyengije — 0.8 ha., Makhta I and II — 3 ha. each, Shortepe — 1.5 ha.
There is a certain similarity between the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age levels of Kül tepe I. But archaeological research does not allow us to say that the latter is the continuation of the initial.
Recent study of Ovchular tepe, Khalaj, Damlama, Sederek in Nahchivan, Leylatepe, Shomulutepe, Abdulaziztepe, Chinartepe, Gara Hajy, Alikemektepe, Misharchay II-IV, Kechily, Rus tepe and other monuments in Azerbaijan shows that the mentioned ones somehow served a basis for transition from the Chalcolithic to the Early Bronze Age.
They are represented by two tomb monuments uncovered during agricultural work near the Dize village of Sharur district in 1969 and the one completely destructed in 1985. The two monuments were found to the north of the Ovchular tepe site. It turned possible to investigate only remains of one tomb, since a part of the tomb chamber was found intact. Its walls were built of stones from the river-bed using restorative liquid. The clayed tomb chamber has an oval, arch shaped coverage. Remains of sceletons allow us to conclude that the tomb contained two bended skeletons. Their heads have a south orientation. Grave goods are composed of different clay figurines, that are characteristic of the middle phase of Kur-Araz culture.
As the second tomb is completely destroyed, it was impossible to define its shape and orientation. Among the tomb goods only a clay vessel with semi-spherical handle was uncovered.
3. Some Features of the Early Bronze Age Pottery
By certain peculiarities we divided the Early Bronze Age wear of Nahchivan into 4 phases. Clay objects reflecting the first formation stage were revealed in Ovchular tepe, Khalaj, Damlama. The vessels mostly remind the Chalcolithic pottery. They are mainly fired in red, red-orange containing a mixture of plant remains and sand within the clay composition.
;)
Bowl, earring, pot, jar shaped or cylindrical vase, pot-shaped clay figurines, lids, wheel types, fire-places, hearths belonging to the second — the initial beginning stage are mainly found in the lower layers of Kül tepe II and from Ovchular tepe, partly in Kül tepe I. 58,5 % of the clay figurines from Kül tepe II were made of grey, 32,5 % rose, 9 % black and other colours, while from Kül tepe I 59,5 % in grey, 34,5 % in rose, 6 % in black. The characteristic feature of the stage is that the upper brims of vessels have a square, sometimes triangle projection, more straight walls, patterns with comb-shaped instrument, semispherical, long-shaped handles. The ones revealed in Kül tepe II have rail-shaped upper brims and even surface.
Most of the Early Bronze Age monuments in Nahchivan have produced data belonging to the third — middle development stage of the Kur-Araz culture.
In this phase rail-shaped vessel brims typical of the previous stage become to be replaced by classic semi-spherical handles. To the end of the period there appear rose and brown-surfaced clay objects. Grey, black and rose vessels are found more often. Pottery of this phase uncovered at Kül tepe I is 41,5 % of grey, 39.64 % of black, 18.85 % of other colours. But black vessels found in painted wares of the phase at Kül tepe II make up no more than 10-15 %. About 60-65 % of them are in grey and rose.
Clay figurines reflecting the 4th — last development and prosperity stage of this culture were collected in Kül tepe I and II, Makhta I and II, Ashaghy Dasharkh, as well as Garakepek tepe, Babadervish (upper layers), Gobustan in Azerbaijan, Geytepe, Yanigtepe in the lake Urmiya basin and other monuments.
Ceramic figurines of this period are well-fired, containing clay mixed with fine and coarse sand. Vessels are grey, black and rose-coloured. According to O.H. Habiubullayev, black pottery makes up the majority in this stage. Thus, 15 % of the ceramics is in rose, 65 % in black, 20 % in other colours. The Makhta I finds also indicate that black-painted pottery predominated there. However, present facts show that despite a distance of 4-5 km between Kül tepe I and II their pottery displaying the same phase, sharply differ in colour. 49.7 % of the Kül tepe II ceramics belonging to this stage is of grey, 14.2 % of black, 4.1 % of red, 21.9 % of rose (brown) colour.
The Kur-Araz pottery of Nahchivan contains samples of painted wares as well. We may say that from the Chalcolithic Age onwards the surface of vessels were designed in raddle. Painted pottery vessels from upper layers of the Early Bronze Age level at Kül tepe II wholly resemble the ones revealed at beginning level of the Middle Bronze Age. Decoration styles (stucco moulding, sketched, impressed, carving) founded in the Chalcolithic Age developed in the Early Bronze Age and improved in the Middle Bronze Age show the genetic connection of cultures in pottery making.
4. The Chronology of the Early Bronze Age Monuments
In the IV millennium b.c. the ancient tribes that lived in the territory of Azerbaijan approaching the early stage of the Bronze Age turned out to be one of the creators of the Kur-Araz culture.
In Azerbaijan in the Late Chalcolithic Age monuments such as Leylatepe, Shomutepe, Ovchular tepe, Khalaj belonging to the Leylatepe culture, in Georgia like Siony, in Armenia like Tekhut there were exposed clay figurines similar to the Kur-Araz pottery. The main feature of this ware is the existence of rough-made vessels with thick sides, mixture of shallow stone within clay composition, uneven, light-coloured, grey-rose-surfaced, mainly with spots.
The vessels still bear certain peculiarities of the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages, what enables us to say that Ovchular tepe, Khalaj and other Late Chalcolithic monuments somehow played the role of basis in formation of the Kur-Araz culture and displayed the transitional phase from the Chalcolithic to the Early Bronze Age. In these monuments one can also trace the early formation process of semi-spherical handles.
After excavations, conducted in the Ginchi settlement of Daghestan M.H.Hajiyev made a conclusion that the Kur-Araz culture had developed on the basis of the Chalcolithic culture. In his views, the territory of Daghestan is among the initial areas of this culture spreading.
There exist a number of contradictory views about the origins and the first hearth of appearance of the Kur-Araz culture. According to B.A.Cuftin, this culture arose between the rivers of Kura and Araz, O.M.Japaridze in southern and central Transcaucasia, E.V.Khanzadyan, G.E.Areshyan in mountainous region of Armenia, G.S.Ismailov in Azerbaijan, O.H. Habibullayev in southern regions of Transcaucasia, at the same time in Nahchivan, A.G.Seyidov in the territory of Nahchivan-Urmiya and eastern Anatolia.
Ts.Barney regarded the region of eastern Anatolia (Elyazig-Malatya) and the middle flow of the Araz river, T.Barton-Brown the territory of Azerbaijan and Eastern Georgia as the arising centre of this culture. Based on the stratigraphy of the Kül tepe site, A.A.Iyessen came to the conclusion that Nahchivan and southern Azerbaijan, later Mughan and south eastern regions of the Minor Caucasus were the initial hearth of this culture.
Proceeding from the above-mentioned, K.Kh.Cushnaryova considered flat and mountainous regions of the southern Caucasus, the territory of north-western Iran (Southern Azerbaijan - author) and eastern Anatolia to be among the first spreading places of the Kur-Araz culture, as there have been revealed:
1. the Late Chalcolithic monuments connected with the Caucasian Chalcolithic Age;
2. monuments like Siony belonging to the early phase of the Kur-Araz culture and preserving peculiarities of the Late Chalcolithic Age;
3. as a whole, a majority of the Kur-Araz culture monuments.
To our mind, one more type can be added;
4. In none of monuments of the northern Caucasus and Transcaucasia the cultural layer was accumulated so much as in Azerbaijan (in Kül tepe I - 22.2 m, including the Early Bronze Age — 9.5 m, in Kül tepe II — 14 m, including the Early Bronze Age 10 m, Eastern Anatolia in Caraz - min. 16 m, including the Early Bronze Age - 9 m, in Karakepektepe - 7 m, in Yanigtepe - 8 m, in Geytepe - 6 m).
