The department of archaeology of the Islamic period was established in connection with the structural changes carried out in the ANAS Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology as it was in accordance with the requirements. In accordance with the structural change, according to the decision of the ANAS Presidium No. 13\3,13\4,13\5,13\6 and 13\7 dated April 23, 2024, the Scientific Center of Albanian Studies of the Institute (the archaeological collection of the material and cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania the research sector and the research sector of the architectural monuments and spiritual heritage of Caucasian Albania) were abolished and based on it the “Ancient period and Albanian archaeology” department, the “Archaeology of the Early Middle Ages” department; “Archaeology of the Islamic Period” department was established on the basis of the Medieval period department. The main purpose of the creation of the department is the study of monuments (residences, architectural monuments) of the Islamic era of Azerbaijan.
The Department of “Archaeology of the Islamic Era” conducts research on the monuments of the Islamic era (residences, defensive buildings, tombs, khanaghahs, necropolises, etc.)
Based on the archaeological artefacts discovered during the research, architectural features of Azerbaijan’s Islamic era culture, crafts and economic life, economic-political and cultural relations, building remains, etc. research is the main topic of the department.
Conducting archaeological researches in various settlements, camera processing of numerous artefacts obtained from excavations, passporting, writing reports, writing and publishing scientific works, theses and articles according to the profile of the department are the main tasks facing the department employees. During the archaeological excavations, the investigation of the architectural features of the monument, religious beliefs, as well as many fields of craftsmanship are among the main problems faced by the department employees.
One of the important tasks facing the department of archaeology of the Islamic era of Azerbaijan is to strengthen contacts with the relevant scientific institutions of the brotherhood Turkish republics, to participate in joint research, and to follow the historical development of intercultural relations. Which is a very relevant direction in terms of the comprehensive investigation of common Turkish and Islamic values.
According to the thematic plan of the “Islamic period archaeology” department, the archaeological research works carried out in Agsu-Ismayilli, Gabala, Shamakhi, etc. is the continuation of the research conducted in the regions in a new aspect. Based on the findings in the residential areas to be researched, statehood traditions of the Islamic era, crafts, religious beliefs and beliefs of the population, and economic-political relations are among the main problems ahead.
The head of the newly created department is professor Gafar Jabiyev, doctor of historical sciences, who is one of the initiators of the department’s establishment.
Employees of the “Archaeology of the Islamic Period” department:
- Gafar Jafar oglu Jabiyev – head of the department, doctor of historical sciences, professor
- Kübra Mukhtar gizi Aliyeva – senior researcher, doctor of art studies, professor
- Tohfa Talish gizi Huseynova – leading researcher, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor
- Alibaba Huseyngulu oglu Babayev – leading researcher, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor