The Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) continues holding specialist lectures for doctoral students and dissertation candidates conducted by the institute’s scientific staff. Since January of this year, lessons have commenced according to the schedule set by the institute’s education department.

On January 10 and January 17, 2025, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Asadulla Jafarov, delivered lectures on the topics “Stone Age Campsites of Azerbaijan” and “Archaeological Cultures of Karabakh.” During the lecture, Professor Jafarov provided extensive information about archaeological excavations carried out at Azerbaijan’s Stone Age campsites, as well as the scientific research projects he conducted in France in collaboration with European scientists in 2001 and 2003. He also presented a list of literature, including his own works and those of other scholars who have studied that period, to doctoral students and dissertation candidates. Additionally, Professor Jafarov answered numerous questions from the participants.

On January 31, 2025, Associate Professor Azad Zeynalov, PhD in History, gave a lecture on “Problems of the Upper Paleolithic in Azerbaijan.” He provided comprehensive information about the archaeological research conducted at the Gazma Cave, the only monument from the ancient Stone Age discovered in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Dr. Zeynalov discussed the technical and typological features of the stone artifacts unearthed during the excavations. Furthermore, he displayed several examples of labor tools and decorative items found in the Paleolithic caves of Azykh, Gazma, and others. Future researchers attentively followed his presentation and received answers to their questions.

On February 7, 2025, Associate Professor Shamil Najafov, PhD in History, delivered a lecture on “The Bronze-Early Iron Age Monuments of the Ganja-Gazakh Region.” Dr. Najafov provided extensive information about the history of research on these monuments, discussing his archaeological investigations in the region, including settlements and burial monuments. He spoke about material-cultural artifacts found in the area, such as clay seals and ceramic vessels. Following his lecture, he presented an electronic display of these artifacts. He also answered questions from young researchers and elaborated on various issues related to the topic.

On February 14, 2025, Associate Professor İdris Aliyev, PhD in History, conducted a lecture on “Archaeological Monuments of Absheron” for doctoral students and dissertation candidates. The lecture, which was met with great interest by the audience, covered the history of research on Absheron’s archaeological sites. Dr. Aliyev provided detailed information on the residential areas, temples, and burial mounds discovered in the region, as well as the architectural features of these structures. He also spoke about the burial monuments studied near the Gürgan Lighthouse on the Absheron Peninsula, including stone cist graves, decorative items, and daggers dating back to the Bronze Age. After his highly engaging presentation, Dr. Aliyev answered questions from young scholars.