We can say with all responsibility that only a long-duration settled life of aboriginals might result in the appearance of such multi-period monuments. As O.H. Habibullayev noted, the Early Bronze level of Kül tepe I with thickness 9.5 m and level "?" of Kvatskheleby (Georgia) with thickness 80 cm are not to be regarded as contemporary. It wouldn't be out of place to stress that the thickness of Kur-Araz culture monuments' cultural layers in Daghestan is no more than 1.5-2 m.
On the evidence of the above-mentioned facts and for lack of cultural layer accumulation as much as in our monuments over the area of the Kur-Araz culture spreading, we again infer that agricultural-cattle-breeding tribes that inhabited the territory of Azerbaijan and had a settled way of life were the creators of the Kur-Araz culture and this culture gradually extended into the neighbouring areas. As the initial arising hearth here also belong the Urmiya basin and Eastern Anatolia. In order to strengthen the views it is important to consider the Kur-Araz culture chronology.
The area of the Kur-Araz culture spreading and its chronology were widely regarded in thesises of archaeologists in the Caucasian studies. K.Kh.Cushnaryova and T.N.Chubinishvili divided the Kur-Araz culture into three phases and dated the 1st phase to 3000-2700 years b.c., the 2nd one to 2700-2300 years b.c., the 3rd one to 2300-2000 years b.c. In his turn E.V.Khanzadyan also dated it from the 3rd millennium b.c.
O.M.Japaridze limited the early phase of the Kur-Araz culture to the middle and end of the 4th millennium b.c., the last phase to the middle of the 3rd millennium b.c., D.L.Coridze to the first half of the 3rd millennium b.c.
M.H.Hajiyev singled out three stages of Daghestan's contemporary monuments. According to him, the first and second stages belong to the beginning and middle of the Early Bronze Age. Mainly, undecorated, grey and reddish, burnished vessels he dates to the 1st stage — the last quarter of the IV millennium b.c., crudely moulded vessels with thick sides, concentric round stucco moulding to the second stage - the middle of the III millennium b.c., the 3rd stage, characterised by rectangular constructions and including big catacomb tombs in Velikend, to the last quarter of the III and the beginning of the II millennium b.c.
On the basis of the 14C dating, G.L.Kavtaradze dates the initial phase of the Kur-Araz culture from the beginning of the IV millennium b.c.
On the grounds of recent surveys, K.Kh.Kushnaryova defines 4 phases of the Kur-Araz culture. In her opinion, the 1st phase belongs to 3500-3200 years b.c., the 2nd one to 3200-2900 years b.c., the 3rd one to 2900-2600 years b.c., the 4th one to 2600-2300 years b.c.
G.S.Ismailov confined this culture to the III millennium b.c. later to the end of IV and the III millennium b.c. entirely. He divided the Kur-Araz culture into 3 phases and accordingly dated the 1st phase from 3200-2800 years b.c., the 2nd one from 2800-2600 years b.c., the 3rd one from 2600-2300 years b.c. Having dated the first phase of this culture to the end of the IV millennium b.c., the archaeologist didn't exclude the possibility of existing the earlier phase. This view point is somewhat connected with the appearance of the Kur-Araz culture as a developed one.
Recently, archaeologists in the Caucasian studies are inclined to date the Kur-Araz culture between the mid-4th and the mid-3rd millennia b.c.
A study of the monuments situated in Nahchivan produces new evidence for dating this culture. The facts show that the Kur-Araz culture had more ancient roots in this area. This opinion was once suggested by O.H. Habibullayev. Research of the late years, notably the finding the Kur-Araz culture pottery together with the Chalcholithic one (the pottery of the Late Chalcolithic or the Early Bronze Age’s formation phase) in low layers of Kül tepe II allow us to characterise the 1st phase of this culture, which is wholly reflected at Kül tepe II.
As stated above, some finds belonging to the 1st phase, especially clay figurines find there closest parallels in Late Chalcholithic monuments. The old age of the phase is also attested by the archaic shape of exposed metal objects. Thus, the analogues of a bronze tool found in Kül tepe I and a knife revealed in lower layers of Kül tepe II are still without parallel in the southern Caucasian monuments.
As it is known, between the Chalcholithic and Early Bronze Age levels of Kül tepe I there was revealed a sterile layer (30-40 cm thickness) containing no material remains. The archaeologist divides the Kur-Araz level of the monument into three phases and states that the initial phase of the Early Bronze Age is not found there. A coal analysis taken from the XII construction level of this monument (8.5 m deep) gave a date 2920 ± 90 year b.c. Below this level in a cultural layer 4 m thickness there was defined the presence of two more construction levels. If to regard each construction level as 80-100 years old, then it is possible to state the beginning of the middle (second) phase from 3150 year b.c.
We share O.H. Habibullayev's view. This monument lacks not only the initial phase of the Early Bronze Age but also the last phase of the Chalcholithic Age. The sterile layer accumulated 30-40 cm during several centuries, proves it. Kül tepe I displays material belonging only to the last quarter of the Early Bronze Age initial phase (cylindrical vessels with flat bottom, even sides, etc.). But pottery, uncovered in the lowest layers of Kül tepe II differs by clay composition (with straw tempering, light-coloured, decoration with a comb-shaped instrument). Kül tepe II reflects the first phase of the Kur-Araz culture. Although there were not found adobes in the Chalcholithic level of Kül tepe I, starting in the Early Bronze Age, houses were constructed using adobes on stone foundation. But in Kül tepe II the use of adobes begins from the VIII layer (11.4 m deep). So, the layer 12.4 m deep of Kül tepe I is contemporary with that 11.4 m deep of Kül tepe II that is apparent from archaeological materials too. At Kül tepe II below this level 6 more construction layers (IX-XIV) 2.6 m thickness built with stones from the river-bed and pise are associated with the initial phase of the Early Bronze Age. If we consider each construction layer existing 80-100 years, then the 1st — beginning phase of the Early Bronze Age can be dated from 3600-3500 years b.c. Therefore it is expedient to date lower layers of Kül tepe I to the last quarter of the IV millennium b.c.
So as is seen, the initial phase of the Early Bronze Age covers 3600-3150 years b.c. A coal analysis from Kül tepe I has a great importance for dating the middle phase. Thus, construction remains of Kül tepe I associated with the middle stage are situated below the level defined by the coal analysis as 2920±90 year b.c. So the middle phase of the Kur-Araz culture can be dated to 3150-2700 years b.c. In our views, it is possible to date the beginning of this phase even from 3200 year b.c.
Two construction levels were identified in the cultural layer of 3 m thickness belonging to the last phase in Kül tepe I and six ones in Kül tepe II. We must note that the pottery of this phase is similar to materials from the Urmiya, Guruchay and Kendelenchay river basins. It would not be out of place to stress that the coal analysis taken from K3 layer in Geytepe gave a date 2574±146 year b.c. Some samples of clay figurines find their parallels in Amiranisgora, Kvatskheleby, Khizanaantgora and Shengavit. From this point of view, bowls uncovered in the upper layers of Kül tepe II and materials of Aragachyn stone cist graves are analogous. Such a likeness is traced in Shengavit as well.
On the basis of research, we dated the last phase of the Kur-Araz culture to 2700-2400 years b.c. It is to be considered that in a group of Azerbaijan monuments the Kur-Araz level is limited to the Chalcolithic one from below and the Middle Bronze one from above. Undoubtedly, the fact points at the connection of the Kur-Araz culture dating with the Chalcolithic and the Middle Bronze Age culture. Archaeologists in the Caucasian studies are inclined to date the 1st phase of the Middle Bronze Age culture to the middle and second half of the III millennium b.c.
To our mind, before the initial, middle and last phases the Kur-Araz culture had had a formation phase as well that lasted min 400-500 years. Because, though Kül tepe II contained artifacts of the initial phase, this pottery is wholly connected with the Kur-Araz culture. The ware of Late Chalcolithic monuments like Ovchular tepe, Khalaj bear peculiarities both of the Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Ages. Consequently, there can not be the slightest doubt that the formation phase of this culture existed and it began in the beginning of the IV millennium b.c. The Chalcolithic level of Kül tepe I does not reflect this phase too. Evidently, a sterile layer of 30-40 cm thickness covered about a thousand year, that is counted from the last quarter of the V millennium b.c. It is also apparent from construction remains of the Chalcolithic level at Kül tepe I. Thus, in upper layers of the Chalcolithic Age level of such monuments as Toyretepe, Shomutepe there were revealed constructions with adobes, while this was not the case in Kül tepe I. The fact shows that during adobe-making period, life was interrupted in Kül tepe I (perhaps, it covered only a small area, where excavations were conducted), and in about a thousand year it again continued there and resulted in the appearance of a sterile layer 30-40 cm thickness.
On the basis of archaeological data, analysis and stratigraphy of monuments in Azerbaijan, notably Kül tepe I and II, Makhta I, Ovchular tepe, Khalaj, Sederek, Damlama and others in Nahchivan, we come to a scientific conclusion that the Early Bronze Age in this area passed through 4 phases:
1st phase (formation phase) - from 4000-3900 years b.c. until 3600 year b.c. (Ovchular tepe, Khalaj, Damlama, Sederek, etc.);
2nd phase (initial phase) - 3600-3150 years b.c. (Kül tepe II, Ovchular tepe);
3rd phase (middle development phase) - 3150-2700 years b.c. (Kül tepe I and II, Makhta I and II, Shortepe, etc.);
4th phase (last development, prosperity and transitional phase) - 2700-2400 years b.c. (Kül tepe I and II, Makhta I, Arabyengije, Ashaghy Dasharkh, etc.).
It wouldn't be out of place to consider coal analysis taken from Kül tepe I and II. The coal analysis from the Chalcolithic level in Kül tepe I (at 18.2 m deep), according to the 14C dating gave a date 3807±90 year, and the one found in Kül tepe II (at 11.6 m deep) showed 7110±100=5160 year b.c. (the analysis was held on March 6, 1987, in the scientific laboratory of the Leningrad Archaeological Institute by Y.I.Markov. The established date was confirmed in 1988). As we see, there is a great uncoordinated difference between the datings. It seems to us that the above-mentioned got into these layers from without. The question being vexed enough and for lack of other archaeological evidence, we leave the issue open.
;)
The new chronology of the Early Bronze Age monuments in Nahchivan requires the reconsideration of the Chalcolithic Age chronology of the region.Thus, during his first excavations at Kül tepe II O.H. Habibullayev considering certain differences among archaeological materials divided them into 1"a" (19-21 m deep) and 1"b" (12.8-19 m deep). But later, he changed his mind. To our mind, as there were not found Neolithic monuments in Transcaucasia until that time, O.H. Habibullayev could not date the lowest level of Kül tepe I deep 19-22.2 m to that period. As the archaeologist notes, data of 1"a" level differ from those of 1"b". It is mainly due to archaic shape - making technique, clay composition, uneven surface and other features of vessels.
Archaeologists stress that the appearance of Neolithic settlements in mountainous areas and at foothills was directly connected with the extremely intensive process of siting hunter and collector tribes. Both the Kül tepe I and II monuments in Nahchivan were founded at foothills at a distance of 8-10 km from mountainous area. A bowl-shaped vessel uncovered in the Neolithic "C" level of the Chokh site (Daghestan) in the Northern Caucasus dated to the 1st half of VI millennium b.c. is the same with that found in 1"a" level of Kül tepe I. The level also produced a number of tools made of obsidian and flint. At the same time, vessels revealed in the Chalcolithic level of Kül tepe I are more ancient by archaic shape than those found in Samele-Klde and Samertskhle-Klde (Georgia) caves associated with the end of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Chalcolithic Age.
Comparatively, we may say that the 1 "a" level of Kül tepe I belong to the end of the Neolithic and the 1 "b" level to the Chalcolithic Age. That is, in the Neolithic Age life continued from the middle until the last quarter of the VI millennium b.c., but in the Chalcolithic Age from the end of the VI millennium b.c. until the end of the V millennium b.c. and then, it was interrupted for approximately a thousand year.
Up to now, in the Caucasus archaeologists revealed 2 sites with construction and hearth remains that belong to the Neolithic Age (the end of VII — the end of VI millennium b.c.). For some reason, they don't mention Kül tepe I that is situated in the territory of Azerbaijan, although, at Kül tepe I there were found four fire-places at 22, 21.8, 21.2 and 19.8 m deep, a pise wall remains with rectangular construction at 21.4 m deep and inside the house an oval hearth of stones from the river-bed and restorative clay liquid. Around the hearth there were uncovered red-coloured, crudely made vessel remains with crooked sides. Consequently, life in Kül tepe I began in the middle of the VI millennium b.c. and lasted until the beginning of the I millennium b.c. (from the end of the Neolithic Age until the Early Iron Age, excluding a thousand year).
;)
According to a group of archaeologists, anthropological (somatological) and paleoanthropological data, reflecting the genesis of Chalcolithic culture tribes are still not studied. To their mind, the Kur-Araz culture tribes belonged to the Mediterranean Sea type of the Europeoid race. Skulls found in Amiranisgora, Kiketi, Shengavit and other monuments by morphological relations are very similar and by certain features close to those revealed in Tepe-Hissar II-III, Al-Ubeyd, or Kish.
However, we have paleoanthropological evidence from the Mesolithic Age till now. It should be stressed that the ethnic belonging of archaeologists or their liking for one or another nation prevented the objective shedding light on some points.
Professor V.V. Bunac giving anthropological classification of nations inhabiting the Caucasus named azerbaijani turks that densely populated the Caspian sea areas and differed by distinguishing features the "caspi" type that covered the south-east branch of the Europeoid race. The same features were referred to Southern Azerbaijan population as well.
The first remains of Homo Sapiens in Azerbaijan are human bones found at foothills of Kichikdash mountain in Gobustan that belonged to Mesolithic (Middle Stone) Age. On the basis of visual observations and sizes of two skulls Gobustan's population lived in the Mesolithic Age are considered to belong to the Europeoid race. Other Caucasian monuments did not produce any paleoanthropological remains of this period.
In scholars' views, the "caspi" type as a variant of the Europeoid race south branch, that forms the basis of Azerbaijani people, were widely spread in Transcaucasia and the Northern Caucasus even in the Chalcolithic Age (R.B.Gasumova).
There is no evidence that peoples belonging to this type are newcomers in Transcaucasia. The Kur-Araz culture covering a large area was single. Creators of this culture compose the "caspi" type both by archaeological and anthropological data.
On the basis of historical-archaeological-anthropological surveys we stated the Urmiya-Nahchivan region as the first arising centre of the Kur-Araz culture. Undoubtedly, the above-mentioned tribes played a great role in formation of this culture. We think it wrong that only prototurkic tribes were the creators of the Kur-Araz culture over the whole area of its spreading. For the present the issue is left open. But population of Urmiya, Nahchivan, Eastern Anatolia, Western Azerbaijan (modern Armenia), Gyanja-Gazakh, the Mil steppe zone that are regarded as the initial hearth of this culture mainly consisted of the “caspi” type that present the anthropological type of azerbaijani turks.
